Top South Island Boat Tours

Q: What are the best options for South Island Boat Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best South Island Boat Tours are: Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk Milford Sound Cruise - RealNZ 2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Q: What are the best kid-friendly options for South Island Boat Tours Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best kid-friendly South Island Boat Tours are: Kepler Track Water Taxi 1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch Self-Guided Milford Track Day Walk - Milford Sound View all kid-friendly Tours →

Q: Which South Island Boat Tours have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Boat Tours with Instant Confirmation include: Kepler Track Water Taxi 1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch Self-Guided Milford Track Day Walk - Milford Sound View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

Q: Which South Island Boat Tours have Free Cancellation?

South Island Boat Tours with Free Cancellation (in most cases up to 24 hours in advance of your tour date, check the specific tour page) include: Kepler Track Water Taxi 1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch Self-Guided Milford Track Day Walk - Milford Sound View all Tours with Free Cancellation →

Q: I need a ride! Which South Island Boat Tours have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Boat Tours include Hotel Pickup: Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch Epic Milford Guided Tour from Te Anau Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau Marlborough Icons Tour - Wine tasting + Cruise Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau View all Tours with Hotel Pickup →

Q: Got any more South Island trip ideas?

We sure do. Check out our curated lists of hand-picked South Island Tours. Top 10 South Island 2026 Senior-friendly tours South Island The best tours and activities for culture lovers in South Island Top Day Trips from South Island Things to do in South Island this summer View all South Island Trip Ideas →

Q: What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?

Based on our sales data over the past year, the most popular styles of tours and activities in South Island are: South Island Luxury & Special Occasions South Island Luxury Tours South Island Outdoor Activities South Island Tours & Sightseeing South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours View all tour styles in South Island →

Guided sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

Our Guided Kayak Safari is a great way to spend your time in amazing Akaroa! This is a once in a lifetime chance to paddle …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

4.9 (119)

Guided sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

Our Guided Kayak Safari is a great way to spend your time in amazing Akaroa! This is a once in a lifetime chance to paddle...

2 to 3 hours

4.9 (119)

from
$78

Come and join us on a trip to our favourite place on Lake Wanaka, Mou Waho Island.Where you can find an island, on a lake, …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

4.9 (276)

Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

Come and join us on a trip to our favourite place on Lake Wanaka, Mou Waho Island.Where you can find an island, on a lake,...

3 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (276)

from
$80

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Whakatipu, aboard either the iconic vintage TSS Earnslaw or the sleek Spirit …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (475)

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Whakatipu, aboard either the iconic vintage TSS Earnslaw or the sleek Spirit...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (475)

from
$80

Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake Cruise

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 …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (8)

Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake Cruise

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...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (8)

from
$80

Sail, Seals, and Walk Tour in Abel Tasman

Start your day sailing from Kaiteriteri beach, soaking up the scenery along the stunning coastline, passing the iconic Split Apple Rock and the playful NZ …More

Marahau, New Zealand

4.8 (36)

Sail, Seals, and Walk Tour in Abel Tasman

Start your day sailing from Kaiteriteri beach, soaking up the scenery along the stunning coastline, passing the iconic Split Apple Rock and the playful NZ...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (36)

from
$80

Otago Harbour Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Join us for an invigorating wildlife cruise experience. By the time you get back to your ship you’ll know why Dunedin is the Nature Capital …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.5 (17)

Otago Harbour Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Join us for an invigorating wildlife cruise experience. By the time you get back to your ship you’ll know why Dunedin is the Nature Capital...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.5 (17)

from
$80

Choose the Milford Sound cruise style that suits you: 1. Milford Sound Classic Cruise Package- includes 1 hour 40 minute cruise on one of our …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.8 (539)

Milford Sound Cruise - RealNZ

Choose the Milford Sound cruise style that suits you: 1. Milford Sound Classic Cruise Package- includes 1 hour 40 minute cruise on one of our...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (539)

from
$82

Join this guided full day tour in the historic Pelorus Mail Boat as it delivers mail, groceries, freight, and people to this stunning and remote …More

Havelock, New Zealand

4.8 (326)

Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise

Join this guided full day tour in the historic Pelorus Mail Boat as it delivers mail, groceries, freight, and people to this stunning and remote...

5 to 10 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (326)

from
$83

Mou Waho Island Cruise & Self-Guided Nature Walk

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

4.9 (8)

Mou Waho Island Cruise & Self-Guided Nature Walk

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (8)

from
$85

Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island

Take a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and a 45-minute walking tour in the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island. Your 2.5-hour itinerary departs from Stewart Island …More

Stewart Island / Rakiura, New Zealand

4.8 (92)

Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island

Take a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and a 45-minute walking tour in the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island. Your 2.5-hour itinerary departs from Stewart Island...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (92)

from
$86

Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. With a complimentary tasting of local wine …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.8 (132)

Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. With a complimentary tasting of local wine...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (132)

from
$86

Small-Group Kayak Adventure in Franz Josef Glacier

A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (409)

Small-Group Kayak Adventure in Franz Josef Glacier

A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (409)

from
$91

Stewart Island/Rakiura Half-Day Guided Nature Walk to Oneke

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 …More

Stewart Island / Rakiura, New Zealand

4.8 (11)

Stewart Island/Rakiura Half-Day Guided Nature Walk to Oneke

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...

3 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (11)

from
$92

Enjoy uninterrupted views of glacier-carved cliffs on your Milford Sound cruise aboard modern, spacious and comfortable catamarans. With spacious seating indoors, an open sun deck …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.9 (329)

Milford Sound Cruise

Enjoy uninterrupted views of glacier-carved cliffs on your Milford Sound cruise aboard modern, spacious and comfortable catamarans. With spacious seating indoors, an open sun deck...

1 hour 45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (329)

from
$92

Historic Yacht Cruise and Guided Walk on Lake Te Anau

Cruise across lake Te Anau discover untouched wilderness and timeless heritage. Set out across the fresh waters of Lake Te Anau and journey toward the …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (173)

Historic Yacht Cruise and Guided Walk on Lake Te Anau

Cruise across lake Te Anau discover untouched wilderness and timeless heritage. Set out across the fresh waters of Lake Te Anau and journey toward the...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (173)

from
$95

Champagne Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Te Anau

Step Into Timeless Elegance: Evening Cruises on Te Anau’s Historic 1935 Motor Yacht. Make your way to Te Anau’s charming historic wharf and step aboard …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (63)

Champagne Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Te Anau

Step Into Timeless Elegance: Evening Cruises on Te Anau’s Historic 1935 Motor Yacht. Make your way to Te Anau’s charming historic wharf and step aboard...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (63)

from
$95

Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

Sea kayak from the picturesque Picton foreshore, across the harbour and into the Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Stop on a sandy beach …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (93)

Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

Sea kayak from the picturesque Picton foreshore, across the harbour and into the Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Stop on a sandy beach...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (93)

from
$97

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

A return scenic cruise from Queenstown Bay, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on a vessel of your choice, a farm …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (1,369)

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

A return scenic cruise from Queenstown Bay, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on a vessel of your choice, a farm...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (1,369)

from
$97

Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet

Cruise across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Board the Spirit of Queenstown, a modern catamaran with a licensed bar where you can …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.6 (26)

Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet

Cruise across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Board the Spirit of Queenstown, a modern catamaran with a licensed bar where you can...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (26)

from
$97

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Garden to Table in Queenstown

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 …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (18)

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Garden to Table in Queenstown

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...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (18)

from
$97