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: Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake Cruise

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: Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise View all kid-friendly Tours →

Q: Which South Island Boat Tours have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Boat Tours with Instant Confirmation include: Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri 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: Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise 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: Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch) 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 →

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

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound and enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. Surrounded by some of …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (398)

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound and enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. Surrounded by some of...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (398)

from
$486

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (446)

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (446)

from
$140

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

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

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

Air Milford hosts you on an intimate experience, combining two incredible scenic flights into Fiordland National Park with a Nature Cruise through the fiord itself. Enjoy …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (211)

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

Air Milford hosts you on an intimate experience, combining two incredible scenic flights into Fiordland National Park with a Nature Cruise through the fiord itself. Enjoy...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (211)

from
$505

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 (326)

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 (326)

from
$91

Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

Lake Cruise and Mou Waho Island Nature Walk • A “must see” in Wanaka, take a 30 minute cruise to the remote, predator free Mou …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (183)

Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

Lake Cruise and Mou Waho Island Nature Walk • A “must see” in Wanaka, take a 30 minute cruise to the remote, predator free Mou...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (183)

from
$162

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

Larnach Castle & Otago Wildlife Cruise from Dunedin

Visit the stunning Larnach Castle. Explore the scenic Otago Peninsula and enjoy a special Monarch Wildlife Cruise. Your guide will take you on a one-hour …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (79)

Larnach Castle & Otago Wildlife Cruise from Dunedin

Visit the stunning Larnach Castle. Explore the scenic Otago Peninsula and enjoy a special Monarch Wildlife Cruise. Your guide will take you on a one-hour...

5 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (79)

from
$101

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise ex Te Anau Stunning Views with Lunch

Embark on a stress-free Milford Sound adventure from Te Anau. We'll do the driving as you relax in our premium coaches, designed for unbeatable views …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.8 (144)

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise ex Te Anau Stunning Views with Lunch

Embark on a stress-free Milford Sound adventure from Te Anau. We'll do the driving as you relax in our premium coaches, designed for unbeatable views...

8 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (144)

from
$187

Milford Sound Cruise: Stunning Views & Optional Picnic or Buffet

Get closer to Milford Sound's natural wonders aboard our spacious, purpose-built catamarans. Enjoy more room to move around, with incredible views from our outdoor viewing …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.6 (252)

Milford Sound Cruise: Stunning Views & Optional Picnic or Buffet

Get closer to Milford Sound's natural wonders aboard our spacious, purpose-built catamarans. Enjoy more room to move around, with incredible views from our outdoor viewing...

1 hour 45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (252)

from
$102

Milford Sound Nature Cruise with Southern Discoveries

Discover Milford Sound with the experts. For over 70 years, we've shared our passion for the natural wonders of Milford Sound. Our premium catamarans are …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.7 (381)

Milford Sound Nature Cruise with Southern Discoveries

Discover Milford Sound with the experts. For over 70 years, we've shared our passion for the natural wonders of Milford Sound. Our premium catamarans are...

1 hour 45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (381)

from
$102

Mou Waho Island Cruise and Guided Nature Walk

Cruise to unique Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk to the natural glacial lake on top of the island . Once aboard our …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

4.9 (76)

Mou Waho Island Cruise and Guided Nature Walk

Cruise to unique Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk to the natural glacial lake on top of the island . Once aboard our...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (76)

from
$102

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour from Te Anau

Join talented and knowledgeable guides on a journey along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. All guides have unique and insightful stories to share, …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

4.5 (81)

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour from Te Anau

Join talented and knowledgeable guides on a journey along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. All guides have unique and insightful stories to share,...

7 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.5 (81)

from
$130

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
$85

The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

Paddle down New Zealands most beautiful river. Join our experienced, friendly guides on an eye-opening, fun adventure paddling down the scenic Pelorus river. Includes short …More

Havelock, New Zealand

4.9 (171)

The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

Paddle down New Zealands most beautiful river. Join our experienced, friendly guides on an eye-opening, fun adventure paddling down the scenic Pelorus river. Includes short...

3 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (171)

from
$122

The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.8 (324)

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (324)

from
$76

The jet boat is the mode of transport, the river safari is the attraction. The jet boat will take you safely up the river into …More

4.9 (130)

2-Hour Waiatoto River Jetboat Safari

The jet boat is the mode of transport, the river safari is the attraction. The jet boat will take you safely up the river into...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (130)

from
$183

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will love the Peninsula Encounters + Wildlife Cruise. This tour enjoys unrivalled access to remote locations and rare animals. You'll visit …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.8 (64)

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour & Cruise

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will love the Peninsula Encounters + Wildlife Cruise. This tour enjoys unrivalled access to remote locations and rare animals. You'll visit...

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (64)

from
$130