Top North Island Day Cruises

Experience Auckland’s harbour at its most beautiful with a relaxing Sunset Cruise aboard a classic wooden vessel with the The Red Boats. Enjoy panoramic views as the sun sets over the city skyline, sail beneath the iconic Harbour Bridge, and take in live commentary highlighting local landmarks and history. With a fully licensed onboard bar, open deck viewing, and a friendly Kiwi crew, this is the ultimate way to unwind and see Auckland from the water. All cruises are subject to weather and sea conditions. For your safety and comfort, itineraries may be adjusted if required.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle and venture out to discover the Bay of Islands on this group sightseeing cruise. Check out the Hole in the Rock and Cathedral Cave, and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife during the cruise. Stop at one of the over 140 islands in the enclave and walk to a lookout point for views unlike any other.

Cruise the scenic bays of Lake Taupō to the Māori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy volcanoes of UNESCO World Heritage–listed Tongariro National Park. See the Māori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning or afternoon departures to suit your schedule.

Sail away on a harbor cruise in Auckland and enjoy a 3-course dinner as you sail past Waitemata Harbour highlights, including the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Board your yacht at the Viaduct Harbour and enjoy a welcome drink. Learn about Auckland and its scenic sights from your captain. As evening falls, dinner is served onboard while you sail.

The vibrant blue-green waters of Tauranga Harbour are home to some of the area’s most popular sights. Relax aboard a two-deck boat on this boat cruise as you explore the harbor, taking in ocean views and the area’s beaches, forests, islands, and village settlements, contrasted by scenes of the Grand Kaimai mountain range and Mount Maunganui in the distance.

Discover the vibrant Auckland Harbour on a lively 2-hour Nightlights Harbour Cruise. Set sail from for a casual night out with friends, complete with music and an inviting atmosphere. Enjoy a complimentary drink and finger food. All cruises are subject to weather and sea conditions. For your safety and comfort, itineraries may be adjusted if required.

Cruise through bays, hot sand beaches, glowworm caves, and historic Māori sites aboard a one of a kind, handcrafted vessel packed with adventure or relaxation at your pace: twist your feet into the hot sand stream, swim in crystal clear waters, leap from overhanging trees, or wade into glow worm caves to catch their gentle daytime glow, or simply unwind amid scenery so close you can almost touch it. Savor complimentary morning tea as you glide past ancient Māori food storage caves and breathtaking landscapes.

Make the most of your time in New Zealand's Bay of Islands with a half-day boat tour—the perfect way to experience the area from a vantage point on the water. Cruise by 144 subtropical islands, and visit natural rock formation, Hole in the Rock, plus Cape Brett Lighthouse. Head out on a bush walk on Motuarohia (Roberton) Island and take in scenic views of the area from the island's lookout point. As you travel the waters of the bay, keep an eye out for native wildlife and marine life, and enjoy onboard commentary.

Experience Auckland's stunning skyline and iconic landmarks from the water on a 1.5-hour scenic cruise with The Red Boats. Glide across the picturesque Waitemata Harbour on one of or iconic wooden vessels while enjoying informative commentary about the area's history and highlights. With comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, this cruise is ideal for taking photos or simply relaxing amidst breathtaking views. A fully licensed bar is available on board for drinks and snacks, making it perfect for families, tourists, and group outings. All cruises are subject to weather and sea conditions. For your safety and comfort, itineraries may be adjusted if required.

Carved in the 1970s by one of Aotearoa’s master Māori carvers, the Mine Bay rock carvings are a striking Taupō attraction. They’re also impossible to access on foot, so hop on board a charming replica steamboat and take a scenic cruise out to the carvings instead. Learn all about the history and the myths behind the carvings from your steamboat crew, and along the way enjoy pristine views of Lake Taupō and beyond, including the nearby volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.

Explore subtropical islands, Maori heritage sites and golden beaches on this cruise around the Bay of Islands from Paihia. Soak up the scenery as you float between the bay’s 144 islands and sail straight through the iconic Hole in the Rock (weather permitting). Along the way, spot dolphins swimming and playing alongside the boat.

Discover Wellington from a different perspective on a 90-minute commentated harbour cruise aboard Ika Rere, the Southern Hemisphere’s first fully electric passenger ferry. This relaxed cruise explores Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington Harbour with commentary covering the city’s maritime history, harbour geology, and key landmarks. The route may vary depending on conditions, allowing the crew to make the most of the harbour on the day. Quiet, low-emissions, and designed for sightseeing, it offers a unique perspective of Wellington.

