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: Larnach Castle & Otago Wildlife Cruise from Dunedin Milford Sound Cruise: Stunning Views & Optional Picnic or Buffet Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown Milford Sound Nature Cruise with Southern Discoveries Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

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 →

Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular wildlife. Visit …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.8 (198)

Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular wildlife. Visit...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (198)

from
$99

The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery and …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.7 (140)

Marlborough Sounds Ultimate Cruise

The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery and...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (140)

from
$99

This tour offers an amazing fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! Guided by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you are sure to spot some rare …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.7 (28)

Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

This tour offers an amazing fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! Guided by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you are sure to spot some rare...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (28)

from
$99

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 (80)

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 (80)

from
$100

Enjoy a two hour cruise traversing the deep waters of Milford Sound, located in Fiordland. Your cruise will take you past St Anne’s lighthouse and …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.9 (1,589)

2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Enjoy a two hour cruise traversing the deep waters of Milford Sound, located in Fiordland. Your cruise will take you past St Anne’s lighthouse and...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (1,589)

from
$102

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 (254)

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 (254)

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 (382)

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 (382)

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

Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (203)

Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor....

90 to 120 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (203)

from
$108

Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

Rated one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand. Join our boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound the "local" way. We limit …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.9 (3,165)

Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

Rated one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand. Join our boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound the "local" way. We limit...

1 hour 45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (3,165)

from
$108

Dunedin Wildlife Cruise-Albatross, seals and harbour

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago Harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (136)

Dunedin Wildlife Cruise-Albatross, seals and harbour

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago Harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor....

90 to 120 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (136)

from
$109

Larnach Castle Tour & Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Join our guide for a personalised tour of Larnach Castle and learn about Dunedin's early history along the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Otago …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (30)

Larnach Castle Tour & Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Join our guide for a personalised tour of Larnach Castle and learn about Dunedin's early history along the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Otago...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (30)

from
$111

Milford Sound Cruise with Live Nature Guide and Hot Drinks

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. …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.9 (21)

Milford Sound Cruise with Live Nature Guide and Hot Drinks

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....

2 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (21)

from
$114

Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National Park

Explore the National Park with a morning water taxi, a short walk and an afternoon sail. Board your water taxi for 10.30 am departure from …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.7 (36)

Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National Park

Explore the National Park with a morning water taxi, a short walk and an afternoon sail. Board your water taxi for 10.30 am departure from...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (36)

from
$122

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
$124

Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island

This Wildlife and Dolphin tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! You will have the opportunity to see rare seas …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (53)

Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island

This Wildlife and Dolphin tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! You will have the opportunity to see rare seas...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (53)

from
$128

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 (65)

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 (65)

from
$131

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
$132

Stewart Island: Rakiura Wild Kiwi Experiences

Choose from two unique experiences: Wild Kiwi Encounter: Embark on an unforgettable journey into the wild landscapes of Rakiura Stewart Island as day turns to …More

Stewart Island / Rakiura, New Zealand

4.9 (80)

Stewart Island: Rakiura Wild Kiwi Experiences

Choose from two unique experiences: Wild Kiwi Encounter: Embark on an unforgettable journey into the wild landscapes of Rakiura Stewart Island as day turns to...

5 hours 20 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (80)

from
$137