Boat cruises are a great way to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of New Zealand's coastline and islands. With so many options and sights around the country, you'll definitely want to include a maritime adventure on your trip.

Boat cruising is a big part of the New Zealand experience. We have beautiful islands, harbours, gulfs and beaches waiting to be explored. Our mountainous landscape provides an abundance of pristine lakes and rivers, while our awe-inspiring fiords, sounds and glaciers draw visitors from all over the world.

You can hire a punt for an hour on an urban river, or spend days discovering untouched coast on a sailing vessel, houseboat or motor yacht. Be your own captain or hire professional crew.

New Zealand has four main cruising grounds – the Bay of Islands and Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf in the North Island, and the Marlborough Sounds and Fiordland in the South Island. Glide through these majestic places on a day cruise or overnight boating trip. Some areas can even be enjoyed from the comfort of a cruise ship.

New Zealanders love to be out on the water, so why not come and join us? You're sure to be rewarded with sights and scenery, invisible from the land, that will simply astound you.

Find boat cruises

Looking for a sailing experience?

Take the scenic route by ferry