Being a long, narrow country, you are never far from the coast in New Zealand. Combine coastal waters with the numerous rivers that link mountains and sea and you’ll find many opportunities for on-water experiences. The South Island is particularly scenic and there are a number of fantastic cruises and journeys by boat that offer up once in a lifetime scenic experiences.
We’ve previously highlighted boat trips and cruises of the North Island. Here, we offer a selection of boat trips and cruises on the coastal waters and interior waterways of, Te Waipounamu, the South Island. We’d strongly recommend including some of these memorable experiences on your South Island tour itinerary.
Interislander Ferry in the Marlborough Sounds
Many visitors’ first view of the South Island is from the deck of The Interislander Ferry. Linking the North and South Islands of New Zealand, the ferry takes passengers and vehicles (including trains) and connects State Highway 1 in both islands to complete its north-south journey.
The ferry crossing takes around 3 and a half hours and crosses Cook Strait, the narrow channel that separates North from South. One of the most compelling reasons for tourists to choose the Interislander ferry is the stunning and natural beauty of the journey. The ferry route takes travelers through the Marlborough Sounds, a series of picturesque waterways surrounded by lush forests and rugged coastlines. It’s a memorable opportunity to soak in New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes as you travel from one island to the other.
The Marlborough Sounds is the scenic entry point to the South Island, located in the north of the island. And it’s well worth spending a few days in the surrounding Marlborough region, known for its wine and produce.
The Marlborough Sounds Seafood Cruise, combines local delicacies with a chance to explore the beautiful waters of ‘The Sounds’. It is a popular and highly recommended experience for tourists visiting the region.
Enjoy a delectable blend of culinary delights, natural beauty, and maritime exploration. And savor the best of what the Marlborough Sounds have to offer. This trip is a delight for foodies and boating-enthusiasts alike.
Queen Charlotte to Ship Cove Cruise
If being out on the water is your thing, you should also consider cruising in the wake of the famous explorer Captain James Cook on The Queen Charlotte to Ship Cove Cruise. This captivating maritime journey take you across the pristine waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound. to a cove where Cook spent considerable time in the eighteenth century.
This cruise is not only a scenic delight, but is also steeped in historical significance, as it allows tourists to trace a small but key section of Cook’s history-making voyages. Experience a blend of the Sounds’ rich maritime heritage, natural beauty and relaxation, while taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife.
Traveling west from Marlborough you’ll find the Tasman region (more wine and tasty produce for gourmands looking for taste experiences!), Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park. This region also has its echoes of past explorers being named for Abel Tasman, a dutch explorer who was the first European to “discover” Aotearoa New Zealand. It is also renowned for its stunning beaches and high sunshine hours.
And a great way to explore the park and experience the beaches and the sun is a boat trip which incorporate a chance to walk a section of the world-renowned hiking trail located in New Zealand’s Abel Tasman National Park. The Abel Tasman walk and cruise offers an enjoyable way to explore the coastal beauty in all her glory. It’s a must-do when visiting the Tasman region.
Is hiking a passion of yours? Then getting out on the Abel Tasman track, one of the country’s “Great Walks”, is a double must-do. It’s celebrated for its chance to enjoy coastal beauty, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters. And it’s relatively flat and easily combined with a kayaking or boat trip experience. Not to be missed!
Heading to the South Island’s largest city, Christchurch, you’ll find the most sedate and short boating experience on our list. Punting on the Avon River in Christchurch is a classic and serene experience that has been enjoyed by tourists and locals alike for many years. It’s iconic and memorable amongst Christchurch experiences.
This leisurely activity offers a unique perspective on the city, combining natural beauty with a touch of elegance. This is traditional punting and reminiscent of the iconic boats used in Cambridge and Oxford.
Head out on the gently flowing Avon, in a flat-bottomed boats, known as “punts”, which are poled along the river by highly skilled guides. It is a wonderful and relaxing way to make your way through ‘The Garden City’.
Akaroa is an historic seaside town near Christchurch. It was originally settled by the French and today retains a little bit of the culture. The Akaroa Harbour cruise offers a well-rounded experience that combines natural wonders, wildlife encounters, informative commentary and a touch of local culture.
It’s a memorable way to explore the beauty and charm of Akaroa while appreciating the unique marine life of New Zealand’s South Island. Whether wildlife or history is your thing, or you’re seeking a peaceful and enjoyable day on the water, an Akaroa Harbour Cruise is an excellent choice.
Okarito Lagoon Cruise
Okarito Lagoon is a coastal lagoon, located on the rugged West Coast of the South Island. From Christchurch its an alpine drive or train journey across the island and scenic coastal drive. It is the largest unmodified coastal wetland in New Zealand and is home to many birds and wildlife species.
The joy of an Okarito Lagoon Cruise lies in it’s offering of a rare opportunity to experience the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand’s wilderness. Observe diverse wildlife and connect with nature in a serene and tranquil setting. Nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply seeking an authentic natural escape? This cruise provides an unforgettable journey into a pristine wilderness.
