Find the best boat tours and cruising adventures, sailing trips, saltwater fishing charters, scenic cruises, river cruising, small and large boat trips and ferries throughout New Zealand. Explore New Zealand’s 15,000kms of coastline and its rivers and lakes with scenic boat cruises with friends and family! These are the top sail trips and cruises in New Zealand.
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Cruises, Sailing and Water Tours
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Private Day Charter
The ultimate private yacht adventure in the Bay of Islands on Silverwave luxury ......
5 Day Majestic Milfor...
Discover New Zealand's South Island with our 5-day independent scenic coach tour ......
Tawanui Farm Energy J...
We are a small family owned business that run jet boating, farms tours and accom ......
Waka Ama Adventure (O...
Come and journey with us on a Waka Ama Adventure to explore and connect with our ......
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3 HOUR PRIVATE CHARTER
Queenstown
Excellent for corporate events and team building! Book a private fishing charter for special bonding time or for your ne ...
Silent electric boat hire on the Kerikeri River, Bay of Islands
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Explore the beautiful Kerikeri river on a silent electric boat. No boating experience required!
Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock
Paihia, Northland
Discover the spectacular scenery, captivating wildlife and rich history of this New Zealand paradise on our quintessenti ...
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Te Puia - Rotorua's Geothermal Valley
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
Experience the best of Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Waitomo Glowworm Caves in one incredible day trip from Auckland. ...
Cathedral Cove Boat Tour - Cruise
Whitianga, Coromandel
Cathedral Cove exclusive small group tours. More stops, Close-ups & Inside Small cave experiences, including offshor ...
Lochmara Day Trips
Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough
Cruise to Lochmara, one of Marlborough's most popular destinations, taking in the surrounding beautiful Queen Charlotte ...
Nomad Safaris - Queenstown
Queenstown
Experience New Zealand’s most spectacular quad bike rides, off road 4WD adventures, guided walks for all abilities inc ...
Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli
Queenstown
The ultimate way to experience Milford Sound and Fiordland. Enjoy spectacular aerial views as we fly from Glenorchy to M ...
River Surfing
Queenstown
Conquer grade 3 rapids, standing waves and whirlpools! The high volume Kawarau River bursts with adrenaline, and this ...
Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
A unique opportunity to dine on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour under sail on this 2.5 hour experience.
Cathedral Cove Boat Tour - Thrills
Whitianga, Coromandel
Hang on for a white knuckled adrenaline experience, Cave Cruzer takes your thrills & excitement seriously. Cathedral ...
Double Kayak Hire
Wanaka
Immerse yourself in Lake Wanaka with the freedom to explore at your own pace on a kayak or paddle board. Enjoy the calm ...
Sledge the Kaituna River - Grade 3
Rotorua
Sledge the Grade 3 Kaituna River for an exhilarating Rotorua adventure. Navigate rapids, enjoy stunning native scenery, ...
Seafood Odyssea Cruise
Picton, Marlborough
Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the exclusive afternoon Seafood Odyssea Cruise, departing Picton. ...
Parasailing
Wanaka
Fly high above the beautiful Lake Wanaka with Wanaka Parasailing on either a single, or a tandem flight. This is one ...
Mount Tarawera/Waimangu Volcanic Valley Plus Hotpools
Rotorua
Fly over the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory, Mount Tarawera, and gain an appreciation of ...
The Riverhead Tavern Kayak Tour in Auckland
West Auckland, Auckland
Discover the Riverhead Tavern, a charming spot on the serene Waitemata River, ideal for kayaking and waterfront dining. ...
Dolphin Encounter - Swim with or watch Kaikoura's Dusky Dolphins
Kaikoura, Canterbury
Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to both view and swim with wild dusky dolphins. With a very high succes ...
Vigilant Yacht Charters - Day Sailing Bay of Islands
Russell, Northland
The Bay of Islands is an ideal sailing playground. Step on board our stunning 42ft classic cutter rig yacht to experienc ...
Island Hopper Sailing Cruise
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Join the Barefoot Sailing crew for a magical sailing experience in the Bay of Islands. Specialising in small groups, you ...
Full Day Sail
Abel Tasman
Treat yourself to the only scheduled Full Day sailing tour in New Zealand's coastal paradise - the Abel Tasman National ...
Lakeland Jet Boat
Wanaka
Experience one of NewZealand’s most iconic adventure activities in some of the world greatest scenery. Marvel at the p ...
Half Day Cruise & Island Tour - Cruise, Snorkel, Paddleboard, Hike, Explore!
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Discover the Bay of Islands on a small group tour. Scenic cruise through 144 sub-tropical islands. Stopover on Roberton ...
