Top Invercargill Cruises: Tours, Sailing & Boat Trip Reviews

So, you’re thinking of checking out Invercargill from the water, too? Is that it? That’s a pretty awesome plan! There are some super interesting cruises and sailing options around this part of Southland, actually, almost certainly with something that suits what you’re looking for, like your budget or, you know, time. The gorgeous scenery and rich history really do make this a fab spot for a trip on the water.

Why Choose a Cruise or Sailing Tour in Invercargill?

There are more than a few reasons why hopping on a boat near Invercargill might be, like, the highlight of your trip, so, actually. You get totally different snapshots that, almost, you just can’t see from the land. We are talking, very much, stunning coastlines, cute wildlife moments (seals are a big deal here), and even a peek into a past that’s tied tightly to the sea.

If you think about it, almost everyone, the sea just breathes new air, actually. You are chilled out, you see cool places, and hey, you even might figure out a thing or two. Invercargill cruises seriously have, just, a relaxing kind of thrill.

Read our full review: Invercargill Cruises Full Review and Details

Top 5 Invercargill Cruises and Sailing Tours

Okay, here are a few top options that tend to pop up when folks look at boat trips from Invercargill, so that you know. Each has its own vibe, and hits some very sweet spots.

1. Stewart Island Ferry & Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary Tour

First, there’s a ferry hop from Bluff (just south of Invercargill) straight over to Stewart Island, really, you know. Then it’s that Ulva Island’s calling. Why’s Ulva Island special, you may wonder? Well, really, so it’s this predator-free bird sanctuary, actually. Seriously, imagine seeing really cool rare birds without, like, huge crowds. A day trip here blends boat cruising with a super tranquil nature thing.

You can expect to see a variety of native birds, enjoy the tranquil settings of the island, and understand why this island is crucial for conservation efforts in New Zealand.

Highlights: Native Bird Watching, Island Exploration, Photographic

Price Range: From approximately NZD 180

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2. Foveaux Strait Mail Boat Cruise

Fancy a mail run with a huge view, or something? This is no plain old mail delivery. The Foveaux Strait mail boat, anyway, it’s more or less a tour that hands over mail and supplies to families living in little bays along the coast, apparently. You get coastline views that few tourists ever see, too, so it’s almost like an awesome back-roads tour, actually, that floats.

This tour really offers both insight into isolated communities and an, actually, unbeatable coastal outlook, you know. Be sure to check it out.

Highlights: Stunning Coastline, Close Up Look at Island Wildlife, Bird Spotting, Mail Run Adventure

Price Range: Approximately NZD 150 – $200

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3. Half-Day Stewart Island Cruise from Bluff

Need something a bit quicker but still amazing? The half-day tour to Stewart Island, it’s very convenient, actually. From Bluff, and back, too. This will cover some seriously scenic areas without taking up your whole day, anyway. It, you know, sometimes means that you have free time in the afternoon for even, just, more Southland fun.

The cruise should present opportunities to witness diverse wildlife and immerse your senses in a scenic aquatic atmosphere with unique marine and avian creatures.

Highlights: Wildlife, Unique Creature Sightings, Aquatic Scenery

Price Range: From approximately NZD 120

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4. Private Sailing Charter in the Catlins

OK, so you are after something fancy and super flexible, apparently? How about a private sailing charter in the Catlins, just a little to the east of Invercargill, like your heart’s content, you know? You get your own boat, that’s for sure, with the skipper doing their thing and planning something awesome based on what you want. The Catlins coast is truly gorgeous with cliffs and hidden bays galore.

Expect individualized attention from experienced crew members, the chance to direct your schedule and explore, apparently, in depth locations with amazing views.

Highlights: Stunning coastlines, Marine animals

Price Range: Varies widely, starting from around NZD 800, potentially more.

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5. Riverton Estuary Exploration Tour

Don’t forget the local Riverton area either! A tour here, or something, maybe has more calm vibes than the open sea thing, as a matter of fact. Riverton’s, it’s steeped in heaps of history, almost, being one of the early settled areas in Southland, anyway, it’s usually a pretty fantastic way to explore while floating along on peaceful water. Spotting local bird life? Definitely almost happens!

Depending on the tour, almost everyone can find an educational perspective of native birds or wildlife in its natural setting, almost certainly along with relaxing views.

Highlights: Photographic, Local Scenery

Price Range: NZD $50 – $100

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