Haast River Safari
Further south down the West Coast, Haast is a small hamlet set alongside the Haast River in remote South Westland, near the many attractions of the Haast Pass. Our previous few boating experiences are relatively sedate and imbued with serenity..
The Haast River Safari adds a dose of adrenalin. It stands out as a remarkable experience combining breathtaking scenery, jet boating thrills, informative guides. Not to mention, an opportunity to explore the untouched wilderness. Adventure enthusiast? Nature lover? Seeking an authentic and exhilarating outdoor experience? This safari provides an unforgettable and exhilarating journey through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscape.
Speaking of jetboat experiences, they don’t come more iconic than Queenstown’s, Shotover Jet. This is a world-renowned tourist attraction that has been wowing visitors for decades. It’s famous for its thrilling jet boat rides through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River.
The powerful jet boats can travel at speeds of up to 85 kilometres per hour in as little as 10cm of water. Add the treat of breathtaking views of the surrounding Southern Alps and the sheer rock faces of the canyons, and you have a special experience. Be prepared to get up close and personal with those rock faces as you speed along the river.
Established by, commercial jet boating pioneer, Sir Harry Wigley in 1965, it was one of the first-ever commercial jet boat operations in the world. It gave the river, once more famous for its gold-production than thrills, a new claim to fame. And it continues to provide a standout exhilarating experience in a town offering visitors a lot of exhilaration.
Feeling adventurous? Venture further up the Shotover for The Skippers Canyon jet boat tour. This an exciting and educational adventure that combines scenic beauty, history and adventure activities. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience the rugged landscapes and gold rush history of this remarkable canyon near Queenstown. Take it all in on a thrilling jetboat excursion.
Looking for something a little more relaxing? The TSS Earnslaw is a 1912 Edwardian twin screw steamer based on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Launched the same year as the Titanic, it is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the region.
Cruising Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw is perhaps the quintessential, more-sedate, Queenstown experience. You’ll enjoy a delightful blend of vintage charm, scenic beauty and relaxation. This enchanting and nostalgic trip allows you to step back in time and appreciate the natural beauty of the Queenstown region
And travellers who like to explore how things work, will enjoy time to explore the vessel, view the engine room and study historic displays of the steamship’s former life.
Milford Sound Cruises
From one quintessential visitor experience to another. Head south to Fiordland National Park for a visit to Milford Sound, which is truly worth of the title ‘iconic’. This fiord (yes it’s actually not a ‘Sound’) is located in the Southwest of the South Island and offers stunning scenery. And Milford Sound cruises are one of the most popular tourist activities in New Zealand — must-dos don’t come any more must-do. Plus there are lots of things to see and do in Milford Sound.
Known for it’s stunning natural beauty, including towering waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and pristine waters, Milford Sound has often been described as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Indeed, author Rudyard Kipling called it the ‘eighth wonder of the world’.
Take in the scenery on a Milford Sound cruise day cruise. Or stay overnight on the “Fiordland Navigator” and fully immerse yourself in the quiet of this special place after day-trippers depart. This relaxed experience with stargazing, freshly prepared food from the chef, and stunning natural beauty all around you is very special.
Looking to venture further beyond the crowds and explore a more remote ‘pristine natural wonder’? Further south and not accessible by road, Doubtful Sound boats boasts untouched native rainforest, cascading waterfalls and wildlife around every corner.
An overnight stay onboard a vessel that has been designed along the lines of a traditional scow is an unforgettable experience. The boat blends old world charm with modern comforts. It offers spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with a fully licensed bar and an observation lounge.
This is an unforgettable journey into the world of natural wonder, dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. It’s an immersive experience and a chance to escape into the remote wilderness of Fiordland and create lasting memories. You chance to fully embrace the pristine wilderness and breathtaking beauty of this remote Fiordland.
Lake Hauroko Cruise
Further south again, Lake Hauroko is the deepest lake in New Zealand and is located in a mountain valley in Fiordland at the start of the Dusky track. A Lake Hauroko cruise is a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience in New Zealands South Island. This clacial lake offers visitors a tranquil and unspoiled natural setting.
Surrounded by lush native rainforest, Lake Hauroko is relatively isolated and less frequented, providing a peaceful atmosphere. The absence of urban noise, allows a large variety of local bird species to thrive in their natural habitat.
This is a place few tourists get to and an opportunity to be truly immersed in New Zealand’s scenic beauty. It’s also a place to get one up on people who’ve visited the much more well known Wanaka Tree by finding Hauroko’s tree in the lake.
So, there you have it, a selection of South Island boat trips and cruises. There are more we haven’t got space for here. And venturing further south to Rakiura / Stewart Island will involve and offer more boating experiences. But now it should be clear that water adjacent experiences abound on the South Island and your tour itinerary should include some of them.
Contact us to discuss a South Island tour experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.
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