Top South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours

Q: Which South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water 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: 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 →

Arthurs Pass Jet Boating and TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (10)

Arthurs Pass Jet Boating and TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (10)

from
$341

Combines helicopter flight and jet boat safari in one experience Scenic flight over the Southern Alps and the braided Waimakariri River High-speed jet boat ride …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury

Combines helicopter flight and jet boat safari in one experience Scenic flight over the Southern Alps and the braided Waimakariri River High-speed jet boat ride...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$515

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
$86

Kaikoura Helicopters Helijet – The Ultimate Helicopter & Jet Boat Shore Excursion Depart from our beachfront helipads for a scenic helicopter tour of the stunning …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Kaikoura Helicopters Helijet

Kaikoura Helicopters Helijet – The Ultimate Helicopter & Jet Boat Shore Excursion Depart from our beachfront helipads for a scenic helicopter tour of the stunning...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$355

Te Anau Jetboat Experience, Kepler Guided Hike, Transport & Lunch

The most scenic jet boat ride ever: see actual “Lord of the Rings” film locations on the way down to the beautiful Lake Manapouri. On …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Te Anau Jetboat Experience, Kepler Guided Hike, Transport & Lunch

The most scenic jet boat ride ever: see actual “Lord of the Rings” film locations on the way down to the beautiful Lake Manapouri. On...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$257

Milford Sound Small Group Tour and Cruise from Queenstown Max 8

Experience Milford Sound in a more comfortable and personal way on this premium small-group day tour from Queenstown. This is not a standard Milford Sound …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Milford Sound Small Group Tour and Cruise from Queenstown Max 8

Experience Milford Sound in a more comfortable and personal way on this premium small-group day tour from Queenstown. This is not a standard Milford Sound...

12 hours 45 minutes Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (5)

from
$467

Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

Allow 4 hours 2 landings: Milford Sound & Alpine landing Over The Top Helicopters are pleased to offer a personal scenic helicopter flight to Milford …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (19)

Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

Allow 4 hours 2 landings: Milford Sound & Alpine landing Over The Top Helicopters are pleased to offer a personal scenic helicopter flight to Milford...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (19)

from
$1,234

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (38)

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (38)

from
$566

Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$223

Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch

Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on this premium small group tour from Te Anau to Queenstown, featuring a boutique cruise on Milford …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch

Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on this premium small group tour from Te Anau to Queenstown, featuring a boutique cruise on Milford...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$212

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.2 (36)

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.2 (36)

from
$69

Akaroa Full Day Tour Including Harbor Nature Cruise from Christchurch

Discover the coastal town of Akaroa on a day tour from Christchurch. Enjoy a 2-hour Harbour Nature Cruise. Encounter panoramic views, boutique shops, waterfront cafes, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Akaroa Full Day Tour Including Harbor Nature Cruise from Christchurch

Discover the coastal town of Akaroa on a day tour from Christchurch. Enjoy a 2-hour Harbour Nature Cruise. Encounter panoramic views, boutique shops, waterfront cafes,...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$373

Arthur’s Pass Tour with Jet-Boat Ride from Christchurch

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.5 (2)

Arthur’s Pass Tour with Jet-Boat Ride from Christchurch

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.5 (2)

from
$214

New Zealand: Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

New Zealand: Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not...

9 days

5.0 (5)

from
$6,638

Start your day with a 3.5 - 4 hour freedom walk along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track through native forest to Anchorage Bay. At 1.15 …More

Motueka, New Zealand

4.6 (11)

Anchorage Walk and Sail

Start your day with a 3.5 - 4 hour freedom walk along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track through native forest to Anchorage Bay. At 1.15...

8 hours Free Cancellation

4.6 (11)

from
$87

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Cruise Abel Tasman to Golden Bay

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for...

9 hours 45 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$316

Private Yacht Cruise in the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand

Experience the adventure of a lifetime as we take you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Escape to a world of breathtaking …More

Picton, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private Yacht Cruise in the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand

Experience the adventure of a lifetime as we take you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Escape to a world of breathtaking...

8 to 9 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$5,464

3 Day Kaikoura Sealife and Coastal Tour from Christchurch

Available 01 October to 30 April. Seals, dolphins and whales - what more could you want in a three-day break! Head north from Christchurch to …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

3 Day Kaikoura Sealife and Coastal Tour from Christchurch

Available 01 October to 30 April. Seals, dolphins and whales - what more could you want in a three-day break! Head north from Christchurch to...

3 days

from
$1,041

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers are based on answers previously given to Cool Shore Excursions customers' questions.

What are the best options for South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours?

What are the best kid-friendly options for South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best kid-friendly South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours are:

View all kid-friendly Tours →

Which South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours have Instant Confirmation?

Which South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours have Free Cancellation?

South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours with Free Cancellation (in most cases up to 24 hours in advance of your tour date, check the specific tour page) include:

View all Tours with Free Cancellation →

I need a ride! Which South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours include Hotel Pickup:

View all Tours with Hotel Pickup →

Got any more South Island trip ideas?

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