The 11 Harbour Sightseeing Cruises in New Zealand That Earn the Fare

1.Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 476 reviews · from $105Our pick

Board a 50-foot sailing yacht at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening cruise with a welcome drink, live commentary, and three-course dinner. See the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Ferry Building, and Mt. Eden. Jackets and blankets are supplied, and you may help with the sails or take the wheel.

“What a beautiful way to see Auckland Harbor, and the city other than a sunset, cruise coming back into the harbor and you get to see some of the sunset colors against the backdrop of Auckland and the sky tower was beautiful”

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2.Scenic Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 369 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Join Fullers at Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal for a 90-minute cruise across Waitemata Harbour. You’ll pass under the Harbour Bridge, see the Sky Tower and waterfront, and hear English commentary on Auckland’s maritime past. Choose an outdoor seat for photos, with indoor seating available when wind and rain arrive.

“It was a lovely cruise around the harbour. Very informative and clear commentary by the guide”

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3.Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 319 reviews · 2h 30m · from $95

Meet Explore Group at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening sail on a 50ft yacht. Enjoy a welcome drink, help steer if conditions allow, hear Auckland stories from the crew, and choose a main and dessert from a three-course meal by The Lula Inn.

“Was relaxing, food was great and activity was well beyond our expectations”

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4.Auckland Harbour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 224 reviews · from $36

Cruise Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour from 107 Quay Street with live commentary, passing the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse, and Devonport Naval Base. Choose outdoor views or a comfortable indoor cabin, with snacks and drinks available to buy. The boat returns to the same quay.

“Great tour and great narration. If you're visiting Auckland, you need to do this. The Maritime Museum is right next door and is worth doing as well.”

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5.Tauranga: Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 89 reviews · 1 hour · from $23

Spend an hour aboard the Kewpie, a 70-year-old timber ferry, with an English-speaking skipper sharing local stories as you circle Tauranga Harbour. See Mount Maunganui, the working port, islands, beaches, and possible seals or blue penguins. Matakana Island drop-off depends on weather and sea conditions.

“So relaxing being out on the water and the guide was informative. We took a picnic and it was lovely being able to stay on the island for a bit to have a little look around and enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves and a swim.”

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6.Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · from $68

Cruise from Viaduct Harbour for 90 minutes past Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina, Devonport, and the skyline. The crew provides tea, coffee, hot chocolate, a cookie, and weatherproof jackets. You may help with the sails or take the helm, with commentary from the captain and crew.

“This tour was everything I’d hoped for and more. It was laid back, comfortable, and so much fun. Our crew made sure we had fun and seemed to enjoy the experience as well. Many passengers got a turn at the wheel, which was really fun! The views of the harbor were breathtaking. It give the chance, I’d do it again tomorrow!”

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7.Auckland Sunset Harbour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 55 reviews · 1h 30m · from $22

Join The Red Boats for a 90-minute English-language cruise across Waitematā Harbour. You’ll pass beneath the Harbour Bridge, hear live commentary, enjoy skyline views at sunset, and buy drinks or snacks from the licensed onboard bar.

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8.Nightlights Harbour Cruise with Canapés and Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 42 reviews · 2 hours · from $38

Cruise Auckland Harbour for two hours as sunset gives way to city lights. From Z Pier, The Red Boats takes you beneath the Harbour Bridge and past the Viaduct, with canapés, one drink, English commentary, and relaxing music.

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9.Scenic Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 40 reviews · 1h 30m · from $17Best value

Join The Red Boats Auckland at Z Pier for a 90-minute cruise across Waitematā Harbour. Expect live English commentary, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, Harbour Bridge and Rangitoto Island views, and drinks for purchase at the licensed bar.

“The tour covered the harbor, but the narrator was at times difficult to hear and understand. I tried photographing various sites but windows were too dirty to get clear shots.”

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10.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour (Lyttelton & Akaroa)

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 4 reviews · from $167

Spend a port day touring Banks Peninsula by air-conditioned vehicle, with views of Lyttelton Harbour, Akaroa Harbour, Lakes Forsyth and Ellesmere, plus a two-hour Black Cat nature cruise. You may see rare Hector’s Dolphins. Port transfers and lunch are available, depending on your booking option.

“We found it difficult to meet the bus although we followed instructions given. Had to phone the company who came and picked us up. Along with another group who were booked on the same tour. The drivers then conducted several head cRead more”

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11.Scenic Wine and Cheese Harbour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3 reviews · 1h 30m · from $33

Join Red Boats at Z Pier, Westhaven Marina, for a 90-minute afternoon cruise with live English commentary, gentle music, a cheese and charcuterie box, and one glass of New Zealand wine or local beer. The route features Rangitoto Island, the Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse, and Auckland’s skyline.

“Great value, very informative commentary, good selection of wines and beers and generous serve of cheese & nibbles platter.”

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