Lake Te Anau Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit Lake Te Anau in 2026?

While Lake Te Anau is free to visit, many travelers choose to explore it on a guided tour. Tours of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves start around US$80, boat cruises start at US$100, and full-day tours of Milford Sound, including a stop at Lake Te Anau, begin around US$135.

Q: What tours are available on and around Lake Te Anau?

There are plenty of ways to explore Lake Te Anau. Take a boat cruise, kayaking excursion, or seaplane flight; visit lakeside attractions such as the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and Te Anau Bird Sanctuary; or combine it with a tour of Milford Sound or a hike along the Kepler Track.

Q: Where do Lake Te Anau tours depart from, and how do I get there?

Most Lake Te Anau tours depart from Te Anau town on the southeast shore of the lake, or from Queenstown, about a 2.5-hour drive from the lake. Most travelers drive themselves or join a tour that includes transportation, but you can also reach Te Anau by bus from Queenstown.

Q: Can I see glowworms at Lake Te Anau?

Yes, Lake Te Anau is home to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where you can see glittering, bioluminescent glowworms in their natural environment. The caves can only be accessed by guided tour, which includes a catamaran cruise across the lake and a walk and boat ride through the centuries-old caves.

Q: What’s the best time of year to take tours around Lake Te Anau?

Boat cruises and tours of Lake Te Anau run year-round, but the most popular time to visit is in summer. However, consider visiting in late spring or early fall to benefit from milder weather, easy access (roads sometimes close due to snow in winter), and longer days without the summer crowds.

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Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(1,109)

from $76

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

Embark on a cruise of Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound, starting from an easy-to-find location in Te Anau village. Travel by coach to Manapouri Lake for a short boat ride, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass. En route, stop for alpine views of Fiordland National Park, park of a UNESCO-listed landscape, before taking in the dramatic landscapes, soaring peaks, and wildlife of Doubtful Sound on a cruise.

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Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(327)

from $227

Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

Discover one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand's spectacular South Island on this full day Milford Sound hiking tour with cruise. Travel along the Milford Road from Te Anau and enjoy panoramic views over the beautiful countryside. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise through the fjord and out to the Tasman Sea, and gaze over soaring clifftops and plummeting waterfalls. Afterwards, enjoy short guided walks and explore Fiordland's spectacular natural scenery with a local nature guide.

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Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

9 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(776)

from $184

Champagne Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Te Anau

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(64)

from $98

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

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Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(3,531)

from $218

Likely to Sell Out

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

Cruise Milford Sound and travel the scenic Milford Road without having to self-drive on this handy day tour from Te Anau. Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park by luxury coach, stopping en route at the Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek before boarding a catamaran for a cruise. Journey past waterfalls and steep-walled pinnacles such as postcard-perfect Mitre Peak. Audio commentary is available in multiple languages.

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

7 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(139)

from $129

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

3 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(170)

from $98

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, but self-driving through the landscape of snow-capped mountains, towering waterfalls, and emerald greenery can be challenging—and distracting. Eliminate the hassle when you travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown. Pass Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, and enter the hand-carved Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, where you relax on a scenic nature cruise.

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Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(2,626)

from $248

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

Be amazed by Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes on this full-day, small-group tour by coach, boat, and air. This combo tour makes it easy to see a lot in one day. After a Queenstown hotel pickup, admire the dramatic scenery without having to drive yourself. Hop aboard a cruise on Milford Sound, then return to Queenstown by air, flying over Fiordland National Park and seeing views you couldn’t experience any other way.

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Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(246)

from $531

Fiordland Heli-hike from Te Anau

3 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(21)

from $274

Taste of Fiordland // Helicopter Scenic Flight from Te Anau

20 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(6)

from $234

Guided Private Milford Sound Day Tour from Te Anau(Cruise Included)

Experience the diverse geographical landscapes of the Milford Sound fjord by both land and water on this full-day, private tour from Te Anau. Start your journey by hopping aboard a cruise vessel and exploring the deep-blue waters around the fjord before joining your driver-guide to explore Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu). A great way to explore without having to navigate yourself.

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Guided Private Milford Sound Day Tour from Te Anau(Cruise Included)

7 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(119)

from $234

Price varies by group size

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

Milford Sound is an unmissable destination in the South Island, but self-driving can be risky and the return road trip from Queenstown is long. Simplify your visit on this small-group tour from Queenstown. Travel there in a luxury bus with panoramic scenic windows, allowing unobstructed views. Take a relaxing cruise on Milford Sound, beautiful in all weather, then return to Queenstown by air, saving time and maximizing the views.

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Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(365)

from $589

Likely to Sell Out

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

The deep waters, soaring cliffs, and thundering waterfalls of Milford Sound are spectacular from all angles, and this half-day tour by air and boat takes in all the highlights. Enjoy thrilling aerial views of the Fiordland National Park on a round-trip flight from Queenstown, and marvel at Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke on a scenic Milford Sound cruise. Hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch are included for a truly seamless experience.

