Top North Island Water Tours

Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this 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-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).

Sail away on a harbor cruise in Auckland and enjoy a 3-course dinner during a memorable tour of Waitemata Harbour highlights, including the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Set out aboard a sailing yacht from Viaduct Harbour, then enjoy service in the dining room while at anchor in Westhaven Marina. As evening falls, your expert captain shares informative facts about Auckland and its iconic sights.

Carved in the 1970s by one of Aotearoa’s master Māori carvers, the Mine Bay rock carvings are a striking Taupō attraction. They’re also impossible to access on foot, so hop on board a charming replica steamboat and take a scenic cruise out to the carvings instead. Learn all about the history and the myths behind the carvings from your steamboat crew, and along the way enjoy pristine views of Lake Taupō and beyond, including the nearby volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.

Cruising is the best way to see the sub-tropical Bay of Islands. Do this in style aboard the Phantom, a live-aboard private yacht. Your hosts are an enthusiastic sailing family who have traveled the world in their yacht. Sit back and relax on board the Phantom while enjoying views of the islands and bay, with possible dolphin sightings and the chance to snorkel.

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.

Let seafaring experts show you the best of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands by land and by water on this adventure cruise. With 144 different isles, it can be hard to know where to start, but your captain and crew know all the best spots to swim, snorkel, stand-up paddleboard, and spot marine life. Hop off at two hand-picked islands for a hike to panoramic lookout points and beachside tea with biscuits.

Discover Rotorua on a 1.5-hour duck tour. This sightseeing adventure takes you aboard a World War II amphibious vehicle — able to travel on land and water. Start with a city tour past Government Gardens, the Blue Baths and more before splashing down into Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Okareka. Enjoy family fun along the way with a provided duck caller, and listen to live commentary about Rotorua’s history and local landmarks.

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.

The only tour to combine thrills & small cave experiences! Hold on tight for the best white knuckle, exhilarating small group tour in the Bay! Showcasing Cathedral Cove, Blowholes, Caves & NZ’s second largest sea cave, Orua. A photographers dream our open boat offers 360 unimpeded views & has access to smaller caves. Easily view sea life with purpose built all up front seating allowing everyone direct access to the side so you get closer & experience more. We go inside caves & blowholes others don’t. No Roof means you can see out through the top of blowholes and inside caves & the full height of the landscape. Experience “Cathedral Cove” & see abundant sea life. Snorkelling is an option. (All above is subject to conditions on the day. Tour is NOT suitable for infants or the faint hearted. Everyone must wear lifejackets only available for persons 10kg up.

Adventurous travelers will love this glowworm-spotting tour with a difference. As the sun gets lower in the sky, paddle in a kayak on Lake Karapiro and along the Pokaiwhenua Stream. You’ll see beautiful native plants and bird life, and rock formations that have been naturally carved over centuries. Once the light disappears, you’ll see thousands of glowworms lighting your way. This tour is a fun way to experience some of New Zealand’s best natural attractions.

Jump on board with Ocean Leopard Tours for the tour of your lifetime! Our custom built boat will carry you in ultimate comfort to some of the most beautiful spots you've ever been to, there really is no better way to see Cathedral Cove and the rest of this stunning coastline. Need an easily accessible and spacious boat? Want cushioned seats with backrests? We've got you covered. Need experienced local guides who love their job? We've got you covered. Need absolute safety and sun protection from New Zealand's harsh sun? We've definitely got you covered! Choose Ocean Leopard Tours today and you won't be disappointed.

Sail the Bay of Islands on a working tall ship aboard the famed ‘R. Tucker Thompson,’ built in the tradition of a 100-year-old Northland schooner. Ply the waters of the pristine bay, where you can help hoist the sails, climb the rigging or simply relax on board, then swim while anchored in a sheltered bay in the maritime park. Enjoy morning tea and a barbecue lunch, with an optional complimentary ferry ride from Paihia to Russell, where your vessel departs.

