New Zealand · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Fiords, drowned river valleys, glacial lakes and a whale trench a few kilometres offshore. The 15 below range from a ninety-minute lake cruise to a full day in the Sounds, each priced and clear about how long you are actually on the water.
Review of Waitomo Glowworm Caves by boat, with cave highlights, guide quality, value, access, practical tips, and who should book.
“very engaging guide Alex. The tour and experience was well done. i might suggest restricting the experience to people 3 and up.”
Review of Kaikoura Whale Watching Cruise, with sperm whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, practical tips, price, timing, and seasickness advice.
“It was great, well thought out, excellent commentary from the guide, excellent spotting of sea creatures. They could maybe emphasize more strongly at the check-in that the conditions are very bad for people suffering from motion sickness. I had lots of fun on this "free" amusement park ride, but it was puke town all around and most people spent their whole time on the boat vomiting in volumes. That being said, they were informing at check-in that there is increased risk of seasickness, I just think most fellas in the moment don't grasp how bad it can be. They then decide to hop on anyways, and neither see the whales,…”
Review of the Milford Sound small group tour from Queenstown, with scenic stops, a two-hour cruise, lunch, guide tips, and practical advice.
“The day started early and it's quite a long drive there and back but we did get to stop along the way to grab a quick bite. Our guide/driver was Jess and she was awesome! She provided lots of information and history about New Zealand and tried to keep us interested during our long journey. Once we arrived, we did the Milford Sound cruise (which includes lunch on the boat). It was an amazing experience and the views are incredible. This tour provides an easy way to see Milford Sound although if you're prone to car sickness, I would recommend taking something for that as as times it is quite…”
Review of Cruise Milford NZ, a small boat tour with live commentary, hot drinks, waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and Mitre Peak.
“Nice and relaxed boat trip in the beautiful Milford Sound fjord. Free coffee and thee with cookies and allowed to bring your own sandwiches. If going by car from Queenstown, please allow for plenty more time to travel as the last part of the Read more”
Review of Kaikoura whale watching by boat, with sperm whales, dolphins, albatross, practical tips, sea conditions, pricing, and refund details.
“Took 40 mins or so to get out to the whale area. Interesting commentary and good graphics. Glad we took the sea sickness pills as sea was described as moderate - I would have said quite choppy. Saw a sperm whale for at least 5 minutes before it dived. All worth it. Sea birds were fantastic too esp the acrobatics of the albatross. Crew all kind and helpful too”
Review of Queenstown’s Walter Peak BBQ cruise, with lake views, local food, farm dogs, sheep shearing, prices, tips, and practical advice.
“The BBQ was amazing! So much food and choices! Absolutely one of the best meals I. Queenstown. The farm show was also very enjoyable!”
Review of Milford Sound’s 2-hour small boat cruise, with waterfalls, wildlife, skipper commentary, practical tips, parking, and value advice.
“Best cruise in my entire life. With the most beautiful place on earth.”
Race through Shotover River canyons on a thrilling Queenstown jet boat ride with 360 spins, scenic views, skilled drivers, and useful planning tips.
“It was awesome. Teens loved it and enjoyed getting wet on the back row. Would def recommend. Very well organised”
Review of Altitude Tours’ Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown, with small groups, scenic stops, picnic lunch, and a 1hr 45min cruise.
“Amazing day visiting Milford sound! We were blessed with a rare sunny day and our guide made extra stops for us to admire the beauty! At the end they also offer for you to fly back via Venice flight if weather permits, DO IT. Absolute highlight of the experience and trip!”
Cruise Akaroa Harbour by catamaran, spot Hector’s dolphins, seals, and penguins, and enjoy a local drink, cookie, and expert commentary.
“Lovely time out. Lots of good information. Saw dolphins and seals. Comfortable boat. Enjoyable trip. Love the dog Albi.”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise the fiord, and return by a different route on this scenic half-day True South tour.
“The flight was cancelled due to weather conditions- I feel we should we notified sooner rather than last min so alternate arrangements can be made”
Review the Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise, with wildlife tips, itinerary details, value, comfort, and booking advice.
“Enjoyed dolphins , glimpses of penguins but no whales despite valiant attempt by crew. Great education!”
Review of KJet’s Queenstown jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau, and Shotover rivers, with pricing, route details, tips, and who should go.
“A great experience. Exhilarating and informative. Weather excellent and yes I would do it again.”
Review of RealNZ’s Queenstown to Milford Sound coach and cruise tour, with scenic stops, practical tips, costs, timing, and honest advice.
“We had Levi as our driver on the bus. He made the long drive a pleasant experience by sharing his knowledge about the country and other stories. It was noticeable thst he really cares about making the trip special and enjoyable for the passengers! Thank you so much !”
Review of the Queenstown to Milford Sound flight and cruise, with scenic routes, boat details, costs, weather advice, and booking tips.
“This was a great way to see Milford Sound from Queenstown. We were prepared to make the drive, but that would have been a mistake. They picked us up at our hotel, drove us to the airport flight center, and flew us over incredible picturesque territory, including Milford Sound before landing at a small airstrip by the docks where the sight-seeing boats leave from. They bus us the two-minute trip to the docks and organized which boats we were going on. All was done for us. The boat trip was comfortable and provided a great tour of the Sound. The return trip on the airplane was on a different route;…”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
