The 13 Best New Zealand Dinner Cruises

1.Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 755 reviews · from $185Our pick

Travel from Te Anau through Fiordland with a guide such as Steve or Jeremy, stopping at Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, the Homer Tunnel, and more. A picnic lunch, snacks, and a two-hour Milford Sound cruise are included in this small-group day trip for up to 15 people.

“This tour was next level - every part of the day was so well planned and executed, it was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Our guide for the day Jeremy was lovely and incredibly knowledgeable. We stopped at different places along the way and got great knowledge about the history of Milford Sound and the Fiordlands national park. The cruise itself was excellent and awe inspiring (also the packed lunch provided was very hearty, and they catered to my dietary requirements so well). Highly recommend!”

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2.Queenstown: Milford Sound Small-Group Tour w Cruise & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 523 reviews · 11 - 13 hours · from $208

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small minivan with a guide such as Jeff, Lynette, Martin, or Chris. Stop at Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River, and Homer Tunnel, then take a boutique cruise with lunch before returning by road or optional scenic flight.

“Our driver Colin was welcoming, friendly and very knowledgeable! We felt safe and saw some wonderfully beautiful sights. love the small tour size and transportation from central Queenstown location.”

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3.Auckland: Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

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

Spend 2.5 hours aboard a 50-foot yacht on Waitematā Harbour, with a welcome drink, live stories from the crew, and a three-course meal from The Lula Inn. You can help sail or try the wheel, then watch Auckland’s skyline glow after sunset. Jackets and blankets are supplied.

“Food was great! Captain (Peter) was also really great - would recommend!”

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4.From Te Anau: Milford Sound Small-Group Tour Including Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 86 reviews · 9 hours · from $178

Join Cheeky Kiwi Travel for a nine-hour Te Anau to Milford Sound day trip in a small minibus. Guides such as Steve, Hannah, Brian, and Dave have led trips with frequent photo stops, a picnic lunch, and a 105-minute cruise past Mitre Peak, waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and alpine scenery.

“This was a brilliant day. Made better by our driver Steve who was so informative and stopped at the best spots for views”

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5.From Queenstown: Milford Sound Flight and Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 44 reviews · 5 hours · from $397

Air Milford flies you from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a modern 12-seat Cessna, with pilot commentary, a 1-hour-45-minute nature cruise, picnic lunch, and return flight. Look for seals, dolphins, and Fiordland penguins while your pilot points out glaciers, alpine lakes, and Sutherland Falls.

“Fantastic, un servei i una atencio excellent. El dia q haviem de volar feia mal temps i es van preocupar de caviar-nos de dia sense problemes. Molt be tot!! Graciies!!!”

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6.Full-Day Adventure Cruise with Lunch in Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 44 reviews · from $178

Join The Rock Adventure Cruise from Paihia for a six-hour day on the Bay of Islands. A sea shuttle carries you to the boat, where the crew leads kayaking, snorkeling, island walks, seafood gathering, and beach time. Lunch, gear, instruction, and local commentary are included.

“Can’t rate this trip enough..definitely a highlight for us in the bay of islands..a MUST do”

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7.Milford Sound Premium Coach and Cruise with Lunch from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · from $183

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound in a reclining-seat, glass-roof coach, with local commentary, scenic stops, and USB charging. Cruise beneath Mitre Peak and waterfalls, enjoy a freshly prepared hot buffet lunch, and return by coach. Drivers such as Rowland and Brad are praised for clear, friendly commentary.

“Wonderful experience and Beautiful views from Te Anau to Milford Track with excellent tour guides we understand more of the history well done!”

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8.Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 15 reviews · 7h 30m · from $96

You’ll ride a water taxi from Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound to Furneaux Lodge at Endeavour Inlet. Enjoy a one-course lunch, views from the lawn or veranda, and time for a short walk before returning by boat at about 3 pm.

“We went for the scenery and it didn't disappoint. The surroundings at Furneaux Lodge were lovely and the staff were very friendly. Delicious lunch! We were disappointed that we didn't get any commentary during the cruise.”

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9.Milford Sound Luxury Lunch Cruise onboard The Fiordland Jewel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $216

Cruise Milford Sound aboard the Fiordland Jewel, a boutique catamaran limited to 38 people. Check in at noon, board at 12:15pm, and sail from 12:30 to 2:30pm with chef-prepared lunch, tea, coffee, and crew commentary. Captains Blake and Jack have been praised for their local insight and humor.

“We booked this cruise because of the size of the boat and we chose a lunch option. The cruise only had 14 including us, the lunch was excellent as were the staff. Blake the captain was great and had a wealth of knowledge of Milford Sound as well as a great sense of humour. I would highly recommend this cruise.”

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10.Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound inc Cruise & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $216

Travel from Queenstown to Te Anau in a premium Mercedes-Benz van with a guide such as Jason, Shura, or Raghav. Stop at Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, the Darran Mountains, and Homer Tunnel before a two-hour boutique Milford Sound cruise, lunch, and hotel drop-off.

“Raghav was awesome! The tour was long and so worth it!!! There were beautiful scenic routes, crazy weather changes to experience, and all the kindness from our tour guide Raghav!”

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11.Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound inc Cruise & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 10 hours · from $208

Join Cheeky Kiwi Travel for a 10-hour Queenstown to Te Anau journey in a Mercedes-Benz van. Your guide leads a small group through Fiordland, with Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Homer Tunnel, a two-hour boutique Milford Sound cruise, lunch, and wildlife viewing.

“This is such an incredible trip!! Definitely recommend if you are visiting Queenstown!! You will not be disappointed!”

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12.Rotorua: Lake Rotorua Cruise with Buffet Dining Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4 reviews · 1h 30m · from $29Best value

Spend 90 minutes on Lake Rotorua aboard the Lakeland Queen paddle steamer. Choose sightseeing or a buffet cruise, with indoor and outdoor seating, geothermal views, friendly English-speaking service, and a small-group feel.

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13.Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $93

Travel by Cougar Line from Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound to Furneaux Lodge, where you have lunch, time for a walk, and access to kayaks, paddle boards, and outdoor games. The captain provides English commentary. Return to Picton around 5pm.

“A boat out to Furneaux Lodge - was great value for money. Saw dolphins and many birds on the way. Only a small boat, but enjoyable trip, as people were picked up and dropped off around the sounds.”

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