The 10 Best Boat Tours & Water Sports in Waikato Region, North Island

August 26, 2021 Janean Rudisill

Waikato (/ˈwaɪkɑːtɔː/ or /ˈwaɪkætoʊ/) is a local government region of the upper North Island of New Zealand. It covers the Waikato, Hauraki, Coromandel Peninsula, the northern King Country, much of the Taupo District, and parts of Rotorua District. It is governed by the Waikato Regional Council.
Restaurants in Waikato Region

1. Hukafalls Jet

Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,266 reviews

Hukafalls Jet

Hukafalls Jet is the only jet boat company permitted to take you to the base of the mighty Huka Falls for unique water-level views. This half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along the beautiful Waikato River, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and hot water streams. You’ll travel in one of our state of the art jet boats at an incredible 80km an hour and along the way you’ll experience our thrilling 360° spins. Operating on this stretch of the river since 1990, Hukafalls Jet has an outstanding record of professionalism and safety. Nothing gets you closer to the mighty Huka Falls!

2. Rapids Jet

Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,720 reviews

Rapids Jet

The Jet Boat is a New Zealand icon, and jet boating is a favourite activity for Kiwis. Set in the beautiful Aratiatia Scenic Reserve is New Zealand’s best white water Jet Boat Ride, Rapids Jet.Conveniently located just 15 minutes drive north of Taupo and 50 minutes south of Rotorua, Rapids Jet operates on the biggest rapids for commercial jetboating in New Zealand.Shoot through a narrow canyon, be exhilarated by spins on crystal clear waters, spot a trout and surf the pressure waves of the awesome Nga AwaPurua rapids. Take time to view the amazing surrounds of Aratiatia Scenic Reserve, and learn about the wildlife and history of the area with your Kiwi owner/drivers Rusty, Jimmy and Gazza.Our 35 minute blast guarantees an adrenaline rush! Since 1993, over 140,000 passengers aged 5-89 years have safely experienced the thrill of real white water jet boating with Rapids Jet.We have thousands of hours experience driving jet boats both in New Zealand and overseas, so you can be sure you are in safe hands with Rapids Jet. Let us share our love of jet boating with you, book a ride on Rapids Jet today.

3. Rafting New Zealand

Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,535 reviews

Rafting New Zealand

Kia Ora and Welcome to Rafting New Zealand. A family run business established in 1991. We raft the best rivers, providing family fun rafting for ages 3 years and up all the way through to extreme whitewater action. With professional, fun, Kiwi guides, premier gear and facilities, Maori culture and an excellent safety record, book with us to experience the thrill of rafting, Aotearoa styles. Rafting NZ is NZ's most awarded rafting company.

4. Hahei Explorer Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 420 reviews

Hahei Explorer Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

Explore world famous Cathedral Cove and the many highlights of our spectacular volcanic coastline in one hour. Our 10 seater boats keep tour groups small and allow us to venture into spectacular sea caves - including a hidden underground blowhole, (high tide only) and get up close and personal with the abundant marine life in the marine reserve.

5. Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises

Excellent
95%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 469 reviews

Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises

Boat tour cruise of Cathedral Cove, Cooks Beach, Hahei, marine reserve, caves and beaches, includes swimming and snorkeling if conditions suit Department of Conservation Mammal watching permit

6. Kiwi Cave Rafting

Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,362 reviews

Kiwi Cave Rafting

Kiwi Cave Rafting (origionally Rap Raft 'n' Rock) combines 5 spectacular caving adventures into one great value 5 hour tour. Clients abseil down into the cave then go caving, blackwater rafting, see a huge glow worm display and rock climb out. We are 100% locally owned and operated. Our cave is totally natural. We take small groups with a maximum of 6 people. To join the adventure call: 0800 228 372.

7. Raglan Kayak & Paddleboard

Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 108 reviews

Raglan Kayak & Paddleboard

"We're about Good Times!"With Raglan Kayak & SUP Adventures you can explore the unique limestone coast, private bays, beaches and inspiring landscapes full of colourful history.Wether you are a good old kiwi, a tourist, business group or planning a school camp, we got nice excursions waiting to tickel your fancies! Call us to make a booking..

8. Tongariro River Rafting

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,207 reviews

Tongariro River Rafting

Tongariro River Rafting is the most experienced outdoor adventure company on the Tongariro River. We create journeys, share stories and bring people closer to nature through biking, fishing and rafting. We celebrate 25 years as a family owned and operated business in 2015. We're passionate about showing off our amazing region to visitors and are dedicated to preserving the natural environment of the Tongariro River for future generations – so much so, we founded the Blue Duck Project – with the goal of returning the rare native Blue Duck to its traditional habitat along the Tongariro River. Our adventures include Grade 3 white water rafting trips, family floats for the younger rafters or first timers, mountain biking and fishing. On your Grade 3 white water rafting trip, you will have an unforgettable 2.5 hours navigating over 60 heart-pounding rapids with an expert guide at the helm. All of our guides are highly trained professionals and our equipment is top quality. You'll even enjoy a deli style lunch after your trip (hot soup in winter). Prepare yourself for one of the most stunning white water rafting adventures in New Zealand – we know this river like the back of our paddle! “Oar-some!!”

9. Cave Cruzer

Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 349 reviews

Cave Cruzer

Cave Cruzer Boat Tours is the original Whitianga Marine Adventure Tour. Our open vessel gives you 360 degree unimpeded views, NO ROOF means you can experience the full height of the majestic landscape and will take you into places that other boats cannot. You will learn local history of interest and visit caves, blowholes and the Marine Reserve where you will see an abundant amount of sea life. We take you to the world famous Cathedral Cove, the beautiful set used for part of the Prince Caspian/Narnia movies. Shakespeares Cliff, Cooks Blowhole, Champagne Rock and the Orua Sea Cave (NZ's 2nd biggest sea cave), to name a few. NZ fur seals can be seen frolicking in the crystal clear waters from time to time and if you are really lucky, we have a NZ Department of Conservation licence to view all Marine life in the area. Safety is paramount and we as a company are committed to providing you with the best experience in the 'Bay' on the day. This area is a photographers dream!

10. Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga

Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,338 reviews

Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga

Explore some of the Coromandels most specular coast line including Cathedral Cove. Get close to the stunning volcanic rock formations, pinnacles and sea caves. What sets us above the rest is we take your below to explore the under water world of the Marine Reserve. Spot many different species of fish plus crayfish, stingrays, octopus, kinna and more. Watch the marine life through the glass in the comfort of the cabin or take the plunge and experience sensational snorkeling with equipment provided. Our experienced crew will entertain you with a fun commentary enriched with history and information on the area. Our mammal watch permit allows us to view dolphins and orcas when they visit.

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