Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours in North Island

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.

Sail the Bay of Islands on a working tall ship aboard the famed "˜R. Tucker Thompson,' built in the tradition of a 100-year-old Northland schooner. Ply the waters of the pristine bay, where you can help hoist the sails, climb the rigging or simply relax on board, then swim while anchored in a sheltered bay in the maritime park. Enjoy morning tea and a barbecue lunch, with an optional complimentary ferry ride from Paihia to Russell, where your vessel departs.

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.

Discover Rotorua on a 1.5-hour duck tour. This sightseeing adventure takes you aboard a World War II amphibious vehicle "” able to travel on land and water. Start with a city tour past Government Gardens, the Blue Baths and more before splashing down into Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Okareka. Enjoy family fun along the way with a provided duck caller, and listen to live commentary about Rotorua's history and local landmarks.

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.

A Kaikoura whale-watching cruise and dolphin swim are the highlights of this delightful 2-day nature tour, round-trip from Christchurch. Your marine experience includes a visit to a New Zealand fur seal colony and suiting up in snorkel gear to swim alongside the amazing dusky dolphins. Stay overnight with 5-star accommodation in this tiny coastal town after a scenic drive by coach through North Canterbury, and stop for complimentary wine tasting on the return journey.

Go sightseeing by amphibious vehicle on a 1-hour Auckland duck tour. Drive along Queen's Wharf past Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter and nearby Silo Park. Then splash into the water at St Mary's Bay for a Waitemata Harbour cruise past the super yachts of Westhaven Marina and float under the Auckland Harbour Bridge. You'll see iconic buildings including the Sky Tower during a fully narrated tour.

Sail Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, and get up close to the Māori Rock Carvings on this 2.5-hour sailing tour. Aboard Fearless, a sleek ketch boat, you'll set sail on the impossibly blue Lake Taupo at the heart of the North Island. Choose to rig and hoist the mainsail with the crew, or sit back and let the views wash over you as you sail to the secluded spot where Māori figures have been etched into the rock face. This sailing trip is limited to just 14 people, ensuring a more intimate experience.

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.

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.

Take a scenic 1.5-hour lunch cruise on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Hop aboard a 50-foot (15-meter) yacht while taking in the iconic sights of Auckland. You'll sail from Viaduct Harbour past the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge as you listen to onboard commentary from the captain and enjoy a boxed picnic lunch including a sandwich, seasonal fruit and dessert.