With rivers, lakes, fiords, sounds and straights to explore it’s no wonder some of the South Island’s most iconic tours involve boat trips. Keen to leave dry land behind for a while? Keep reading our list of the top 12 boat trips in the South Island.
Māpua Ferry
The Māpua Ferry is one of the shortest boat trips on this list, plying the route between Māpua and Rabbit Island. It’s a fun day trip from Nelson — hang out in Māpua and eat some nice food then catch the ferry to Rabbit Island for some beach time.
Punting on the Avon
A relaxing boat ride down the Avon River is a unique South Island experience — a scene more reminiscent of England than New Zealand. The Avon River snakes through the city, with the punting trips taking you through the greener areas. Tours start from the Antigua Boat Sheds, one of our favourite photo spots in Christchurch.
Whale Watching in Kaikoura
Kaikoura’s most iconic residents hang out just offshore and it’s easy to see them on a whale watching tour (not guaranteed though — we didn’t see any on our tour so I had to borrow the photo below from a friend).
It’s a beautiful spot for a boat tour too, with snow-capped mountains towering over the coastline. We might not have seen any whales on our tour but we did see lots of dusky dolphins which almost made up for it.
Otago Harbour
A quick boat ride from either Port Chalmers or Portobello brings you to a unique little island. Quarantine Island, sitting in the middle of Otago Harbour, is home to lots of interesting history as well as some great views. A different angle of the famous Otago Harbour than most see. Another option is the Monarch, which travels to the end of the Otago Peninsula in search of wildlife including sea lions and albatross.
Akaroa Dolphin Tour
Tiny Hector’s Dolphins are the star attractions of Akaroa Harbour. You’ll see them on boat trips, which leave from downtown Akaroa and head out past the shelter of Banks Peninsula. Lots of great views and you’ll struggle to get a cooler dolphin watching experience — thanks in part to the cutest dolphin spotting dog!
Jet Boating
You can do jet boating in several rivers around the South Island, with Queenstown being the typical place to do it. Jet boats offer a far different experience to the other boat trips on this list — a fast, thrilling and slightly dangerous activity (accidents do occasionally happen).
Stewart Island
Known as one of the roughest boat trips in New Zealand, the journey from Bluff to Stewart Island includes time navigating the notorious Foveaux Straight. You can fly if big seas aren’t your thing!
Once on the island there are other boat trips to consider, including the short ride over to Ulva Island or Port William (Rakiura Track).
Marlborough Sounds
Giant ferries cruise through the Marlborough Sounds on the way to and from Wellington. There are plenty of other boat trip options leaving from Picton (with a few from Havelock). These travel to the lodges along the Queen Charlotte Track (the road to them is currently close) or do sightseeing trips out on the sound.
Abel Tasman National Park
Hop on a boat in Marahau or Kaiteriteri and you’ll soon be in the depths of Abel Tasman National Park. If you’re into beaches this is the national park for you! Walk between beaches on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track or do the whole track (3-4 days) or just do a quick cruise and enjoy the views from the water.
READ MORE: Top 12 Beaches in the South Island
Lake Wānaka
Boats leave from the beach in downtown Wānaka, travelling to several small islands including Ruby Island, Stevenson Island and Mou Waho Island.
Trips across Lake Wānaka are stunning no matter the destination — it’s one of New Zealand’s top lakes after all! We loved our trip to Mou Waho Island a few years back. The boat takes you a long way across Lake Wānaka to a small island with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
READ MORE: Top 12 Lakes in the South Island
Lake Wakatipu
There are a half dozen or so boat trips to choose from at Lake Wakatipu, from the historic paddle steamer the Earnslaw to sunset cruises, shark boats and quick and cheap sightseeing trips.
The Earnslaw is a great option, especially if you’re a fan of buffet lunches — easily one of the best meals we’ve had in New Zealand (and the views from the boat aren’t bad either).
Milford Sound / Doubtful Sound
For the best boat trips in New Zealand it’s no secret that you should head for Fiordland National Park. The Milford Sound cruise is by far the most popular one, taking in some of Milford Sound’s natural wonders (waterfalls, Mitre Peak, mountains rising from the water) on the way to the coast.
Doubtful Sound is similar in looks but the tour is quite different. It involves a boat trip across Lake Manapouri, a bus ride over Wilmot Pass and then a cruise through Doubtful Sound (a longer cruise than the one you do at Milford Sound).
You can do overnight cruises at both Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound — we haven’t done one yet but it’s in the plans. There’s also Dusky Sound, which is much more rarely visited as it’s a multi-day trip and quite expensive.
Other Boat Trips in the South Island
Other boat trips in the South Island include Lake Te Anau (to see glow worms / start of the Milford Track), Christchurch Harbour (Quail Island), the short trip across Waiau river in Manapouri and heaps more.
What are your favourite boat trips in the South Island? Let us know in the comments below!
Jon Algie
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