Floatplane Crater Lakes Flight Plus Hotpools
Rotorua
Enjoy spectacular views of our hidden lakes district, distant volcanoes and local geothermal activity. Landing on the la ...
Tauranga Harbour Cruise
Mount Maunganui, Bay Of Plenty
Join the friendly crew on the iconic 70 year old Kewpie shes been lovingly restored and is Tauranga's original harbour c ...
Sunset Cruise. Fish & Chips optional
Hamilton & Waikato
Sunset Cruise with Option to order Fish n Chips for an additional $15. Bookings essential 3 hours prior to departure oth ...
Parasailing in the Bay of Islands
Bay Of Islands, Northland
New Zealand's highest parasailing at 1300ft over the stunning Bay of Islands. We offer Single, Tandem and Triple fligh ...
Heli Siberia Max
Wanaka
Cruise over the tops of the Southern Alps to land in the remote Siberia Valley and rendezvous with Wilkin River Jets at ...
Super Cruise Combo - The Cream Trip including Hole in the Rock
Paihia, Northland
See it all and do it all on our super cruise combo combining the best of the The Cream Trip and the Hole in the Rock Cru ...
Limestone Express Kayak Tour
Hamilton & Waikato
This boutique guided tour takes you straight into the heart of the famous Limestone Coast for an exciting and intimate e ...
Kepler Track Day Walk - Boat Transfers
Te Anau, Fiordland
Experience the best of Te Anau’s day walks with the Kepler Water Taxi
Wild Hills Off Road Safari
Wanaka
Words fail to describe how utterly spectacular this 4WD adventure through West Wanaka High Country Station is. Wild and ...
Milford Sound Boutique Small Boat Cruise
Milford Sound, Fiordland
Join this award-winning small family owned & operated business for the cruise of a lifetime. Experience Milford Soun ...
Glass Bottom Boat Tours to the Hole in the Rock
Paihia, Northland
Check out the Hole in the Rock and the Fish through the Glass Bottom at Otehei Bay!
Wild Dolphin Encounter
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
Experience the trip of a lifetime on the on the Bay of Plenty's premier dolphin eco-tour. Dolphin Seafaris provide an or ...
Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
Watch dolphins swimming up close as you explore our big blue backyard!
Bay of Islands Day Tour
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
Discover the Bay of Islands on a full-day tour from Auckland. Enjoy a scenic drive, visit Whangarei Waterfalls, and emba ...
Lodge to Lodge Luxury 2 Day Rafting Trip on the Rangitikei River
Whanganui
Looking for a multi-day river trip with a touch of luxury? Explore a beautiful section of the Rangitikei river without c ...
Bay Cruise
Te Anau, Fiordland
Enjoy the million dollar views from Lake Te Anau on our 1 hour Bay Cruise as Peter tells you about the history of this a ...
Albatross Encounter
Kaikoura, Canterbury
Kaikoura is renowned worldwide as a seabird hot spot and is one of the best places in the world to view albatross! Alba ...
Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound, Fiordland
Escape the crowds and experience the beauty of Milford Sound in its true isolation and grandeur on our 2-hour cruise.
Mokai Canyon - 3 day river rafting holiday, family friendly
Whanganui
A 3 day river holiday, suitable for all the family. Tear the children away from the TV and head off for 3-days of rivers ...
Days Out Fishing Charters Bay of Islands
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Our aim is to make your fishing adventure and stay in the bay of islands an experience you will remember.rnWithin 5 mile ...
Eco Sailing Adventure ex Waiheke
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
Discover the stunning natural environment of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard our 41-foot sailing catamaran. You’ll ...
Waiatoto River Safari
Haast, West Coast
Embark on the only jet boat tour in New Zealand that takes you from the Ocean to the Alps within a UNESCO World Heritage ...
The Sea Kayak Excursion
Hamilton & Waikato
Explore New Zealand's ancient coastline on this boutique guided sea kayak excursion. Enjoy hot drinks and decadent treat ...
Affinity Cruises
Picton, Marlborough
We take you further and get you closer than the larger vessels. Our smaller size means we can navigate through narrow wa ...
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour
Queenstown
Join Pure Milford for all all inclusive day tour to magical Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau. Enjoy informative ...
Crater Lakes Flight - 2a
Rotorua
Join us to view Rotorua beyond the crater rim. Enjoy spectacular views of our hidden lakes district, distant volcanoes a ...
Tikapa Moana Whale & Dolphin Wildlife Cruise
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
Explore the Hauraki Gulf with us and discover the abundant marine wildlife, iconic landscape and cultural footprint of T ...
Sustainable sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings.
Taupo
Step aboard, explore Lake Taupō, and discover its natural beauty and hidden wonders with an eco-friendly cruise with Sa ...
