Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours in North Island

Cruise the waters of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of whales, dolphins and penguins on a half-day tour from Auckland. You'll board a spacious catamaran at Viaduct Harbour and hear expert guides share informative commentary about New Zealand's natural wonders. During the whale and dolphin safari, keep an eye out for six types of whales that frequent these waters, as well as seabirds such as Australasian gannets, petrels and terns.

Enjoy time aboard a sailing yacht on Waitemata Harbour. Your 1.5-hour Auckland cruise sets sail from Viaduct Harbour, passing the Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina and Devonport while you listen to informative commentary on the sights. Relax as you take in the views or help the crew sail the vessel - it's up to you.

Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this 1.5-hour boat tour. Aboard the boat, listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy mountain tops of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo's picturesque shores. See the Maori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning departure (includes tea) or afternoon departure (includes a fishing demonstration).

Watch for dolphins in the Bay of Islands on a 4-hour wildlife cruise by high-speed catamaran, with the chance to swim alongside a pod of dolphins. This half-day dolphin tour is specially designed to respect the dolphins' habitat, and includes use of snorkeling equipment and a wetsuit. Both morning and afternoon departures are available.

Enjoy a 2-hour sightseeing cruise in the Bay of Islands on a boat that gets you close to landmarks such as Black Rocks, Urupukapuka Island and Roberton Island (Motuarohia Island). After departing from either Paihia or Russell, your captain takes you through the scenic region and provides informative commentary about its history and wildlife. Keep an eye out for sightings of dolphins and seals, and snorkel independently at Urupukapuka Island if you wish to disembark and  catch a boat back later in the day (8:30am departure only).

Set anchor at Ship Cove, a sheltered bay of Queen Charlotte Sound where Captain James Cook landed in the late 1700s. During this half-day nature cruise in the Marlborough Sounds, enthusiastic marine biologists point out wildlife including New Zealand fur seals and several species of dolphins: Hector's, bottlenose and dusky. Spot rare seabirds and learn about the history between Cook and the Maori people of Aotearoa while you're treated to refreshments on board.

Explore the volcanic terrain of Rangitoto Island aboard a 4WD tractor-pulled tram on this half-day guided tour. Depart Auckland for Rangitoto on a ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf, and be rewarded with 360-degree views of the water and city skyline after a short walk to the island's summit. During your 2-hour off-road adventure, hear commentary about the island's history, geology and rich plant life, including the largest preserved pohutukawa forest in the world.

Take a 75-minute journey across the Hauraki Gulf aboard the Rotoroa Island ferry. Your round-trip ticket allows you to explore the island's arts, history and conservation park, including sandy shoreline, hiking trails and an award-winning museum. Opened to the public in 2011, Rotoroa Island was the longtime home to an addiction treatment center run by the Salvation Army. Visit the heritage buildings and a Rotoroa wildlife sanctuary for endangered New Zealand species. Spend about 6 hours at your leisure before returning to Auckland.

Discover the natural beauty and fresh seafood of the Marlborough Sounds during a 3.5-hour cruise from Picton. Travel by luxury catamaran through the sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound, located at the top of New Zealand's South Island. Taste fresh seafood served on board and paired with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. You'll also learn about aquaculture in the Marlborough Sounds, check out a salmon and mussel farm, and get great photo ops of the region.

Visit the remote communities of Queen Charlotte Sound aboard a working mail boat. This scenic 4-hour boat cruise departs Picton in the afternoon and makes New Zealand Post rural delivery service along different routes each day of the week. Experience the lifestyle of the Marlborough Sounds firsthand as the boat captain shares regional history and stories of these isolated hamlets. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on board and disembark for a 15-minute stop at Ship Cove (1st Oct to 30th April).

Follow the century-old tradition of delivering mail and supplies throughout the Bay of Islands - called a 'cream trip' - on this full-day cruise by catamaran from Paihia or Russell. See the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett, spend time on one of many Islands that maker up the Bay of Islands, and search the waters for whales, seals and other marine life. On board the multi-level vessel, an informative crew points out natural landmarks, local homes and secluded bays. Stroll the island, relax on the beach or opt to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat (own expense).

Join an America's Cup sailing experience aboard an authentic racing yacht on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Feel the exhilaration of yachting as you take the helm and participate with the professional crew, or just sit back and soak up the harbor views. No experience necessary.

Explore subtropical islands, Maori heritage sites and golden beaches on this 4-hour cruise around the Bay of Islands from Paihia. Soak up the scenery as you float between the bay's 144 islands, sail straight through the iconic Hole in the Rock (weather permitting) and experience Maori culture at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Along the way, tuck into lunch and afternoon tea on-board and spot dolphins swimming and playing alongside the boat.

Watch wild dolphins frolic near your boat and have the option to hop in the water and swim near them on this half-day Bay of Islands dolphin-watching cruise in New Zealand. Your captain cruises to remote islands, where you look for dolphins and other marine animals such as seals, orcas and penguins. If conditions allow, you can even swim with the dolphins from the boat - an unforgettable experience! Hear informative commentary from the crew on a tour that has a maximum of 35 participants, ensuring a more customized adventure.

This 2-hour experience aboard a tall ship in the Bay of Islands offers a gentle sail in the afternoon. Step aboard the elegant 'R. Tucker Thompson' and enjoy an antipasto platter accompanied by drinks available for purchase at the bar. Round-trip ferry transfer to Russell is included.

Experience nature is at its best on a 40-minute Bay of Islands cruise followed by a kayak excursion. Paddle past mangrove forests to a wondrous waterfall, with the option to depart in the morning, afternoon or at sunset. If you'd like, opt for a paddleboard instead. You'll view birdlife and learn the cultural history of the Maori people with commentary by a knowledgeable guide.

Set sail around Waitemata Harbor on-aboard a professional America's Cup racing yacht and experience the thrill of sailing a world-class boat. Accompanied by a professional sailing crew, go head to head with another sailing team in a mock competition, and get hands-on as you pick up speed and try to out-manoeuvre the opposition.

Relax aboard a sailing yacht on Great Lake Taupo during this sightseeing cruise to Maori rock carvings. Accessible solely by water, this impressive rock art on the cliffs of Mine Bay was created by a master carver in 1976. You'll come up close to the 22-foot-high (10-meter) gallery and enjoy postcard views from the deck. Relax with a complimentary glass of wine or beer if you sail in the evening.

Glide past the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse and Devonport Naval Base on a cruise from Waitemata Harbour. Your tour includes morning or afternoon tea.

Combine some of Marlborough's classic activities on this full-day tour: cruising on Queen Charlotte Sound and tasting some of the area's world-renowned wines. Spend the morning out cruising aboard a catamaran, then go ashore to a winery for lunch and wine tasting. Continue the afternoon with more winery visits and tastings.