Top South Island Water Tours - page 6

Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Whakatipu, Walter Peak High Country Farm is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few hours. Immerse yourself in nature and learn about conservation throughout New Zealand. Begin your trip with a 45 minute cruise aboard the Vintage TSS Earnslaw, an integral part of Queenstown’s pioneering history and to this day a Queenstown icon. You will be greeted by our rural host, who will give you a tour of the stunning Restaurant Garden and showcase the beautiful native plants. Sample fresh produce straight from the veggie beds and orchard! Next savour a delicious garden platters made with with ingredients just harvested during your visit. This is the perfect adventure for those who want to give back to the environment while immersing themselves in New Zealand’s native scenery. You will then have the opportunity to have a hands on role in Walter Peaks land restoration project by planting a native tree or shrub from our nursery.

Slip into Marlborough Sounds for a swim alongside pods of wild dolphins, with certified guides to help find the dolphins and ensure the tour is dolphin-friendly. Watch for dusky, bottlenose, common, orca, and Hector’s dolphins, and if conditions allow, you’ll have the chance to view the dolphins from inside the water. This dolphin tour includes wetsuits with hoods and booties, as well as hot drinks on board the boat, and round-trip transport from the Picton waterfront.

Join your longest and most immersive Milford Sound cruise, giving you over two hours to experience everything that makes this destination famous around the world. An expert Nature Guide travels with you throughout the journey, sharing fascinating insights about the landscape and helping you spot wildlife like seals, dolphins, and rare penguins. Your spacious vessel, with both indoor cabins and covered outdoor viewing decks, gives you plenty of room to move around and find the perfect photo spot in any weather. Get close to thundering waterfalls, learn the stories behind the scenery, and take your time soaking in the views. With multiple language options via app and free tea and coffee onboard, this cruise is designed for those who want the most complete Milford Sound experience.

Spend your day sea kayaking around Queen Charlotte Sound on a guided excursion from Picton. Paddle across the harbor and stop for morning tea at a remote beach, then continue into the Grove Arm of the sound and enjoy lunch in a tranquil bay. Keep an eye out for cormorants and other wildlife as you listen to expert commentary about the Marlborough Sounds from the guide.

Experience the beauty of the New Zealand high country on a scenic boat ride across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Watch a sheepdog show, feed the animals, and enjoy a morning or afternoon tea in the charming old woolshed. Begin your combo tour with a relaxing scenic boat ride across Lake Whakatipu aboard a modern catamaran, the Spirit of Queenstown. Disembark the vessel and be greeted by your rural host. From the amphitheater, watch the remarkable skill with which the farm dogs round up sheep from the paddocks. Enjoy a walking tour of the farmyard, visiting the holding pens, where you can help feed the sheep and deer and even get up close to the Scottish Highland Cattle. Then, stroll to the charming old woolshed for morning or afternoon tea. You may have time to wander through the lakeside gardens before you re-board the Spirit of Queenstown for your cruise back to Queenstown.

Enjoy a day of sailing and hiking at your own pace with a fully skippered catamaran sail followed by a self-guided hike through Abel Tasman National Park. Experience the beautiful park and coastline from two perspectives, seeing bird, animal, and marine life. Enjoy transfers from Marahau and a guided sail with a knowledgeable crew, plus the freedom of hiking independently. Complimentary tea, coffee, and juice are provided onboard.

Experience Wānaka from another angle with a cruise across Lake Wānaka to remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Make an eco-friendly impact by planting a native tree before you leave. Opt to take a guided bush walk to reveal Mou Waho’s hidden secret: another lake, nestled atop the island, with panoramic views of Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown to Te Anau, discovering the majestic Milford Sound in comfort and style. Designed for travelers who value more than just the destination, this fully guided small group tour blends luxury travel, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Kiwi hospitality. From the moment you’re collected at your Queenstown accommodation in a premium Mercedes-Benz van, your adventure begins. Led by our famously passionate guides, known for their storytelling and local insights, you’ll travel through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring scenery, with plenty of photo stops, short walks, and hidden gems along the way. After your day exploring Fiordland National Park, you’ll finish with a hotel drop-off in Te Anau.

Otago Harbour is home to a diverse range of New Zealand wildlife, including a large colony of albatross at Taiaroa Head. Watch as the birds swoop along the waves from the deck of your vessel on this boat trip heading out from the harbor. Hear local wildlife facts while your skipper guides you around the various points of interest in the area.

Akaroa sits along the rugged Banks Peninsula, which is renowned for its volcanic landscapes and abundance of wildlife. With this tour, set sail on a 3-hour cruise and admire the natural scenery from the water. Along the way, look out for rare Hector’s dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and a wide variety of sea birds.

Make your Milford Sound Nature Cruise even more unforgettable with the exclusive Captain's VIP Lounge. Travel on a spectacular Nature Cruise of up to two hours, travelling through of Milford Sound towards the Tasman Sea. With commentary by the skipper, this cruise gets you up close to towering waterfalls, sheer cliff faces, and local wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and penguins. The Captain's VIP Lounge includes access to an outdoor viewing deck and a premium food and beverage package. For those seeking comfort, exclusivity, and unbeatable scenery, this is the ultimate way to experience Milford Sound. Located on the top deck, the Captain's VIP Lounge offers elevated views, a calm retreat from the main vessel, and personalised service throughout your experience. Enjoy priority boarding before settling into a private lounge reserved for a maximum of 20 guests, ensuring a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

Embark on a guided small-group walk to Oneke, 'The Neck,' on Rakiura Stewart Island. Check in at the ferry terminal in Oban, just a 5 minute walk from the main road. Start with a brief sea cruise to this secluded gem, where stunning coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife await. Your expert guide will lead you through lush forests and rugged beaches, sharing captivating stories of Oneke's Māori and European heritage. The return journey route includes a short cruise back to Oban where the experience began.