Experience the magic of New Zealand’s North Island on this evening glow-worm kayak tour in Tauranga. Begin your tour with refreshments including wine from the award-winning Mills Reef Winery and delicious New Zealand cheeses on the banks of Lake McLaren. As day turns to night, hop into your kayak and paddle with your guide to the glow-worm canyon at the head of Lake McLaren. Marvel at the millions of bright green glow-worms clinging to the towering cliff sides, and gain insight into the life cycle of these fascinating creatures.

Take a break from the busy-ness of sightseeing and enjoy a couple of hours on the water. On board a charter yacht, the Kindred Spirit, sail on Lake Taupo, admiring the mountain views. Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings, which can only be seen from the water. If the weather’s good you can swim, or simply sit on the deck and relax with a blanket to keep you warm.

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s best-kept nature sanctuaries and a predator-free haven for native birds. On this day trip to the island, take a ferry from Paraparaumu Beach and spend your day walking the island, identifying kākā, kōkako, kererū and more with the help of your nature guide. Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch on the island before you head back to the mainland.

This Jet Boat ride is sure to keep you on your toes with speeds of up to 80km on the water and twists, turns and spins that will make you scream with laughter! This is a great activity for both the old and young!

Enjoy time aboard a sailing yacht on Waitemata Harbour. Your 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 on an open soft riding boat providing fun & unique photo opportunities while exploring the majestic landscape not all other boats can offer. Getting you up closer to see more taking you inside caves, blowholes & viewing fish in the marine reserve. Unimpeded viewing of Shakespeare’s Cliff, Lonely Bay, Cathedral Cove. Inside Cooks Blowhole & Whale Cave and our very own "Hole in the Rock" at Piokeke Island. Learn the history of the area and be amazed by the volcanic formations throughout the Bay Licensed to view Dolphins & other Marine Mammals, If present NO ROOF means getting up closer with unobstructed viewing! (Access to some attractions subject to conditions on the day)

Sundowner Evening Cruise, a summertime special! Departing Paihia beachfront at 5pm. The boat pulls right up to the beach where you can step aboard from the shore line. Enjoy a relaxed sail aboard a smooth sailing catamaran in a peaceful setting, while the sun is going down. For those who want to enjoy the beauty of an evening cruise taking in the sights of the idyllic Bay of Islands, the Sundowner Cruise is a perfect start to a good night out with friends and family, a romantic getaway, or just the perfect escape from the daily grind! • Experience sailing at it's best, make the most of the beautiful sea breeze. Watch the wind fill the sails, kick back and enjoy the tranquility. • Enjoy the beauty of a sheltered anchorage for a swim stop, sip on a complimentary drink and take in the scenery. • See the landmarks of historical importance in the Bay of Islands from a different perspective, while under sail.

Sail Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, and get up close to the Māori Rock Carvings on this sailing tour. Aboard Fearless, a sleek ketch boat, you’ll set sail on the impossibly blue Lake Taupo at the heart of the North Island. Choose to rig and hoist the mainsail with the crew, or sit back and let the views wash over you as you sail to the secluded spot where Māori figures have been etched into the rock face.

This action-packed seven-day tour encompasses the highlights of both New Zealand islands. It's ideal for first-time visitors who are short on time. Starting in Auckland, stop at Waitomo, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mt. Cook, Queenstown, and more. Ride a scenic train and spot whales on a boat tour. You'll see and do so much more than you could fit in if traveling independently.

Spend a day cruising through the Bay of Islands aboard a deluxe sailboat that sets sail from Russell. Your captain stops at a picturesque island where you have lunch, and time to snorkel, kayak, swim, and walk to a lookout point. Cruise over to The Black Rocks for photo ops of the volcanic formation, keep an eye out for marine life, and hear commentary from your captain about the region.

There’s no better way to discover the 144 sub-tropical islands that stud the Bay of Islands than on a cruise. With a top limit of just 20 passengers, this intimate boat trip delivers two island stopovers, one at Roberton Island or Twin Lagoons, plus the chance to hike, swim, snorkel, or even try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. Look out for dolphins along the way.

Explore the Rotorua lakes district and learn about its history on a 2-hour tour duck boat cruise from Rotorua. Travel on land and by water in the amphibious World War II vehicle, visiting four lakes including Lake Tarawera, located at the foot of Mt Tarawera. Hear about the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera and other aspects of local history on this family-friendly tour.