Boat Tours & water sports in Auckland

THE 10 BEST Auckland Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat Tours & Water Sports in Auckland

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    Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked according to revenue made by Tripadvisor on those bookings, plus the number of page views by Tripadvisor users, and the quantity and quality of reviews
Boat Tours & Water Sports
Flexible booking
Book risk-free with fully refundable, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Price
$0 - $500 +
Duration
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13 places sorted by traveler favorites
Shore Excursions
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$185.18
per adult
Dinner
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 91% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$92.90
per adult

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Things to do ranked using proximity and other Tripadvisor data including bookings, reviews, ratings, and popularity
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • JohnDw
    Singapore, Singapore23 contributions
    Wonderful day on the water and so interesting and informative thanks to the experienced and passionate marine biologists on board. Sadly no whales this time but a fabulous pod of playful dolphins provided great entertainment.
    Review of: Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
    Written August 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Voyager23866952001
    1 contribution
    Enjoyed both Waitomo Caves (We) and Te Puia (Paul) and these guides in both very good, Our Bus Driver Simon was also excellent, very helpful, lovely sense of humour. He also advised that I should have been informed and given a part refund due to the cancellation of the cultural performance - this has not occurred.
    Review of: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour (One Way)
    Written May 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TerryH
    Hertfordshire, UK1,051 contributions
    A great trip round the harbour watching the sun set and the great sky line views. Allowed to steer the boat as well which was fun. Good however was poor. Cold steak, mash potato and broccoli. Staff on- board were all great as was the tour itself. Apart from food this was a great tour.
    Review of: Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner
    Written April 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sophie
    75 contributions
    This is an unmissable experience in Auckland! Not only is it really cool to be able to go on an old america’s cup boat, but also a great interactive way to see the harbour with a commentary from friendly and experienced staff!
    Review of: America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour
    Written April 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GrandTour293245
    5 contributions
    Sorry i forgot the skippers name from Saturday 13/03/2021 but he along with the young lady were absolutely fantastic, knowledgeable, friendly and witty. This is the second time we have done this cruise over the last 4 years, nearly to the date. In fact the first one was an evening dinner cruise with 4 of us, who had an absolute blast, and this time with just the three of us again, soaking up the Americas Cup 2021 atmosphere with a 10.30 am morning sailing cruise on ZHIK. Even though the wind was not the best it allowed us to stand up easily and take many photos that we will treasure until our next trip, which we have booked for Tuesday as a spectator, and for Wednesday if this becomes the final day and decider of the 2021 Americas Cup final, cant wait. Nothings too much for this wonderful team of dedicated crew, absolutely awesome. Thanks team Explore. Mark and Kim, Brits happily stuck in NZ
    Review of: Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience
    Written March 15, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Frances A
    1 contribution
    Fabulous place to be with fabulous people. Thoroughly recommend this to lose yourself for an hour or so and clear the head. Kip kept us up to date with weather.
    Review of: Clearyak hire at Goat Island Marine Reserve
    Written December 21, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AniHaf
    Jersey, UK3 contributions
    We had a fabulous day out on board Pacific Star with skipper Bruce and walking guide Lucie. Can’t think of a better way to explore and learn about the history and wildlife of the Hauraki Gulf. We dropped anchor in a lovely bay for a spot of kayaking and swimming and then enjoyed a delicious platter in the sunshine. Later we landed on one of the islands and Lucie took us on a short hike where she shared plenty of insights about the local flora and fauna and Māori culture. If you want to learn a bit about sailing Bruce is happy to show you - my dad enjoyed taking the helm for a while and his dream of owning his own Cat has been reignited! Thanks again!
    Review of: Hauraki Gulf Eco Sailing Adventure
    Written March 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Baz Caitcheon
    1 contribution
    Fab journey, Bruce and Gabrielle great hosts 😎
    Anchored up and swam, not much wind but all good, great food :)
    Review of: Exclusive sailing charter from Waiheke Island
    Written February 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Junee
    2 contributions
    We did this tour in Jan 23, just got back. First 2 weeks was excellent. Great group of eclectic, insane, funny and lovely people. Runty our tour guide went to great lengths to ensure he accommodated our every need despite little support or guidance from Hakka. He bent over backwards to please us and provide alternative activities when planned ones were cancelled.
    Cancelling the glamping was super disappointing and totally inappropriate of Hakka especially as it had been sold as a highlight of the trip. The compensation offered was insulting but Runty took it upon himself to try to make things better.
    The second 2 weeks of the trip was a disaster weather wise, we didn’t get to do the planned activities so very disappointing. No one’s fault but again Runty tried to make the best of our trip offering alternatives he personally knew about. Hakka was calling on him for advice to advise other trip leaders.
    Overall Hakkas administration of the tour was poor, the bus itself was a banger, not good enough to transport people on a tour that cost as much as this and the accommodation was not consistent. I believe Runtys resourcefulness saved the day for us all but probably wouldn’t book with a company that sub contracts to Hakka again.
    Review of: 20 Day New Zealand Uncovered Haka Plus Tour
    Written February 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christos
    1 contribution
    I did the 20 days adventure tour in both the north and south island with tour guide Louisa. I had an overall good experience and met many very interesting people, was left however with the impression that i paid too much for too little and for that cannot recommend haka tours.
    To describe the tour, we got on a bus and travel from place to place with our tour guide who was also the driver. People get in and out during the tour, for example 3 people started (had booked the 23 day tour), we joined them in auckland and became 10 people. 4 left at Wellington (had booked only north island), 8 joined in Christchurch (had booked only south island). Ages were mostly 30-40 in the north island and mixed in the south (7 between 20-30 and 7 30-40). 2 people were over 40 years old.