Experience a Milford Sound cruise and Milford Track hike in one incredible day with return coach transfers from Te Anau included. Cruise the fiord getting close to thundering waterfalls while spotting seals and dolphins, and our expert crew share stories about this geological wonder. After your cruise, transfer to the water taxi for a 10-minute boat ride to the Milford Track. Explore the track at your own pace (approx. 11km return), listening for native birds and walking in ancient beech forest before arriving at Giant Gates Falls. Our multi-lingual app provides information as you walk. All transfers are coordinated so you can experience two of New Zealand's most famous attractions in one day, plus enjoy the spectacle of the Milford road without having to drive yourself.

The fjord of Milford Sound houses dramatic rainforests, crashing waterfalls, crystalline lakes, and majestic mountains. Explore the region’s stunning scenery on this full-day small-group tour from Te Anau. Travel the Milford Road before hopping aboard a cruise where you can enjoy a morning snack and unlimited purified water, plus taste New Zealand regional dishes as you watch the mountainous landscape pass you by.

We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound. You get on board binoculars for viewing wildlife and species ID cards with a WCA Qualified Guide. Dolphins 95% of the time :-) Spend 1 hour on Motuara Island with its stunning views and range of Endangered Species where you can get close-up encounters with Rare Birds. The lookout has an amazing panoramic view. We pay DOC your access fee. E-ko started Guided Walks on this island 25 years ago. After you visit Motuara - Sanctuary Island, then head to the famous Ship Cove. There you can Walk the BEST of Queen Charlotte Track in a Loop. Trees up to 1500 years old only with us, Hidden in the bush. Self Guided with a Map showing you where the hidden gems are :-) Re-live History and embrace nature. Walk the BEST 5km, relax at Ship Cove with a complimentary glass of Pinot Gris, and enjoy the return cruise.

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant sperm whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitat. Travel through Canterbury with your expert Kiwi guide, stopping at Cheviot and Hundalee Hills where fur seals bask on rocks. Board your whale watching vessel with naturalist guides. The Kaikōura Canyon creates nutrient-rich waters attracting incredible marine diversity. Search for sperm whales, humpbacks, orcas, and dolphins using hydrophone tracking technology. When time permits, stop at Waipara wine region for tastings. Travel carbon-neutral in a Mercedes Sprinter with WiFi and USB charging. With maximum 16 guests, enjoy personalized attention and lunch included on this ultimate whale watching experience.

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only truly alpine parrot and our namesake, the Kea, the now National Park’s dramatic terrain, powerful waterfalls, unique fauna, native Beech forest, and engineering feats make it a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides and including a thrilling 30 minute jet boat experience, this journey is one you will never forget! As this tour operates in an alpine region, the weather can be unpredictable so please prepare for all conditions. Please note that this tour is not suitable as a shore excursion and the ititnerary runs in reverse over winter.

Make the most of your time in Fiordland on a 3-day tour with an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. Departing from Queenstown, head to tiny Te Anau, where you’ll visit the glow worm caves and spend the night in accommodation near the lake. On day two, head to remote Doubtful Sound. Many tours only spend a few hours here but you’ll experience the tranquility after the day-trippers have left.

Hiking the Milford Track is an adventure of a lifetime. Simplify the logistics so you can focus on putting one foot in front of another–and enjoying the views, of course. This handy Milford Track water taxi transport service will take you from Te Anau Downs to the trailhead of the multi-day hike, so you can get your adventure off to an easy start.

Explore the glorious Abel Tasman National Park on this private boat charter. This trip through one of New Zealand’s most famous parks is easily personalized to suit your needs. With hiking, swimming, and kayaking opportunities available to all fitness levels, this day traversing the park's emerald waters and golden sands can be full of adventure or relaxation - the choice is up to you.

Experience the best of Wanaka’s beautiful nature in a single day trip via four-wheel drive, lake cruise, and island walk. Gain exclusive access to private roads on the 4WD safari, and spot rare bird life on Mou Wahou Island, in the middle of Lake Wanaka, with the help of your expert guide. This is two action-packed tours in one, for maximum fun.

Explore from Marahau to Anchorage in a day - walk, kayak and water taxi.On this trip covering the Astrolabe coastline you have a professional guide with you for around 4 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman.

A serene 30-minute punt ride awaits you on the iconic Avon River, nestled in the heart of Christchurch. Glide through the lush scenery of the Botanic Gardens guided by a knowledgeable punter dressed in classic attire. This eco-friendly experience offers a unique perspective of local wildlife and flora, making it perfect for families and nature lovers alike. Enjoy a relaxing escape as you learn about the sights along the way—an ideal way to unwind while soaking in the beauty of Christchurch’s waterways.

Take a leisurely 45 minute cruise out to Stevensons Arm, home to Mount Burke high country sheep station. Enjoy some of Wanaka's world famous scenery including Mount Gold which rises majestically into the Northern skyline. The commentary will inform you about Lake Wanaka and the surrounding scenery. Relax in comfort as you cruise to Stevensons Island where Dual Image will make a beach landing. Stevensons Island is an inspiration for photographers - shaped by glaciation and eons of winds that funnel down the arm, rock and twisted trunks meld into a patina of nature's finest backdrops. Enjoy 30 minutes at the island beach or relax on board the vessel. Your scenic cruise is complete with tea, coffee and cookies or enjoy a $7 drink from the bar as you cruise back to Wanaka. This luxury boat cruise is the most relaxing way to experience the scenery of Lake Wanaka and frequently rates in the top ten things to do in Wanaka!