Top South Island Water Tours - page 4

Pair superb views of the Marlborough Sounds with a bowl of freshly steamed greenshell mussels on this culinary and sightseeing afternoon cruise. Sail aboard a boat with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Try a glass or two of local Marlborough wine (own expense), great for pairing with your mussels. Soak up the scenery, learn about marine farming in the Marlborough Sounds, and pass a local mussel farm.

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika on this kayak adventure from Franz Josef town. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, avoiding the risk of getting lost and learning about the landscape and geology as you go. Enjoy uninterrupted views and marvel at the reflective views of the Southern Alps. Head into a kiwi sanctuary in a protected estuary and explore some of the country’s oldest untouched rainforest.t.

The rarest dolphins in the world live in Akaroa's waters, and you can get close on this eco-friendly sailing tour. Step back in time aboard the Fox II, a vintage wooden sailboat that’s over 100 years old and one of New Zealand's oldest working ketch boats. Glide quietly through the waters, looking out for dolphins, penguins, seals, and albatross but leaving them undisturbed for a memorable wildlife experience.

Sample Central Otago wines without the stress of choosing a sober driver. Enjoy included hotel pickup from Queenstown on a leisurely drive around celebrated wineries in the Gibbston Valley. Have lunch at a winery restaurant (own cost), go behind the scenes at the country’s oldest wine cave and sample a range of varietals, from pinot noirs to various whites, and more.

Travel to the Tasman Sea on a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown. Travel in a comfortable luxury coach with a glass roof for premium views of the towering mountains. At Milford Sound, cruise past by the world-renowned Mitre Peak and drift alongside rushing waterfalls as you search for wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. An onboard nature specialist provides expert commentary.

After a catamaran cruise across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island—which sits in the middle of the lake—spot rare native birds that are extinct on mainland New Zealand. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the island is a rare haven for birdlife. Enjoy a guided hike with an expert guide to a lake at the top of the island, an experience that’s rated one of the best must-do activities in Wanaka.

Discover the natural beauty and fresh seafood of the Marlborough Sounds on an afternoon cruise from Picton. Travel by luxury catamaran through the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Taste fresh, locally farmed salmon and Greenshell mussels on board, pairing them with a glass of local wine if you like (own expense). Learn about marine farming in the sounds, and admire the views of otherwise hard-to-reach places.

Hidden away behind a peninsula, Stevensons Island is one of the harder islands to get to on Lake Wānaka. On this short trip—ideal for busy schedules—catch a luxury catamaran from Wānaka and sail out to the island. Upon disembarking, hike with your guide to the island’s summit and take in grand views of the peninsula, the lake, and the Southern Alps. Enjoy drinks and snacks on the return journey.

Travel along the spectacular Milford Road on a full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau. See native wildlife such as the endangered kea (an alpine parrot), seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Enjoy short walks to beautiful sights including the Chasm and Marian Cascade, and take a sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound. Includes entrance fees, boat cruise, morning tea, and hotel transfers.

Pair the fine wines of Central Otago with a gourmet lunch platter on this small-group wine-tasting tour of Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell from Queenstown. Drive through valleys and vine-clad foothills rich in gold mining history, and stop at four boutique wineries for tastings along the way. Numbers are limited to ensure an intimate experience with other wine lovers and personalized attention from your guide.

With waterfalls cascading down mighty cliffs and some of New Zealand’s most impressive natural scenery, Milford Sound is one the South Island’s must-see destinations—but its remote location makes it hard to reach alone. On this tour, spin through the New Zealand countryside in comfort from central Queenstown with your guide. Admire panoramic views from your glass-roof, low-emissions coach, and cruise the calm waters with a picnic lunch included.

Enjoy the peace and beauty of Milford Sound after all the day-trippers have departed when you stay overnight on the Fiordland Jewel cruise boat. During the day, explore the sound on cruises and kayaking excursions. Sleep in an ensuite cabin with sea views, a 3-course dinner, and breakfast. The boat is also equipped with a top-deck hot tub where you can soak away your stress.

