On the water · NEW ZEALAND BOAT TOURS

The 15 New Zealand Boat Tours That Earn Their Price

59 tours  ·  from $34 a head

The 15 best new zealand boat tours you can book today, with the per-person price, how long you are aboard and who each one suits. Start at the top and work down.

Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat - The Cathedral Cave and its natural concert hall
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Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat

1.Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,908 reviews · 1 hour · from $48Our pick

Walk through Waitomo’s limestone chambers with an English-speaking guide, then take a quiet boat ride beneath thousands of glowworms. Expect stories about Māori connections, cave geology, and the glowworms’ science. Guides such as Big T, George, Ace, and Joe are praised for their warmth and singing, but names vary by departure. Cameras and GoPros stay outside.

“We loved this trip. The guide was interesting and informative. The boat with glow worms was incredible.”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise - From the Kaikoura office to the open sea
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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

2.Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,089 reviews · 3h 30m · from $104

Join Whale Watch Kaikōura for a 210-minute marine adventure off New Zealand’s South Island. Look for giant sperm whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals, albatross, and other sea life from a spacious catamaran. Guides such as Caolan and Mikayla add clear science, Māori perspectives, and practical help on the water. Expect a scenic, sometimes choppy ride.

“Two whale sightings with sonar based announcement on whale dive . Superb. Boat can handle high winds/waves quite well”

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Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown - Eglinton Valley looks made for a film set
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Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

3.Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,001 reviews · from $216Top rated

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small Mercedes minibus with a maximum of 15 people. Guides such as Andy, Jess, Danny, Joe, and Dean provide local stories, Māori traditions, and photo stops along the Milford Road. Your day includes hotel pickup, snacks, water, picnic lunch, and a two-hour Milford Sound cruise.

“Amazing experience, loved all the stops and one for the NZ bucket list. Would recommend doing the smaller group trips with Cheeky Kiwi as can see more and move easily as a group Joe was our guide for the day and he was absolutely amazing, added loads of personal touches couldn’t recommend him enough - went above and beyond”

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Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience - Mitre Peak and the first great views
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Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

4.Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,930 reviews · from $111

Board Cruise Milford at the Milford Sound terminal for a 1-hour-45-minute small-boat cruise with lounge-style seating, live skipper commentary, tea, coffee, and biscuits. You may see seals, dolphins, penguins, and waterfalls, with close views of Mitre Peak. The boat runs at half capacity, though parking and the walk to the terminal need planning.

“Arriving at Milford Sound felt like stepping into another world. As I cruised through the calm, inky water, sheer cliffs rose straight from the sea, wrapped in mist and silence. Waterfalls appeared everywhere, especially after the rain, pouring down the mountains like silver ribbons. I watched dolphins glide alongside the boat and spotted seals resting on rocks, completely unbothered by visitors. The air was fresh, cool, and impossibly clean. Every turn revealed a view more dramatic than the last. Milford Sound wasn’t just a place I visited—it was an experience that made me feel small, peaceful, and deeply connected to nature.”

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Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat - A modern catamaran with room to watch
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Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

5.Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,906 reviews · from $111

Cruise from Kaikoura into rich offshore waters aboard a purpose-built catamaran. A marine biologist and crew explain sperm whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and the Kaikoura canyons while the captain tracks wildlife. The tour runs year-round, lasts about 3.5 hours including transfers, and offers an 80% refund if no whale is seen.

“The trip is well organised and the boat crew very professional. Trip well worth the value and the knowledge of the crew made the trip both interesting and memorable.”

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Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise - Leaving Steamer Wharf for Lake Whakatipu
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Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

6.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,713 reviews · 3h 30m · from $95

Sail from Steamer Wharf to Walter Peak on the Spirit of Queenstown or historic TSS Earnslaw. Enjoy a two-hour wood-fired BBQ buffet, gardens beside Lake Whakatipu, and a lively sheepdog and shearing demonstration. The Earnslaw adds a look at its working steam engines. Allow 210 minutes.

“We loved this activity! It was a great way to break up a week of thrill-seeking adventures with something more relaxed. The boarding process was seemless, the boat had plenty of seating (even during a busy holiday week), and the dinner was AMAZING! All four of us agreed it was the best buffet we'd ever enjoyed and there were plenty of of choices for both meateaters and vegetable lovers. Allergens were clearly labled for those with dietery restrictions. Make sure you save room for the vanilla ice cream! The grounds are beautiful and you can walk around and explore before the Farm Show. There were several families with younger kids…”

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Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip - Rainforest, Waterfalls, and the Value of the Stops
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Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

7.Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,592 reviews · from $144

Spend a full day reaching Milford Sound by comfortable coach from Queenstown, with scenic stops, local commentary, lunch, and a cruise through Fiordland. Guides such as Brendan, Brian, and Sebastian have been praised for their humor, care, and local insight. Expect a long road journey, three viewing decks, waterfalls, tea, and possible seals, dolphins, or penguins.

“Loved it! Best activity for the first day being in NZ. Loved Brian our driver/expert NZ guide/legend. Would 100% recommend and do again.”

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Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise - From Milford Wharf to Mitre Peak
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Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise

8.2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,561 reviews · 2 hours · from $101

Cruise Milford Sound on a small Mitre Peak Cruises boat with live English commentary, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, hot drinks, and close passes by Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, seals, dolphins, and seasonal Fiordland penguins. Limited passenger numbers make it easier to move around and take clear photos.

