Top South Island Boat Rentals

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.

Enjoy the freedom of paddling at your own pace along the coast with this kayak rental service from Marahau. A minimum of two people can rent kayaks for up to seven hours. Follow the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park, stopping at inviting golden-sand beaches for a picnic and a swim. Look out for seals on off-shore islands and listen to the native birdsong along the way.

Enjoy mountain and lake views from a different angle when you cruise from Queenstown aboard the vintage “TSS Earnslaw” steamship or the modern “Spirit of Queenstown” catamaran across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Refuel with a gourmet barbecue lunch featuring Central Otago specialties, salads, desserts, and local cheeses at the Colonel’s Homestead. Learn about local rural life during sheep-shearing and sheepdog demonstrations at the farm.

Rent a kayak for two days so you can explore the Abel Tasman National Park’s coastline at your own pace. Collect your kayak from Mārahau and get a briefing and on-water assessment before setting off independently. Bring your own camping gear and set up camp at a site in the park overnight. Admire the views, spot seals and birds, and stop to swim over two full days.

Self-guided kayak trip with one-way transport—explore Lake Wānaka's shoreline on your own with gear, tips, and a custom route provided. Know what you’re doing and just need the gear? Explore Lake Wanaka on this self-guided kayaking activity! We’ll get you and the gear out to where you start and your Mission is to paddle it all back! Head off with your buddy, partner or group of friends and enjoy a morning of paddling on Lake Wanaka. We’ll arm you with a kayak, safety equipment and a map, get you out on the lake and your mission is to paddle back to Wanaka Township. Paddle the shoreline, explore islands, jump off jetties, or stop for a picnic - it’s your adventure, your way.

The boat shed has been operating for over 100 years on the Otokia creek, this is the only boat rental business in Brighton Dunedin and the creek runs through the Otokia Marsh & Wetlands area, which is a natural oasis with birds and native trees that can only be accessed by boat. The row boats are able to carry a family of up to 2 adults and 3 children which makes it a great family activity.

Explore New Zealand’s rugged countryside by ATV and enjoy plenty of off-road adventure on this fun 2-hour tour in Hanmer Springs. Choose a morning or afternoon tour to suit your needs. Then, open the throttle and zoom along winding dirt tracks with a guide. Spin along riverbanks and over creek crossings, and follow farmland trails into the wilderness.

From Marahau to Totaranui and return – it’s an adventure! Spend three days in the stunning Abel Tasman. The first two days see you kayaking from Marahau through to Onetahuti and then the third walking from Onetahuti to Totaranui before returning back to Marahau on a water taxi.