Benefit from marine biologists' wildlife-spotting skills on this half-day morning or afternoon eco-tour from Picton. Cruise to Blumine Island in outer Queen Charlotte Sound, a predator-free bird sanctuary known for its rare orange-fronted kakariki and king shags, and search sheltered waters for wild dolphins. See rare seabirds, marine mammals, and endangered land birds protected in their natural environment. Light refreshments are provided to keep you energized.

Located in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. Explore the stunning fiord in a way few tourists will—by air and water during a half-day excursion. The exhilarating, round-trip helicopter flight from Queenstown includes a glacier or alpine landing. Perhaps spot dolphins, seals, and penguins during an unforgettable cruise.

Active, nature-loving travelers will enjoy this small-group kayaking and hiking tour of the southern part of the Abel Tasman National Park. Starting from Marahau, head out to little Adele Island, where you’re likely to spot fur seals basking in the sun. Continue your adventure on land, hiking to panoramic viewpoints and listening to the birdsong, so far from roads and settlements.

Queenstown is famous for its adrenaline-inducing adventure sports, but if you want a more relaxed adventure, combine a Lake Wakatipu cruise with a horseback-riding adventure. Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm, then fuel up with morning or afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead. Numbers are limited for a small-group experience on the horse trek for a personalized experience. Admire great views of the Remarkables mountains.

Milford Sound lies in a remote corner of New Zealand’s South Island and, although remarkably scenic, the route from Queenstown is long. On this tour, reach Milford Sound by premium low-emission coach and spot native wildlife and gushing waterfalls during a nature cruise with specialist commentary. When it’s time to return home, take to the skies and return effortlessly to Queenstown—with unrivaled views over the wilderness landscapes from the air.

Visit "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations in and around Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD from Queenstown with a guide. This half-day tour includes stunning landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, the landscapes representing the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlórien, Ithilien Camp, and Forest of Amon Hen.

This Akaroa shore excursion takes you sightseeing in Christchurch via a scenic drive through the Banks Peninsula. See the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Square, and other city highlights before visiting the International Antarctic Centre, where you can learn more about the frozen continent. See penguins, feel the chill of Antarctic winds, and finish with a thrilling ride on an amphibious Hagglund vehicle.

Cruise port time in Akaroa is limited, and it can be hard to fit in something truly memorable without worrying about logistics. This active shore excursion makes it easy to get straight on the water for a guided sea kayaking experience just steps from the port. Paddle through sheltered bays and inlets inside the basin of an extinct volcano, an area known for its calm conditions and scenic coastline. As you explore, watch for local wildlife such as penguins, orcas, and the rare Hector’s dolphin.

Make the most of your limited time on land with a handy shore excursion from Akaroa Harbour through the Banks Peninsula and to Christchurch. Drive past city landmarks, including the Christ Church Cathedral that is being rebuilt after devastating earthquakes, and stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with a guide to tell you about the city’s history and culture. This is an easy way to discover Christchurch’s highlights without self-driving.

Observing New Zealand fur seals in the wild while you swim alongside them is an experience you won’t soon forget. After a short boat ride offshore from the Kaikoura Peninsula you are soon immersed in their natural habitat. No experience is necessary: just don a wetsuit and snorkel and receive instruction from your guides. Gear is included so you don’t need to bring or rent your own.

Active travelers seeking an easy, family-friendly outdoor adventure will enjoy this half-day kayaking tour of the Abel Tasman National Park coastline. Departing from Marahau, you’ll paddle to the dramatic Split Apple Rock, enjoying beautiful views along the way. Check out sea caves and look out for birds, including graceful cormorants. This is roughly a three-hour tour.

Witness towering mountains, dense forests, and craggy coves on this Lake Whakatipu cruise. Listen to facts about local wildlife and the area’s delicate ecosystem from your skipper as you gaze at the Southern Alps, Bob’s Cove, and Mount Earnslaw, or relax at the onboard café and bar with the option to pre-order cheese and charcuterie boards as you sail across the lake.