New Zealand · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Fiords, harbours and a coastline that keeps folding back on itself. The 15 below run from a ninety-minute lake cruise to a full day out of Manapouri, each priced and clear about how much of it you spend on deck.
Walk through Waitomo’s limestone chambers with an English-speaking guide, then board a boat beneath a ceiling of glowworms. The tour includes Cathedral Cave, famous for its acoustics, and guides such as Ace, George, and Big T are known for adding Māori stories, songs, and humor. Cameras and phones must stay outside.
“As always, wonderful guide and always amazing to see the lovely caves and their glow worms.”
Set out from Whale Watch Kaikōura for just over two hours at sea, searching for giant sperm whales with an English-speaking crew. You may also see dusky dolphins, fur seals, albatross, orcas, and other marine life. The catamaran has outdoor viewing decks, air-conditioned seating, wildlife animations, and space for wheelchair users.
“Incredible. We saw 2 different whales and we saw one of them twice as well as a great dolphin show!”
Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 15, with hotel pickup, live commentary, scenic stops, snacks, water, lunch, and a two-hour cruise. Guides such as Andy, Jess, Joe, Danny, and Dean bring local stories and Maori folklore to the long road journey. The drive is winding but avoids the stress of self-driving.
“Excellent small group tour . Felt more intimate Excellent guide Drop off and pick up excellent Guide Dean was excellent”
Cruise Milford takes you across Milford Sound for about 1 hour 45 minutes on a smaller boat capped at half capacity. Expect lounge-style seating, live skipper commentary, tea, coffee, biscuits, and close views of Mitre Peak, waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and possibly penguins. You board at Milford Sound and return to the same point.
“Excellent views of the fjord. Easy check in. Accommodate at least 30 mins prior to boat time to walk from the parking lot to the boat terminals. Otherwise, check in process was smooth.”
Cruise from Kaikoura into whale-rich offshore waters aboard a purpose-built catamaran. Your crew, including captains such as Malena or Fred and an onboard marine biologist, tracks sperm whales and other wildlife while explaining the area’s unusual ocean currents. Allow 3.5 hours, prepare for rough seas, and bring motion sickness medicine.
“We opted for the 07:30 departure which was not too busy so there was plenty of space for everyone to get a good view of everything. We were also lucky with the weather as early mist cleared as we left the marina. About 20 minutes out we came across a pod of pilot whales around 50 metres off and stayed with them for a while. Shortly afterwards we saw a sperm whale spouting and the captain moved us fairly close to the magnificent creature who was kind enough to show a beautiful tail flick as he dived once more. Within half an hour we had a second encounter which was…”
Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown. Enjoy a generous BBQ buffet, lakeside gardens, and a working-farm show with sheep shearing and dogs such as Echo, Mia, or Kim. The 210-minute trip suits families, food lovers, and anyone wanting a slower day between Queenstown adventures.
“Lovely trip and very sociable. The food was fantastic and the sheep shearing and sheepdog show very entertaining.”
Cruise Milford Sound for two hours with Mitre Peak Cruises, the fiord’s smallest operator. Your skipper points out Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Seal Rock, and more while the boat gets close enough for waterfall spray. You can move between indoor and outdoor decks, use free hot drinks, and watch for seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins.
“Was really good, want to go back when it's raining also.”
Race through the Shotover River’s narrow gold-mining canyons on a 25-minute jet boat ride with high-speed turns, rapids, and full 360-degree spins. A skilled driver provides local stories as you pass cliffs and rocky outcrops. Meet in central Queenstown or drive to the river base, with lifejackets and lockers provided.
“It’s an outdoor speed boat navigating rapid and shallow water through river bed and gorge….. you will get wet”
Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a premium Mercedes van with up to 15 people. Local guides such as Chelsea, James, Katy, and Chase share stories along the Milford Road, with stops at Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and the Homer Tunnel. A 1-hour-45-minute cruise, picnic lunch, WiFi, tea, and coffee are included.
“Amazing day visiting Milford sound! We were blessed with a rare sunny day and our guide made extra stops for us to admire the beauty! At the end they also offer for you to fly back via Venice flight if weather permits, DO IT. Absolute highlight of the experience and trip!”
Cruise Akaroa Harbour aboard a roomy catamaran with local skippers such as George or Joe, watching for Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and seabirds. Your fare includes a New Zealand beer, wine, or soft drink plus a family-recipe cookie. Dolphin-spotting dogs, including Albie, help scan the water.
“Excellent harbor cruise! My family (mom, dad, 4mo baby) enjoyed every minute of this experience. We were able to see dolphins, penguins, and seals. Our captain, George, was personable and provided an excellent tour. We’d recommend this to all ages!”
Fly with True South Flights over Lake Wakatipu, the Southern Alps, snowy peaks, valleys, and waterfalls before landing at Milford Sound. Enjoy a roughly 1-hour-45-minute cruise, then return to Queenstown by a different scenic route. Small groups, window seats, commentary, and selected central hotel pickup make this a time-saving choice.
“We had an outstanding experience today. The pick up and drop off was on time, very easy to register, flight was amazing and the cruise was spectacular. Bravo!”
Join Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari at Viaduct Harbour for a 4.5-hour cruise aboard a 65-foot catamaran. Marine research scientists explain the gulf’s wildlife and conservation work while the crew searches for whales, dolphins, seals, blue penguins, and seabirds. Sightings are never promised, but a free return trip is offered if no marine mammals appear.
“I loved this excursion so much! We fortunately did get to spend about 30 minutes where the dolphins swam and played around the boat which was amazing! I felt that they really respected the ecosystem and wildlife, which i appreciated. Overall I really loved it and would do it again with this company for sure. There are just a few things I think they could have done to make the experience better. We went during the busy summer holiday season so it was a full 100 passengers on the boat. To me it felt a bit crowded especially when it rained and everyone tried to huddle inside or under cover.…”
KJet takes you from Queenstown’s Main Town Pier across Lake Wakatipu and up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 kilometers per hour, sharp turns, and 360-degree spins, with heated handrails for cold days. Guides such as Reuben, Charles, Sam, and Jack mix safety advice with local commentary during the one-hour ride.
“Very thrilling and adrenaline fueled activity. It was beautiful weather and we had a blast. Our Driver/Guide Charles was fantastic and very professional.”
Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof coach with a local English-speaking guide, stopping at Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, Monkey Creek, and other scenic points. Then take a two-hour cruise toward the Tasman Sea for waterfalls, cliffs, seals, dolphins, and possible penguins. Guides such as Paulie, Levi, Craig, and Brian are known for lively commentary.
“We had Levi as our driver on the bus. He made the long drive a pleasant experience by sharing his knowledge about the country and other stories. It was noticeable thst he really cares about making the trip special and enjoyable for the passengers! Thank you so much !”
You fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound with a guaranteed window seat, then cruise for two hours past Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Seal Rock, and Stirling Falls. Pilots such as Jared, Andy, and Kirk are known for clear commentary and smooth flights. Bring lunch, as the boat sells no food.
“An excellent day trip which took the pain of a long bus ride to Milford Sound out of the way and provided an incredible experience by plane! would highly recommend!”
Pick a coast, a summit or a cellar door.