    Now the reasons i wasn't satisfied:
    - The bus was uncomfortable, hard seats, barely enough space for your legs, especially if you are tall, no wifi or plug.
    - Most of the included activities are things you can do for free, but i have to say that probably you ll miss many if not having a tour guide to know them and bring you there. Still it gives a rather wrong impression.
    - Because of bad planning, we didn't get the guided city walk in Christchurch and because of bad weather we didn't go to Franz Josef, they changed the plan and we went to Mt. Cook instead, no refund was provided for any of the missed included activities.
    - The north island was good paced although i think an extra day in Wellington should be added, but the south island felt very rushed. At least till we got to Punakaiki, we barely had time to really stay in place. We also saw Christchurch only for a few hours and then had to go in the bus again.
    - Stops for lunch were normally 45 minutes allowing time only for fast food.
    - The main reason for not recommending the tour, is that it felt completely overpriced. We met in a hostel tourists that booked another tour company which provided a tour with only 3 days less for a price of more 1200 NZD less! Same size of group, same size bus. When i complained to them, the answer was basically that we cannot compare the different tours and that i should have searched better before booking (the other tour was almost identical though, mostly same programm, even the hostels were mostly the same).
    - About the accommodation, it was 4-6 bed hostels (in some mixed gender) and they were clean, however...a co-traveler who decided to cancel some hostels and book on his own, found almost everywhere a single room that was cheaper than the money needed for an upgrade in our prebooked hostel!!! This is unacceptable!! Means the rooms were much more expensive compared with what they should be. Also in some places the hostel was very far from the city-center, or city in overall (for example in Christchurch, Abel Tasman etc.).
    - Our tour guide didn't inform us very well about the hiking places in Rotorua and forgot to tell us that Te Puia-Visit was an outdoor activity and didn't give us time then to put sunscreme, resulting in a bit of a mess when going in and later some sunburns.

    Not everything was bad though:
    - The co-travelers were amazing people, made friends for life.
    - Despite the mentioned mistakes above, our tour guide Louisa was full with energy, made big effort to create a good mood and explained many things during the driving. She is also Maori which was great! I must also comment her great ability to handle the bus, felt really safe while she was driving (managed to sleep easily when needed in the bus!). She also brought everyone to the activities they chose and even brought us in our hotel door when going back to Auckland. Thank you a lot for that!
    - Most of the optional activities were great experiences, Milford Sound was my number one (do NOT miss it!), Dolphin Encounter in Kaikoura, Pancake Rocks, Cave tubing in Punakaiki, Cayaking in Taupo etc.
    - I liked the breakfast concept, we had to tell our tour guide what we needed and she would go and buy it for us for the morning. It allowed a lot customization and change.

    In the end, i cannot recommend haka tours, since when i ask myself the question if i would have booked it again or had chosen the very similar cheaper tour, my choice would have been the other tour. I couldn't find any way to justify the price difference for only 3 extra days.
    Review of: 20 Day Legendary New Zealand Tour
    Written January 2, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Beloved G
    4 contributions
    Great trip, very nice staff that were very well organised. Beautiful oceanic views(if you're lucky like we were, you see some dolphins and some very pretty fishes. Would 100% recommend.
    Review of: Cruise Ship Excursion - 5 Hour Day Cruise & Island Tour
    Written March 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • terihawaii
    Honolulu, HI1 contribution
    The tour was just amazing. The sun was out, skies were blue and we were surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean. With the “Motus” as landscape everything looked picture-perfect!
    Our Cheeky driver/tour guide, Lance, was very kind, polite and entertaining. We enjoyed his many stories about the history of the land, it’s people and their customs.
    Yes...I’d do it again!
    Review of: Bay of Islands Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland
    Written March 8, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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