Top 10 Boat Tours & Water Sports in South Island, New Zealand

April 4, 2022 Matilde Konrad

Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Skippers Canyon Jet, Milford Sound Experience by Altitude Tours, Seal Swim Kaikoura, Mitre Peak Cruises, Akaroa Dolphins, Family Adventures, Coast up Close, Ecoseaker, Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, GForce Paragliding.
Restaurants in South Island

1. Skippers Canyon Jet

Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,330 reviews

Skippers Canyon Jet

Come with Skippers Canyon Jet and experience unbeatable value as you are taken on a spectacular guided tour of Skippers Canyon followed by a thrilling jet boat ride through the narrowest canyons on the Shotover River. Discover a land rich in gold mining history and breathtaking scenery just a short distance from Queenstown. Skippers Canyon Jet is the must do jet boat trip in Queenstown.

2. Milford Sound Experience by Altitude Tours

Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,105 reviews

Milford Sound Experience by Altitude Tours

Join the Milford Sound Experience for a top rated, unique and interactive small group tour. Travel in luxury and comfort from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound. This full day tour includes return transport, a two hour nature cruise on the Fjord and an picnic lunch on board the cruise. WHY TRAVEL WITH US? - Small group, max 19 people. - Flexibility to escape the crowds with your guide creating a more personalised experience. - Vehicles specifically designed for long distance touring with large panoramic windows, leather reclining seats, free Wifi and bottled water. - Small uncrowded boat cruise (max 70 people) with large panoramic windows and nature guide. Get up close under waterfalls. - New Zealand guides with years of experience into Milford. - Onboard videos with fun kiwi humour and information about the region. - Fly back options with top rated airline companies. Book this tour for a taste of New Zealand!

3. Seal Swim Kaikoura

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

5.0 based on 535 reviews

Seal Swim Kaikoura

Swimming with New Zealand fur seals in the shallow bays of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula really is an experience that you don't want to miss. Tours take 2.5 hours and depart several times daily during summer. No experience is necessary and all equipment is supplied. Many travelers site their seal swimming experience as a highlight of there New Zealand holiday. For more information contact us...

4. Mitre Peak Cruises

Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,034 reviews

Mitre Peak Cruises

Mitre Peak Cruises offer fantastic 2 hour cruises of stunning Milford Sound on its small purpose built boats (maximum capacity 75). Mitre Peak Cruises takes you where the big boats can't go, taking you closer to the waterfalls, wildlife and spectacular scenery of Milford Sound. Coach, fly and helicopter options are available from Queenstown and Te Anau.

5. Akaroa Dolphins

Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,138 reviews

Akaroa Dolphins

Let our crew, including our dolphin spotting dogs, take you on a journey of discovery through the long history of Akaroa harbour and its inhabitants. Our low-lying luxurious, spacious boat ensures you have a closer encounter with the rare Hector’s dolphins. We also endeavour to give you the best possible viewing of our local New Zealand fur seals, penguins and seabirds. Along the way, you will get to see sea caves and other spectacular volcanic formations too. We offer a friendly and comfortable experience that includes complimentary drinks of local award-winning wine, beer or juice, as well as some delicious home baking. Our 100% locally owned and operated business is committed to raising awareness and protecting the marine environment. That is why a portion of your fare goes towards protecting our wildlife. To find out more about our conservation commits please visit our website. Please note, we do not swim with the dolphins.

6. Family Adventures

Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 429 reviews

Family Adventures

A gentle scenic excursion packed with family fun for everyone from 3 to 103 years old. We take a unique 45 min drive into Skippers Canyon, an iconic area steeped in gold mining history, then float down gentle grade 1 and 2 rapids on the famous Shotover River in either guided rafts or inflatable kayaks. See gold mining relics and sheer canyon walls as we navigate the river with rapid swims and rock jumps.

7. Coast up Close

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

5.0 based on 291 reviews

Coast up Close

Experience the fantastic coastline around Akaroa in a spacious and comfortable Kauri launch. Local skipper, Tony, takes small groups to view the amazing wildlife,including penguins,dolphins, fur seals, and spectacular rock formations and sea caves.Terrific photo opportunities!

8. Ecoseaker

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 610 reviews

Ecoseaker

Dolphin Swimming and Harbour Cruise Adventures. Small Professional Family Company 100% Locally Owned & Operated. Only 12 Guests On Each Tour. Personal Experience. Free Dolphin Swimming Photos.

9. Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 641 reviews

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

A unique lake adventure across Lake Mapourika, created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. We experience amazing panoramic views of the glaciers and southern alps, mirror like water and also explore a Kiwi Conservation area amongst some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest. Free photos are included with each tour!

10. GForce Paragliding

Excellent
90%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 890 reviews

GForce Paragliding

Take an exhilarating Tandem Paragliding flight from the top of the Skyline Gondola, Queenstown. A relaxed sightseeing paraglide or an adrenalised adventure paraglide over Queenstown - it's your choice. Why GForce? GFORCE Paragliding are the only company permitted to fly over Queenstown with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. We are Queenstown's most experienced tandem paragliding company, established 1991.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.