New Zealand · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
The coastline runs 15,000 kilometres and the best of it has no road. The 15 below range from a two-hour fiord cruise to a full day on the Hauraki Gulf, each priced and clear about how much time you actually spend on the water.
Set out from Whale Watch Kaikōura for just over two hours at sea, guided by an English-speaking crew such as Caolan, Mikayla, or Captain Jack. Search for sperm whales with onboard tracking and commentary, then watch for dolphins, seals, albatross, and other marine life from a spacious catamaran.
“Whales made it great, dolphins were an added bonus!”
Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 15, with hotel pickup, live commentary, scenic stops, snacks, lunch, and a two-hour Cruise Milford sailing. Guides such as Andy, Jess, Joe, and Danny bring Fiordland’s geology and Māori stories to life.
“The day started early and it's quite a long drive there and back but we did get to stop along the way to grab a quick bite. Our guide/driver was Jess and she was awesome! She provided lots of information and history about New Zealand and tried to keep us interested during our long journey. Once we arrived, we did the Milford Sound cruise (which includes lunch on the boat). It was an amazing experience and the views are incredible. This tour provides an easy way to see Milford Sound although if you're prone to car sickness, I would recommend taking something for that as as times it is quite…”
Cruise Milford NZ takes you around Milford Sound for about 1 hour 45 minutes on a boat limited to half capacity. Expect lounge-style cabin seating, skipper commentary, tea, coffee, biscuits, close views of waterfalls, Mitre Peak, seals, dolphins, and possible penguins.
“Difficult to get from free car park to ferry - you need to set up a mini bus or similar to assist GCT”
Spend about three and a half hours with Whale Watch Kaikoura, including transfers, safety briefing, and up to 2.5 hours at sea. A marine guide and captain such as Malena or Fred explain sperm whales, dolphins, seabirds, and Kaikoura’s underwater canyons.
“Was amazing seeing a sperms whale, friendly helpful staff and awesome boat. Nice that you are indoors during the boat ride.”
Take a 210-minute RealNZ outing from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown catamaran. Expect a lakeside BBQ buffet, farm animals, sheep shearing, and a sheepdog display. Guides such as Pete, Joe, Josh, Mia, and Echo have helped make the farm show a highlight.
“Amazing views and food — the sheep-shearing part of the farm show wasn’t my favorite, but everything else was absolutely spectacular.”
Ride from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound with local guide commentary, scenic stops, a packed lunch, and a cruise with three viewing decks. Guides such as Brendan, Brian, and Robben are known for lively stories, careful driving, and helpful photo stops. Expect a long but rewarding day.
“love love loved the tour. Pick up effortless driver full of knowledge cruise amazing. If you have never been to milford sounds do your best to get there it is so beautiful and serene.”
Cruise Milford Sound aboard Mitre Peak Cruises’ smaller vessel for two hours of close-up views of Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, seals, dolphins, and seasonal penguins. Your skipper provides live commentary, with indoor seating, outdoor decks, and complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.
“Our boat trip was absolutely sensational! The skipper was amazing - so entertaining and not to mention the driving skills - we got sooo close to the falls and cliffs it was edge of the seat breathtaking!! We even spotted seals and took off to see them slumming it out in the rocks. An overall gorgeous trip we will never forget.”
Take a high-speed jet boat through the Shotover River’s narrow canyon, skimming over rapids and spinning 360 degrees under the direction of a skilled local captain such as Peter, Joe, Paul, or Matt. The ride lasts about 25 minutes, with shuttle transport from central Queenstown, lifejackets, lockers, and optional souvenir photos.
“This is awesome. Totally easy and a ton of fun. This specific jet boat tour is clearly the one to do. A short scenic drive up to the launch point, is worth it vs. just being in Queenstown harbor area. The captain was great fun, and highly experiencRead more”
Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a premium Mercedes van with up to 15 people, stopping at Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and the Homer Tunnel. Your local guide handles the long drive, while lunch, WiFi, hot drinks, and a nature cruise are included.
“It is a very long day but so worth it! Milford Sound is majestic and beautiful! I’m so happy I made the trip.”
Spend two hours on a roomy catamaran exploring Akaroa Harbour and Banks Peninsula. Skippers such as George and Joe share local knowledge while dolphin-spotting dogs Albie and Hana help find wildlife. Expect a drink, family-recipe cookie, scenic coastline and no dolphin swimming.
“Excelent tour, very informative, lot of dolfins and sea lions and even a pingguin. We enjoyed it very much.”
Fly with True South Flights over Lake Wakatipu, the Southern Alps, glaciers, valleys, and waterfalls to Milford Sound. Enjoy a roughly two-hour cruise, then return to Queenstown by another scenic route. Pilots such as Luke, Andrew, Michael, and Tanmay provide commentary along the way.
“This experience is a must do if you visit Queenstown. The pilot was amazing. One of the highlights of our trip.”
Join Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari at Viaduct Harbour for a 4.5-hour cruise on a 65-foot catamaran. Marine research scientists explain the gulf’s wildlife and conservation work as you search for dolphins, Bryde’s whales, seals, blue penguins, and seabirds.
“Enjoyed dolphins , glimpses of penguins but no whales despite valiant attempt by crew. Great education!”
Ride KJet’s big yellow jet boat from Queenstown’s Main Town Pier across Lake Wakatipu, then up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 kph, repeated 360-degree spins, mountain views, and helpful guides such as Puni, Sam, Reuben, and Charles. You will likely get wet, even in good weather.
“Fantastic fun filled ride. Had a great time. A must do in Queenstown.”
Trade a long road trip for return scenic flights over the Southern Alps, Mt Aspiring, and Fiordland National Park, then take a two-hour Milford Sound cruise. Every plane seat has a window, and pilots such as Jared, Andy, Mike, and Kirk add useful commentary when conditions allow.
“Highlight of our month spent touring NZ so far. Blessed with stunning weather of clear blue skies which showed off the incredible scenery perfectly. The scenery on the flight was spectacular and the pilot provided great commentary with friendly approach. Wonderful to then see Milford Sound on a boat, again great commentary and real up close experiences of waterfalls. Yes expensive…but worth it 🤩”
Cruise Milford Sound from the Visitor Centre toward the Tasman Sea, passing Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, and Mt. Pembroke. A smaller boat brings you closer to waterfalls and wildlife, while live commentary explains Fiordland’s geology, history, and Māori heritage. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are included.
“My family enjoyed this tour. I booked with this company as it's advertised as less people on the boat than some of the bigger boats. The tour was fully booked as it was over the holidays, but it was still pleasant. We found a seat on the top Read more”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
