New Zealand · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Fiords, sounds, harbours and lakes: a lot of this country only opens up from the water. The 15 below range from a ninety-minute lake cruise to a full day in Fiordland, each priced and clear about how long you are actually afloat.
Set out from Whale Watch Kaikōura for just over two hours on a spacious, wheelchair-accessible catamaran. Expect expert English commentary, Māori knowledge, marine animations, and a search for sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and albatross. The crew may include guides such as Caolan or Mikayla, with whale sightings shaped by weather and nature.
“Whales made it great, dolphins were an added bonus!”
Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small group of no more than 15 people, with hotel pickup, a picnic lunch, scenic stops, live commentary, and a two-hour cruise. Guides such as Andy, Jess, Danny, Joe, and Dean share local stories, Māori traditions, and practical help along the long, winding drive.
“We absolutely Loved our day trip to Fjordland National Park/Milford Sound, which we booked through viator, with Cheeky Kiwi. Our coach was very clean, nice comfortable seats, and our driver Jess was Fantastic! She’s vivacious and friendly, an excellent driver, and knows So Much about the area, as well as stories from the Māori culture, and she’s a Great story-teller! She made the long trip very enjoyable. We appreciated the numerous stops along the way, where we could observe nature, such as various birds, as well as the Incredible geologic features. We were provided with a delicious box lunch to enjoy on the cruise. The cruise itself was nice, with…”
Cruise Milford Sound for about 1 hour 45 minutes aboard a smaller boat with lounge-style seating, live skipper commentary, and tea, coffee, and biscuits. You may spot fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland-crested penguins, while the skipper brings you close to waterfalls, Mitre Peak, and the sheer cliffs of this UNESCO World Heritage area.
“Great cruise! Much smaller than the others which was very enjoyable. The staff was so kind and the captain very funny and entertaining. Also, great views of waterfalls! Highly recommend.”
Ride a purpose-built catamaran from Kaikoura into the rich marine waters beyond the coast. Your crew tracks sperm whales year-round, with chances to see dusky dolphins, seals, albatross, and other wildlife. Plan for up to 2.5 hours on the water, cold air, possible rough seas, and a strong need for motion-sickness medicine.
“A very nice and very well organised tour. The atmosphere was great. The running commentary was fantastic and very informative. Highly recommended”
Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown. Enjoy a generous local BBQ buffet, gardens beside Lake Whakatipu, and a lively farm show with sheep shearing and working dogs. Presenters and dogs vary, with past shows featuring Pete, Josh, Joe, Echo, Mia, and Kim.
“The gourmet BBQ was insane! So much food available and lots of different cuisines to choose from. Highly recommend. ☺️ Staff were all lovely too.”
Ride from Queenstown to Milford Sound with local guides such as Brian, Brendan, and Carl sharing stories along the way. Stop for photos and short walks before a scenic cruise past waterfalls, rainforest, seals, dolphins, and possibly penguins. Lunch, tea, hot water, three viewing decks, and central pickup are included.
“So so so so good, the tourguide is eloquent and funny”
Cruise Milford Sound for two hours aboard Mitre Peak Cruises’ smaller boat, with open viewing decks, indoor seating, hot drinks, and live commentary. The skipper takes you past Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Seal Rock, and the fiord’s cliffs, often close enough to feel waterfall spray. Keep watch for seals, dolphins, and Fiordland penguins.
“Really good! Very easy to book and super fun and informative experience. Loved the views and the wtaerflass spray! Highly recommend, 8th wonder of the world.”
Ride a high-speed jet boat through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons, skimming over rapids and spinning 360 degrees beneath sheer cliffs. Your driver provides local stories and handles the technical river work. The boat ride lasts about 25 minutes, with shuttle transport from central Queenstown and optional photos for purchase.
“Whole experience was very professional. Our bus driver was lovely, so was our boat driver. The ride in the boat was thrilling and location of experience was excellent. Highly recommend!”
Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a Mercedes van with up to 15 people, stopping at Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and the Homer Tunnel. Your guide shares local stories, then you cruise beneath peaks and waterfalls for about two hours. Lunch, WiFi, hot drinks, pickup, and drop-off are included.
“Best on a rainy day! All the locals said the best day for Milford Sound was when it was raining and we couldn't agree more. Waterfalls were so BEAUTIFUL! Our tour guide Malav was AMAZING! He was knowledgeable and knew the best spRead more”
Spend two hours on a stable, roomy catamaran exploring Akaroa Harbour, the lighthouse, and Banks Peninsula. Skippers such as George, Dave, and Joe share local stories while trained dolphin-spotting dogs help scan the water. Your ticket includes a New Zealand beer, wine, or soft drink plus a homemade cookie. Dolphin sightings are likely but never guaranteed.
“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 from Queenstown over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, then take a 1-hour-45-minute cruise beneath cliffs and waterfalls. Your pilot provides commentary, and every plane passenger gets a window seat. Selected central Queenstown pickup and drop-off are included, with a maximum of 13 people.
“Such a great way to enjoy the scenery in New Zealand through flying and get to Milford Sound for the cruise. Micheal, the pilot made sure we had an enjoyable and safe flight over. One of the highlights of our NZ trip!”
Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf aboard a 65-foot catamaran with marine research scientists. Look for dolphins, Bryde’s whales, seals, blue penguins, sharks, and rare seabirds while learning about conservation. The 4.5-hour trip leaves Viaduct Harbour, visits island waters, and returns to central Auckland.
“Wonderful start to finish with excellent staff, more dolphins than I ever expected and endless beautiful views all around the gulf. Can’t recommend this highly enough!”
Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a fast, 1-hour ride across Lake Wakatipu and up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 kph, 360-degree spins, heated handrails, and views of the Remarkables. Guides such as Puni, Sam, Reuben, and Charles add clear safety advice and lively commentary.
“Fantastic fun filled ride. Had a great time. A must do in Queenstown.”
Fly from Queenstown across the Southern Alps and Fiordland, land near Milford Sound, and cruise the fiord for two hours. Every seat has a window, and the outbound and return flights use different routes. Pilots such as Jared, Andy, and Kirk are known for friendly commentary, though weather can delay or cancel the trip.
“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 🤩”
Spend about two hours cruising Milford Sound from the Milford Sound Visitor Centre to the Tasman Sea and back. A smaller vessel brings you close to waterfalls, cliffs, and wildlife, while live commentary explains the fjord’s geology, history, and Māori connections. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are included, but food is not.
“It was very enjoyable and staff where very interesting and accommodating thank you for the great cruise”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
