Opportunities for water travel are almost everywhere in New Zealand. Ferries and water taxis can get you from A to B, or simply take you on a joy ride.
Our most famous ferry route is between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island. As well as transporting you and your vehicle, this journey showcases the extraordinary beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. Sightings of dolphins, whales and fur seals are common. To find out more about crossing the Cook Strait visit Bluebridge or the Interislander.
If you find yourself in Auckland, Wanganui or Queenstown, a paddlesteamer cruise should definitely be on the agenda. In the Bay of Islands, the ‘hole in the rock’ cruise to the tip of Cape Brett is a star attraction.
Water taxis are a handy service for getting to the start of a hiking track or reaching a destination that isn’t accessible by ferry. Most water taxi operators can also put together a customised scenic tour of local sights.
