Top South Island Power Boats

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River, and speeds through the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water.

A spectacular 2 hour jet-boat ride is the highlight of this Dart River Wilderness Safari from Glenorchy. During this half-day tour with a naturalist guide, venture into Glenorchy, gateway to the World Heritage–listed Mt Aspiring National Park. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and hidden valleys, you’ll twist and turn down the glacier-fed Dart River.

Depart Queenstown aboard the TSS ‘Earnslaw’ for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Travel round-trip by vintage steamship and dig into a gourmet barbecue lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead. Enjoy chef-prepared Central Otago specialties accompanied by salads, desserts, and local cheeses. Don’t miss the sheep shearing demonstration or showmanship by the farm’s sheepdogs.

A lot of the South Island’s natural hideaways are tough to get to, and that’s definitely the case with Mou Waho Island. This half-day cruise makes it easy; sail from Wanaka Marina to this isolated island in the middle of Lake Wanaka. Walk to the island’s very own lake, the Arethusa Pool, and take panoramic photos of the lake and the nearby Southern Alps, or take a dip at the beach near the island’s only jetty.

It can be difficult to see all of Abel Tasman National Park if you’re pressed for time, especially if you’re only visiting for a day or two. Save some time and see some of the park’s many highlights on this full-day sailing trip around the coast. Spend the day stopping at beaches and islands around the coast; just make sure to book in advance, as this is Abel Tasman National Park’s only full-day sailing tour and is sure to be in high demand.

Enjoy views of Queenstown that you can’t get any other way on a thrilling tandem paragliding flight. Fly confidently after a thorough safety briefing and in the company of an instructor. Launch from Coronet Peak, the ideal place from which to enjoy views over the Wakatipu Valley, lakes, mountains, and beyond.

For travelers short on time in Wanaka, this one-hour cruise and walk to Ruby Island is an ideal way to experience the lake and mountains. Glide across Lake Wanaka to Ruby Island in comfort on a luxury catamaran. There, enjoy an easy walk to lookout points that are great places to take pictures from. Families and senior travelers will enjoy this tour, as it’s suitable for all levels of mobility.

Join our small group tour of Otago Harbour on our ex-Coast Guard vessel, "Protector." Fast, safe, and comfortable, you will see more of our beautiful harbor with its extensive history and abundant wildlife. Your skipper and guide will give you a commentary along the way, pointing out places of interest and facts about the wildlife you will encounter. The main attraction, of course, is the albatross colony at Taiaroa Head at the entrance to the harbor. Watch as these magnificent birds glide along the cliff faces and swoop down along the waves, sometimes beside the boat. An experience not to be missed.

After a catamaran cruise across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island—which sits in the middle of the lake—spot rare native birds that are extinct on mainland New Zealand. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the island is a rare haven for birdlife. Enjoy a guided hike with an expert guide to a lake at the top of the island, an experience that’s rated one of the best must-do activities in Wanaka.

We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own Boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound. You get onboard binoculars for viewing wildlife and species ID cards with a WCA Qualified Guide. Dolphins 95% of the time :-) Spend 1 hour on Motuara Island with its stunning views and range of Endangered Species where you can get close-up encounters with Rare Birds. The lookout has an amazing panoramic view. We pay DOC your access FEE. E-ko started Guided Walks on this island 25 years ago. After you visit Motuara Sanctuary Island, then to the famous Ship Cove. Then you can Walk the BEST of Queen Charlotte Track in a Loop. Trees up to 1500 years old only with us, Hidden in the bush. Self Guided with a Map showing you where the hidden gems are :-) Relive History and embrace nature. Walk the BEST 5kn, relax at Ship Cove with a complimentary glass of Pinot Gris, and enjoy the return cruise.