Dolphin Eco Cruise
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Experience the spectacular natural beauty of the Bay of Islands and its abundant wildlife. Spot marine mammals in their ...
3 HOUR SHARED CHARTER
Queenstown
A lot can happen in three hours… and joining a small group on this charter, fishing alongside seasoned fishermen, will ...
Cathedral Cove Boat Tour - Departs Hahei
Whitianga, Coromandel
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Hahei’s ancient volcanic coastline, where awe-inspiring geography and Māor ...
Browns Island (Motukorea) Sea Kayak Tour
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
Embark on a beginner-friendly, four-hour sea kayak adventure from St Heliers beach to Browns Island (Motukorea). Paddle ...
Milford Sound Tour & Cruise with Picnic Lunch
Milford Sound, Fiordland
Milford Sound Tour & Cruise, this small group, fully-guided day trip combines the amazing return journey to Milford ...
Hole in the Rock Cruise
Paihia, Northland
Cruise out through the Bay’s pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula. See the historic Cape Brett lighthou ...
Seal Kayak Tour
Kaikoura, Canterbury
Seal Kayak Kaikoura is the first kayak tour of its kind in New Zealand that allows you to either pedal or paddle. You� ...
Ocean Adventure
Paihia, Northland
Experience the thrill of Ocean Adventure - the fastest boat to the Hole in the Rock on this 1.5hour experience.
Nomad Safaris combos - Dart River Jet I Shotover Jet I Earnslaw Burn Heli-Hobbit
Queenstown
Nomad Safaris is proud to partner with select operators to bring you a variety of unique experiences. These specially d ...
Mauao Walk and Workshop
Mount Maunganui, Bay Of Plenty
Our Mauao Walk and Workshop allows you to experience cultural history and learn the environmental significance of our an ...
Self-Guided Milford Track Day Walk - Lake Te Anau
Te Anau, Fiordland
Experience the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s most famous hiking trails independently. Take a boat journey betwee ...
Taupo Sailing Adventures
Taupo
Experience the best way to explore Lake Taupo and choose the most environmentally friendly way to travel – with a scen ...
Evening Champagne Cruise
Te Anau, Fiordland
Make your way down to Te Anau’s historic wharf, and step aboard an elegant vessel on this 1.5-hour champagne cruise. P ...
4.5hr // Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Embark on a captivating 4.5-hour cruise and island tour in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, where you'll sail amidst stu ...
Lunchtime cruise. Fish & Chips optional
Hamilton & Waikato
Come enjoy complimentary light refreshments or treat yourself to some fish & chips from Raglan Fish. Set off from ...
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Franz Josef, West Coast
Join us for a Kayak or Scenic Cruise on Lake Mapourika taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, Glaciers, and ...
100% Pure NZ - Raft the Kaituna River - Grade 5
Rotorua
Experience the thrill of rafting through steep native bush canyons in Rotorua. Conquer 14 rapids and 3 waterfalls, inclu ...
Tarawera Falls Volcanic Heli Hike
Rotorua
From lofty volcanic heights, to a magical waterfall, this extraordinary day out showcases a variety of scenery not found ...
Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Lunch & Return Flight
Queenstown
Our small group, fully-guided day trip combines the amazing journey to Milford Sound with a boutique Milford Sound Cruis ...
Discovery Cruise
Te Anau, Fiordland
Join Peter & Cruise Te Anau for a boutique 3 hour Discovery Cruise to the beautiful and tranquil South Fiord of Lake ...
Scenic Cruise to the famous Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings
Taupo
Chris Jolly Outdoors has been looking after you for 40 years and that continues during COVID-19. Our ability to socially ...
Sea Cave Adventures Whitianga
Whitianga, Coromandel
Covering over 25km of iconic Coromandel hotspots between Whitianga and Hot Water Beach, this trip is rich in Maori histo ...
Ernest Kemp Cruises
Taupo
Take a relaxing boat trip aboard Ernest Kemp. One of the world’s largest freshwater volcanic craters, Lake Taupō is h ...
Riverhead Cruise
West Auckland, Auckland
Enjoy a relaxing cruise through Auckland's upper Waitemata Harbour on the Riverhead Cruise! Departing from Westhaven Ma ...
Exclusive Sailing Charter ex Waiheke
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
Charter our 41-foot catamaran for a day and set sail on your own adventure. Most areas of the Hauraki Gulf are within ea ...
Bay of Islands Snorkelling
Bay Of Islands, Northland
We're the Bay of Islands' only dedicated snorkeling experience. Hop in for an epic underwater adventure filled with coun ...
Best Abel Tasman Day tour
Abel Tasman
A small group personalized 6 hour daytrip, exploring the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park's coastline aboard a comfor ...