“We travelled by car from Te Anau. We left at 5.50am for the 8.50am cruise. We drove straight there and didn't stop and parked in the free car park at Deep basin. There was hardly any traffic so the drive took two hours. This may not have been possible later on in the day. We chose this cruise company because they do not fill boats to full capacity. There was 68 passengers so plenty of space. It was probably a third to quarter full . As it was one of the smaller boats it meant that the boat could get closer to the fjords. The weather was great, blue skies…”

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Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown - From Queenstown station to the river base
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Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

9.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,540 reviews · from $113

Ride a high-speed jet boat through the narrow Shotover River canyons near Queenstown. Your driver handles rapids, close canyon passes, and full 360-degree spins while sharing local river stories. The ride lasts about 25 minutes, with lifejackets, lockers, and a downtown shuttle available. Expect spray, cold air, and a serious adrenaline hit.

“Just awesome! The only slight down side was we didn’t know about the shuttle up and back with Shotover otherwise it is a fantastic place experience for kids and parents!”

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Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise - Fiordland National Park changes the mood
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Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

10.Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,416 reviews · from $235

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a premium Mercedes van with up to 15 people. Your local guide stops at Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and other viewpoints before a 1-hour-45-minute nature cruise. Lunch, WiFi, hot drinks, hotel pickup, and optional short walks are included.

“To cut a long story short, altitude tours is absolutely professional, very organized, they work like a machine. Loved every moment of this small and intimate tour, and our tour guide!!!! Wow!!! What a knowledgeable, charismatic, and pleasant person she was. You could tell that she loves her job and was totally in her element, one of the best busbtiur guides I've encountered. Ashleigh made our tour even better with her vast knowledge about the forestry, wildlife, geology, and historical culture of both the Fiord lands and lake Wakatipu basin. 100% recommend this for anyone planning the south island, don't try to figure this one on your own, let the…”

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Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise - Akaroa Lighthouse and the harbour shoreline
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Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

11.Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,143 reviews · from $80

Spend two hours aboard a stable catamaran with local skippers, guides, and dolphin-spotting dogs such as Albie. Look for rare Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, white-flippered penguins, seabirds, Akaroa Lighthouse, and Banks Peninsula scenery. Your fare includes a beer, New Zealand wine, or soft drink, plus a family-recipe cookie.

“Loved it! Everyone was so enthusiastic about the wildlife and it seeped into everyone onboard! We got very lucky with a gap in the awful weather and even luckier (given the conditions) to see dolphins and an albatross. Dog was a welcome plus also who kept everyone aboard smiling. Would highly recommend.”

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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride - From Main Town Pier to Lake Wakatipu
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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

12.Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,682 reviews · 1 hour · from $89

KJet takes you from Queenstown’s Main Town Pier across Lake Wakatipu and up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 km/h, 45 kilometres of water, repeated 360° spins, heated handrails, and guides such as Puni, Sam, Charles, Reuben, and Jack.

“We decided to do this last minute and so glad that we did - great fun!! Amazing views and the jet boat is fantastic!! Definitely worth doing as part of your trip.”

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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Tour - Lake Wakatipu and the first stretch from Queenstown
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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Tour

13.Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,681 reviews · 12 hours · from $162

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof, air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking guide, photo stops, and a Te Anau break. Cruise the fiord for two hours, watching waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and penguins. Guides such as Paulie, Levi, Craig, and Brian are known for lively local stories.

“Excellent, stunning and worth to do once in a life”

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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat - The outward flight over Central Otago and Fiordland
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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat

14.Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,558 reviews · 5 hours · from $447

Fly from Queenstown over the Southern Alps and Fiordland, with a guaranteed window seat and a different route home. After landing near Milford Sound, cruise for two hours past Mitre Peak, seals, dolphins, and waterfalls. Pilots such as Jared, Andy, and Kirk are praised for friendly commentary, but weather can delay or cancel the flight.

“The whole activity was excellent from start to finish, especially the outward and return flight to Milford Sound, just a sheer magical experience from start to finish, the cruise was also excellent. I highly recommend this to anyone just brilliant.”

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2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise - Bowen Falls and the first close views
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2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

15.2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,520 reviews · from $104

Spend two hours on a small Mitre Peak Cruises boat exploring Milford Sound from the Visitor Centre to the Tasman Sea coast. Expect close views of Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, Mt. Pembroke, and Mitre Peak, plus live commentary, free hot drinks, and possible sightings of fur seals, dusky dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins.

“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”

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New in New Zealand Boat Tours

★ 4.8Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm TourFrom $80950 reviews
★ 4.9Milford Sound Small-Group Tour w Cruise & LunchFrom $208523 reviews
★ 4.9Milford Sound Flight and CruiseFrom $403283 reviews
★ 4.7Lake Whakatipu Boat TripFrom $41633 reviews
★ 4.7Lake Wakatipu Scenic CruiseFrom $47264 reviews
★ 4.8Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from PictonFrom $66383 reviews
★ 4.7Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from PictonFrom $75541 reviews
★ 4.7Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Hole in the RockFrom $74319 reviews
★ 4.8Boutique Small-Boat CruiseFrom $101942 reviews
★ 4.7Nature Cruise – Grand Views & Optional LunchFrom $98723 reviews
★ 4.62-Hour Wildlife & Nature CruiseFrom $85418 reviews
★ 4.6Lake Wanaka Happy Hour CruiseFrom $38313 reviews
★ 4.6Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour CruiseFrom $35633 reviews
★ 4.3Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM CruiseFrom $35317 reviews
★ 4.6Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Māori Rock Carvings CruiseFrom $35498 reviews

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