Boat cruises

Boat cruises are a great way to relax and see the sights. With so much water in and around New Zealand, you'd be remiss not to include one on your holiday. Boat cruising is a big part of the New Zealand experience, with some of the most beautiful islands, harbours, gulfs and beaches waiting to be explored. The mountainous landscape provides an abundance of pristine lakes and rivers, while the awe-inspiring fiords and glaciers draw in visitors from all around the world. You can hire a punt for an hour on an urban river, or spend days discovering untouched coastline on a sailing vessel, houseboat or motor yacht. Be your own captain or alternatively, hire a professional crew. New Zealand has four main cruising grounds—the Bay of Islands and Hauraki Gulf in the North Island, and the Marlborough Sounds and Fiordland in the South Island—where you can decide to glide through on a day cruise or overnight boating trip. Some areas can even be enjoyed from the comfort of a cruise ship.