6 Sailing Trips in Queenstown for a Free Day

1.Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,006 reviews · 1h 45m · from $92Our pick

Spend 105 minutes cruising Milford Sound on a modern catamaran with indoor seating, open decks and live camera views on screens. Your skipper points out the fiord’s features as you pass waterfalls and look for seals, dolphins and Fiordland crested penguins. The route reaches the Tasman Sea, weather permitting.

“Ww were lucky to have got perfect weather on the day. The views were breathtaking. the guide was knowledgeable and entertaining.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · from $102Top rated

Spend about three hours on Lake Te Anau aboard Faith, a restored historic motor yacht, with live commentary, afternoon tea and a guided walk in Fiordland National Park. The small-group trip is capped at 16. Crew members such as Adam, Paul and Jackie have shared the yacht’s story and led walks to a mirror lake.

“Fabulous relaxing afternoon boat trip on the beautiful historical Faith sail boat with motor. Captain Adam and first mate Ginnie were both charming and very informative. Adam share stories about the interesting hipster of the boat while sailing and Winnie provided us with elegant canapés and drinks (all included) Ginnie led us on a short hike midway through and shared her great knowledge about the flora and fauna. They put up the sails not he way back to harbor and it was a quiet, beautiful way to enjoy the gorgeous views. As a bonus, Captain Adam played the bag pipe on the way back!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Scenic Cruise & Guided walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · from $102

Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard Faith, a historic yacht with room for no more than 16 people. The crew shares local commentary, serves tea and coffee, and leads a gentle 15-minute walk to the Hidden Lakes. On the return, the engine is turned off for a quiet pause, and sails may be raised if the wind allows. Crew members named on some trips include Captain Adam and first mate Jackie.

“We were greeted very friendly by the whole crew at the quai and led to the ship. The explanations were interesting and supported with pictures from a book. We had a very nice boat trip to an island and then a guided tour to the nature reserRead moreAuto-translated”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 48 reviews · 1h 30m · from $86Best value

Set off from Te Anau’s historic wharf for a 90-minute evening cruise aboard Faith, a 1935 Scottish motor yacht. Expect stories about the boat and the area, drinks and canapés, and, conditions permitting, a chance to help steer or sail. Captain Adam and host Sophie have led some sailings, though the crew may vary.

“My husband and I along with our son in his 20’s thoroughly enjoyed this cruise which we booked last minute. Captain Adam was warm and attentive as was his assistant Sophie. The history of the yacht was fascinating as was touring around it. We enjoyed chatting with the other passengers as we cruised/sailed. The canapés were ample and delicious as was the selection of drinks. We’d highly recommend this activity.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Taupo: Lake Taupo Western Bays Catamaran Tour with Bush Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 11 reviews · 1h 30m · from $86

From Kinloch Marina, a catamaran carries you about 30 km along Lake Taupo’s quieter Western Bays. Get close to Otupotu Falls, cruise past rocky cliffs and smaller cascades, then land at a secluded beach for a short bush walk to another waterfall. The group is limited to eight, and guide Ian has been praised for his local knowledge.

“I loved the whole trip and the tour guide was wonderful”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Kinloch: Lake Taupo Catamaran Cruise with Paddleboarding

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 3h 30m · from $170

Spend 3.5 hours on a small-group catamaran cruise from Kinloch, exploring Lake Taupo’s Western Bays with a skipper who shares local stories and favourite spots. Look for waterfalls and ravines, see the Karangahape Cliffs, take a short native-forest walk, then swim or paddleboard when conditions allow. Light refreshments are included; bring a picnic if you like.

“Such a great afternoon with Ian our skipper, he was so informative and such a nice guy a small group only 5 of us which made the trip More personnel would thoroughly recommend to anyone who wants a fun afternoon and to see a more unspoilt side of lake Taupo”

Check availability →Read our full review