Top South Island On the Water

Experience one of the South Island’s finest natural attractions on a Milford Sound cruise, boarding straight from the sound. A more intimate experience is guaranteed because the boat is only filled to half its capacity. Get up-close views of New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland-crested penguins while enjoying complimentary coffee, tea, and biscuits as you listen to the skipper’s narration.

Explore the Kaikoura coast on a hands-free kayak tour with an experienced guide. Use your feet to pedal your boat, so your hands are free to snap photos of New Zealand fur seals and the scenic shoreline. Choose between a sunset tour and a special seal-spotting one, where you’ll paddle to places with high chances of spotting the curious creatures. Get some exercise while having fun and admiring the views.

Spot Akaroa Harbour’s rare Hector’s dolphins on a catamaran wildlife cruise that includes fresh-baked cookies and a drink. The 2-hull catamaran offers more stability and deck space than a single-hull boat, ensuring a comfortable spot as you scan for fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and other wildlife. Dolphin-spotting dogs are on board. Equipped with dog life-vests and a keen ear, they’ll help make your dolphin encounter an unforgettable experience.

Get ready for an exhilarating jet boat ride along the stunning Kawarau River, where breathtaking landscapes meet thrilling speed. This adventure allows you to cover the greatest distance on the river, reaching speeds of up to 95km/h while enjoying iconic 360º spins. Choose between a 30-minute high-speed thrill or a 60-minute journey through New Zealand’s natural beauty, complete with expert local commentary. With plenty of opportunities for scenic photos and a blend of fun and professionalism from the skilled Thunder drivers, this is an essential Queenstown experience.

Take a break from busy sightseeing and sail around serene Lake Wanaka on this late-afternoon cruise with a complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink. Enjoy views of the Southern Alps and local landmarks including the lakeside Lone Tree while relaxing with a cheese and cracker board. Purchase extra drinks from the fully licensed bar, if you wish. The short cruise is easy to fit in before dinner plans in Wanaka.

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River, and speeds through the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water.

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Milford Sound is an icon of New Zealand’s South Island—a dramatic fjord ringed by jagged cliffs and cascading waterfalls. This cruise checks off all the highlights, affording spectacular views of Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, and Mt. Pembroke, passing mighty Mitre Peak, and gliding out along the Tasman Sea coast. It starts and ends at Milford Sound itself so the rest of your day is free.

A unique water adventure awaits you on Queenstown's stunning lake with our semi-submersible shark ride. Feel the rush as you reach speeds of 80 kph on the surface and dive under the water at 40 kph, all while enjoying a personal ride with an experienced pilot. Experience exhilarating jumps as the shark leaps out of the water, sending splashes all around. With the first commercial Seabreacher X watercraft at your disposal, you can customize your ride to be as mild or wild as you want. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind thrill while in Queenstown.

Explore the coast of Kaikoura from a unique perspective – by kayak. Paddle through protected waters to see an array of wildlife, potentially including dolphins, seals and even whales (in season). With small group sizes and a certified guide leading the way, this half-day tour is perfect for nature lovers who want the chance to get up close with some of New Zealand's most iconic animals.

Take in amazing views of the magnificent Milford Sound on this cruise. Sail on the only vessel in Milford with two glass roofs, meaning you get brilliant views from every angle. The skipper and crew are available to share local knowledge or take photos of you and your friends/family. An onboard café-bar is also available, offering the chance to purchase tasty snacks and drinks.

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous 360 degree spins and speed. Discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness as we race you down the river to your next mode of transport. Then jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. Spend your morning or afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries and it’s stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise. Paddle and swim your way through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand new cliff jumping section added for the adventure junkies (optional). Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.

Located on the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is famous for the spectacular array of marine wildlife living off its shores—but to see the best of it, you have to take to the waves. On this tour, cruise into Kaikoura’s deep waters by speedy catamaran with running commentary throughout from your guide, and spot dolphins, seals, and sperm whales in their natural habitat.

Fans of the Lord of the Rings movies won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to various filming locations in the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private Arcadia Station and will also visit the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Be amazed by the natural beauty while reliving your favorite movie scenes. Don an LOTR costume and sword too, if you like.

All visitors to Wānaka see Lake Wānaka, but fewer visit a lake on an island in the lake. Be one of them on this half-day trip to Mou Waho Island. Cruise to this isolated island in the middle of Lake Wānaka and walk to the Arethusa Pool. Admire the mountain views, spot wildlife, and listen to onboard commentary. Spend time exploring the island independently before the return cruise.

Go beyond admiring the Kawarau River from afar and get on the water with a whitewater rafting experience through its rapids. Enjoy a hassle-free day with coach transfers, a wetsuit, and all equipment included. Meet at the RealNZ Visitor Centre in Queenstown before your trip, which features an optional cliff jump for extra thrill. Note that participants must weigh between 40 and 120 kg to join.

Search for rare seabirds and several species of marine mammals, such as Hector's, bottlenose and dusky dolphins along with New Zealand fur seals, during a half-day sightseeing cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Cruise to Queen Charlotte Sound and take a nature walk on Motuara Island, where a predator-free landscape allows for plentiful birdlife. Listen to commentary from enthusiastic marine biologists, and treat yourself to tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies.

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship (or a replacement vessel when the steamship is undergoing maintenance). Stroll the lakeside gardens, watch a farm show, and see sheepdogs in action. Take a guided tour and enjoy free time to stroll. Savor a delicious afternoon tea with scones before heading back to Queenstown the same way you came.

Inject some thrills into your sightseeing as you whip down Central Otago’s Clutha River at high speeds on a thrilling jet boating experience. Race around Lake Wanaka and down the winding river, through rapids and tunnels, tight channels and tighter corners, on this compact and comprehensive journey that’ll get you back to shore in time for your afternoon or evening plans.

Avoid the risk of driving to Milford Sound yourself and being distracted by the views. This group tour from Queenstown makes it easy—and safe—to visit the must-see natural attraction for a day. After a handy hotel pickup, embark on a dramatic journey through mountains, gorges, and the incredible Homer Tunnel. Make scenic stops along the way. Cruise Milford Sound in a catamaran, looking out for wildlife along the way.

Cruise Akaroa Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran to see rare Hector’s dolphins, little blue penguins, albatross, and other native seabirds. Cruising allows you to see things that aren’t accessible any other way. Enjoy panoramic views of volcanic cliffs, sea caves, and New Zealand vegetation while learning about local conservation and cultural history. Refresh with complimentary hot drinks and remember your trip with a souvenir postcard.

Step into a powerful jet boat and cruise along the mighty Upper Waiau River from Te Anau on this roughly 2-hour adventure into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Feel the wind rush past you and enjoy unobstructed views of this ancient forested landscape as you head to Lake Manapouri. Enjoy stunts along the way that you could never do in a car or tour bus.

Tour the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound on a half-day paddling adventure from Picton. Settle into your sea kayak and follow an expert guide from the waterfront to sheltered coves and remote beaches. Search the waters for eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins while you learn about the natural history of the Marlborough Sounds.