Kahu Kayaks Guided Tours
Abel Tasman
Kahu Kayaks' guided kayaking tours in the Abel Tasman offer a taste of adventure, serenity by the bucket load and more s ...
White Island/ Mount Tarawera 'Volcanic Extremes' Floatplane Adventure
Rotorua
Fly over New Zealand’s only permanently active offshore volcano, White Island and enjoy amazing aerial views of the is ...
Sea Kayaking, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island- Start/finish in Christchurch
Christchurch, Canterbury
Sea Kayaking tour of Lyttelton Harbour- Explore secret bays, sunken ships and sea caves around Lyttelton Harbour and Qua ...
Milford Sound Fly/Nature Cruise/Fly
Queenstown
Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and pro ...
Kaituna River Rafting
Rotorua
Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience on one of New Zealand's most ...
Happy Hour Cruise
Wanaka
Relax with a glass of local wine or beer and bask in the evening light on a 1-hour happy hour cruise on Lake Wanaka. Enj ...
Half Day, Grade 5 Rafting on the Rangitikei River
Whanganui
Our grade 5, white water rafting trip is often recognised as one of the best half day trips in the world (recently voted ...
Family Adventures Rafting
Queenstown
Family Adventures specialise in soft adventure trips, rafting the upper reaches of the famous Shotover River near Queens ...
Scenic Cruise Guided Walk
Te Anau, Fiordland
Cross the South Fiord taking in all its majestic beauty and allow us to show you some of the most untouched wilderness i ...
Carino wildlife cruises - Island & Wildlife day Cruise
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Come sailing with us and discover the stunning scenery and amazing wildlife of the beautiful bay of islands. Surround ...
Kaikoura fishing tours
Kaikoura, Canterbury
Kaikoura fishing tours offers crayfishing and fishing tours from 2 - 4 hours. All top quality gear is supplied. All fish ...
Stevensons Is Cruise & Nature Walk
Wanaka
Take a luxury catamaran to discover Stevensons Island on Lake Wanaka with a 2 hour small group cruise and an optional na ...
Mount Tarawera/Waimangu Thermal Valley – ‘Eruption Trail Tour’
Rotorua
Departing our City Lakefront pier experience the thrill of a floatplane take off, before climbing above Mokoia Island on ...
Dolphin & Wildlife Eco Cruise
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
Watch dolphins swimming up close as you explore our big blue backyard! Enjoying an amazing half-day cruise along the pri ...
Glass bottom boat Tour
North Auckland, Auckland
EXPERIENCE GOAT ISLAND WITH OUR GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR Located in Leigh, north of Auckland, our Glass Bottom Boat opera ...
Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Fancy an evening cruise? Sail the inner area of the Bay of Islands, making the most of our beautiful sea breeze on o ...
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves Day Tour
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
Discover the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a day trip from Auckland. Enjoy a scenic drive, explore the magical gl ...
America's Cup Sailing Experience
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
Join our crew sailing this authentic America's Cup Yacht on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour with this 2 hour experience.
Cathedral Cove Glass Bottom Boat
Whitianga, Coromandel
Approximately 2hrs scenic and marine viewing tour. Visit Cathedral Cove, sea caves and volcanic rock formations. Look th ...
Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound, Fiordland
Join Pure Milford for the scenic cruise of a lifetime. Our famously friendly skipper and crew will welcome you aboard t ...
Frequently Asked Questions about Cruises, Sailing and Water Tours Activities
1. Where is the best sailing in New Zealand?
The North Island offers many amazing sailing adventures lasting all day, or only a few hours. When sailing in the North Island, it is not uncommon to be greeted by dolphins or other familiar wildlife!
2. Where is the best cruises in New Zealand?
Milford Sound in fiordland is a stunning area for a cruise at any time of the year.
3. What is the best month to cruise New Zealand?
December, January and Feburary is when New Zealand is at its peak. It is the summer months that are the hottest and nicst time to be out on the water.
Cruises, Sailing, and Water Tours to See and Do in New Zealand
New Zealand is abundant with a vast range of water activities. There's no better way to truly appreciate the beautiful New Zealand coastline than by exploring it. Check out See and Do New Zealand for the best water activities, from rafting in caves and rivers to cruises and leisure sailing!
The best places for Cruises, Sailing, and Water Tours in New Zealand
Milford sound is located in Fiordland and offers fantastic views that are hard to look away from. Some cruises also provide heli tours, waterfalls, coach tours and kayaking!
If you're on the North Island, then there are many days of sailing trips to take that are both chilled-out and adventurous!
If you're looking for a more adventurous alternative to sailing and cruises, then check out these activities like parasailing and jet boating!
