Day Cruises in New Zealand

Board a Milford Sound cruise and ride a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on this Queenstown Super Saver. You'll take each tour on two separate days, soaking up the breathtaking alpine landscapes of the South Island. First, spot marine life as your experienced skipper navigates the serene waters of the UNESCO-listed Fiordland. The next day, enjoy typical New Zealand hospitality at a rural farm with wool spinning, sheep sheering and either morning or afternoon tea.

Explore the volcanic terrain of Rangitoto Island aboard a 4WD tractor-pulled tram on this half-day guided tour. Depart Auckland for Rangitoto on a ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf, and be rewarded with 360-degree views of the water and city skyline after a short walk to the island's summit. During your 2-hour off-road adventure, hear commentary about the island's history, geology and rich plant life, including the largest preserved pohutukawa forest in the world.

Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound to Motuara Island and Ship Cove on a 4.5-hour boat tour from Picton. Search for birdlife and marine mammals, such as Hector's dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, as your captain details the region's natural and cultural history. Spend time exploring Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, home to endangered native birds including the South Island saddleback, king shag, little blue penguin and kiwi. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on board, with free time ashore in Ship Cove.

Travel along the spectacular Milford Road on a full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau. Have the chance to see native wildlife like the endangered kea (an alpine parrot), seals, dolphins, and the Fiordland crested penguin. Visit Gunns Camp, take short walks to beautiful sights including the Chasm and Marian Cascade, and take a 2-hour sightseeing cruise on the Milford Sound. Includes entrance fees, boat cruise with live commentary, morning tea, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Take a 75-minute journey across the Hauraki Gulf aboard the Rotoroa Island ferry. Your round-trip ticket allows you to explore the island's arts, history and conservation park, including sandy shoreline, hiking trails and an award-winning museum. Opened to the public in 2011, Rotoroa Island was the longtime home to an addiction treatment center run by the Salvation Army. Visit the heritage buildings and a Rotoroa wildlife sanctuary for endangered New Zealand species. Spend about 6 hours at your leisure before returning to Auckland.

Relax on a romantic 30-minute punt (flat-bottomed boat) ride along the Avon River in Christchurch. Float past willows lining the riverbanks as a punter, dressed in traditional costume, uses a long pole to propel you and your companions across the water while providing informative commentary. You'll row past the city center and Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which you can opt to tour by electric shuttle. Other upgrades include a Christchurch Gondola ride to the Crater Rim and/or a Christchurch Tram hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour of downtown.

See Milford Sound by air and water, flying round-trip from Queenstown for a small-craft boat cruise through the famous fiord. Save time on this half-day tour as you soar over the World Heritage–listed  landscape of Fiordland National Park. Landing at Milford Sound, trade your wings for watercraft and a sightseeing journey with experienced naturalists. You’ll learn about the wildlife and geology of the scenic waterways at one of New Zealand’s top natural wonders. Includes round-trip hotel transfers and a boxed lunch.

Take in the sights of Queen Charlotte Sound and visit Ship Cove on a morning boat tour from Picton. The 3.5-hour journey follows a network of waterways as your captain narrates the highlights of the Marlborough Sounds. During free time while anchored at Ship Cove, see Maori wood carvings and a Captain Cook memorial, and explore the sheltered beach. Be on the lookout for marine life and other natural features of this breathtaking region while you sip complimentary tea and coffee on board.

Secure a limited ticket to Tiritiri Matangi island, a protected sanctuary for rare and endangered bird species of New Zealand. A 75-minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf brings you to the island preserve, where you have the day to stroll the trails and enjoy the coastline after a ranger orientation. Gain a deeper understanding of Tiritiri Matangi's role in preserving birdlife with an optional 1.5-hour guided hike.

Get a narrated tour of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens by electric-powered caterpillar shuttle. The ride makes frequent stops where you can disembark to explore the lovely landscapes and extensive plant collection. Combine your experience with a hop-on hop-off tour aboard the Christchurch Tram, a restored heritage vehicle that travels between 17 stops. Other optional upgrades include a punt cruise on the Avon River, a ride on the Christchurch Gondola, or a combination of all four tours.

Explore the Rotorua lakes district and learn about its history on a 2-hour tour duck boat cruise from Rotorua. Travel on land and by water in the amphibious World War II vehicle, visiting four lakes including Lake Tarawera, located at the foot of Mt Tarawera. Hear about the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera and other aspects of local history on this family-friendly tour.

Ride a catamaran to Paterson Inlet and take a 45-minute guided walk at Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary. Your cruise showcases hidden coves and unspoiled beaches with informative commentary. Keep an eye out for fur seals and penguins, then learn about native birdlife and plants that flourish in the predator-free environment of Ulva Island. This 2.5-hour tour departs Stewart Island in the afternoon, with the option to include a boxed lunch on board. Numbers are limited for a small-group experience.

Slip through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' in New Zealand's Northland during your 3-hour Bay of Islands cruise by high-speed catamaran. Pass rocky outcrops, sandy beaches and an array of islands as you make your way out to the Cape Brett Lighthouse, and Motu Kokako Island. Keep an eye our for Dolphins and other marine and birdlife.