Enjoy one of New Zealand’s original tourist attractions: a tour of the magnificent Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guide—who may be descended from the Māori chief who first discovered the caves—leads you underground and tells you about the cultural significance of this site. Hop into a boat and glide on an underground river, enjoying the light show put on by millions of tiny bioluminescent insects hanging above.

Enjoy an America’s Cup sailing experience aboard an authentic racing yacht on Auckland's scenic Waitemata Harbour. Feel the exhilaration of yachting as you take the helm and participate with the professional crew, or just sit back and soak up the harbor views. No sailing experience is necessary and this is a fun activity for keen sailors and complete beginners alike. Wet-weather jackets and sunscreen keep you comfortable.

Step into Peter Jackson's Middle-earth with this guided group tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy. Learn more about the movies than you ever would by exploring by yourself with the help of your local guide. And with a shuttle service at your disposal, you enjoy a truly seamless Matamata experience.

Embark on a thrilling Blackwater Rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave. Choose between two exhilarating tours: the original Black Labyrinth, where you'll float under glowworms and jump off waterfalls, or the longer Black Abyss, which includes abseiling, ziplining, and cave exploration. Both experiences offer unforgettable encounters with the natural beauty of the cave and take you to places impossible to reach on your own.

Embark on a 4.5 hour Cruise and Island tour in the scenic Bay of Islands, where nature's wonders and cultural exploration await. Cruising through the islands, keeping an eye out for marine wildlife and native seabirds while our knowledgeable guides offer insights into the history, ecology, and Maori culture. Stopping at Roberton Island, a pristine paradise surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush greenery. Take a short walk to the lookout point over the twin lagoons to enjoy the panoramic views of the Bay. Visit the famous "Hole in the Rock," a breathtaking natural formation showcasing the Bay's unique geology and the Cape Brett Lighthouse Our second island stop provides the opportunity to explore secluded bays, make use of the snorkelling gear provided, have a swim or simply relax. Bring a picnic or contact Island Getaway directly to pre-order a packed lunch The perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and cultural discovery, making it a must-do experience in the Bay of Islands!

Uncover the beauty of Lake Taupō as you sail to the iconic 14-metre Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, uniquely accessible only by water. Experience a laid-back atmosphere where you can bring your own food and drinks while enjoying engaging stories about the lake's rich history from the crew. With our 100% electric yacht, enjoy a serene sailing experience free from engine noise and fumes. Whether you're looking to swim, relax, or take the helm, this eco-friendly adventure offers something for everyone, making it perfect for families and friends alike. - Daily electric cruises to the stunning Māori Rock Carvings - BYO food and drinks with a Bluetooth sound system on board - Enjoy complimentary drinks on evening cruises - Swim stops available, weather permitting, with friendly crew assistance

Immerse yourself in the timeless tranquillity of peaceful Paihia. With gorgeous sunset backdrops, our cruise makes for a perfect romantic evening or an escape from busy lives. Sit back and relax while your captain takes you to the best anchorages around the bay. Feel the wind in your hair on this true sailing experience.

Enjoy views of Auckland you can’t get from land while sailing on a yacht in the Waitemata Harbour. Your Auckland cruise sets sail from the Viaduct Harbour, passing Auckland Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina, and Devonport while you listen to informative commentary on the sights. Relax as you take in the views or help the crew sail the vessel—it’s up to you. Provided snacks and hot drinks keep you energized.

Sitting majestically off the coast, Rangitoto’s distinctive symmetrical cone rises 260m over the Hauraki Gulf. Boasting a unique landscape of rugged lava crops, lush native bush and sandy coves. This not to be missed walk to the summit takes about an hour at an easy pace. Lookouts along the way provide stunning views as you climb - make sure to leave enough time to detour and explore the lava caves. Plan your visit in advance and ensure you arrive with plenty of time to meet the return ferry to downtown Auckand.

The Rock overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands is the only overnight cruise in the area to offer such a wide range of activities, including kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, island walks, and more. Enjoy adventure activities as well as time to relax in peaceful nature. As this is an all-inclusive tour you don’t need to worry about any logistics. Just show up ready for fun.

Cruise Auckland's Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a 4.5-hour eco safari to spot whales, dolphins, seals, and rare seabirds. Enjoy expert commentary and close encounters with diverse marine wildlife in stunning island scenery, departing from downtown Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.