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Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(699)

from $539

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

See the sheer cliffs of Milford Sound from the air and water on this half-day tour from Queenstown by sightseeing plane and catamaran. Fly over Fiordland National Park, part of a UNESCO-listed landscape, then touch down at Milford Sound for a nature cruise. This tour is perfect for photography and wildlife watching, and hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Queenstown hotels is included.

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Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(208)

from $512

Fiordland Adventures: 2-Hour Discovery Cruise in Te Anau

Discover the beauty of Lake Te Anau on a 2 hour discovery cruise with Cruise Te Anau. Explore the spectacular entrance of the stunning South Fiord with an intimate group of up to 6 passengers, experiencing the dramatic gateway to this pristine wilderness. You’ll enjoy spectacular mountain views in Fiordland National Park and take a gentle 15-minute guided nature walk through the rainforest to the beautiful Hidden Lakes – a tranquil area perfect for those wanting to experience Fiordland’s natural beauty without the longer commitment. Relax while surrounded by breathtaking, unspoiled scenery as you cruise back through this section of the fiord, taking in waterfalls and dramatic landscapes at a leisurely pace. This accessible adventure offers the perfect introduction to Fiordland’s magic, right from Te Anau’s doorstep.

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Fiordland Adventures: 2-Hour Discovery Cruise in Te Anau

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $107

Likely to Sell Out

Experience South Island of New Zealand on this seven day independent coach tour. Travelling by coach and train through the specular South Island of New Zealand. Your journey commences in Christchurch travelling on day one to Greymouth on the world famous TranzAlpine Train and then by road to Franz Josef. Then by road up the rugged West Coast, via Haast Pass and Wanaka to Queenstown. You will have three nights in Queenstown and during your stay there you will visit Milford Sound and enjoy a nature cruise on the sound. You will also have a full free day to explore the township on your own or partake in one of the many activities that are on offer. From Queenstown you will travel by road to Dunedin where you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city plus a day tour out onto the Otago Peninsula for a visit to Larnach Castle and for a wildlife cruise on the harbour during your two night stay. On your final day you will return to Christchurch by road where your 7 day tour will conclude.

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7Day/6Nights Coastal Splendour Tour

7 daysFree Cancellation

3.7

(6)

from $1,654

The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, running from the shores of Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri and back via majestic alpine vistas. Start your trek off with this private water taxi across Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay. From there, stroll back to Te Anau along the lake’s limestone bluffs or, for more of a challenge, hike up Mount Luxmore, a summit with impressive views of Te Anau basin.

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Kepler Track Water Taxi

15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(47)

from $18

Milford Track Multi-Night Hike - Water Taxi Transport ONLY

50 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(60)

from $145

Milford Sound Private Day Trip from Queenstown via Te Anau

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Enjoy a tailored tour exclusively for private tour. Flexible itinerary that can adapt to your interests, pace, and preferences and Options to add one way scenic flights. Discover the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s Fiordland on a full-day journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Experience stunning alpine landscapes, serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and a scenic cruise through the iconic fjord — all in one unforgettable adventure.

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Milford Sound Private Day Trip from Queenstown via Te Anau

13 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(5)

from $394

Likely to Sell Out

Milford Sound and Big Five Glaciers Scenic Flight

Soar above the clouds and majestic mountain peaks of Mt. Aspiring and Fiordland national parks for a truly bird’s-eye perspective of New Zealand’s celebrated alpine scenery. On this compact scenic flight from Queenstown, enjoy views of at least five major glaciers, each lesser-known than the heavily visited Fox and Franz Josef glaciers further north. This flight also showcases the deep, densely forested fiords of Milford Sound.

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Milford Sound and Big Five Glaciers Scenic Flight

1 hourFree Cancellation

4.9

(57)

from $372

Likely to Sell Out

Experience the best of the lower South Island without having to drive yourself through the distractingly beautiful landscapes on a 6-day coach tour from Christchurch. Stop at Aoraki Mt. Cook, take a Milford Sound cruise, and spend a free day in Queenstown, then journey to Dunedin. Enjoy a guided tour of neo-gothic Dunedin and the wildlife-filled Otago Peninsula, with a guided tour of Larnach Castle and a wildlife cruise.

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6Day/5Nights Southern Heritage

6 daysFree Cancellation

5.0

(4)

from $1,287

Helicopter Transfer from Milford Sound Airport to Te Anau

This flight covers a huge part of the Fiordland National Park - departing from the iconic Milford Sound you fly over a portion of the Milford Track - one of New Zealands Great Walks. What an easy way to see this track! If the weather is suitable, you may get views of one of New Zealands highest waterfalls - the Sutherland Falls. Heading south along Fiordlands main divide of mountains, many differing views appear including hidden alpine lakes, rocky mountain peaks and if you look really hard, some hardy animals like red deer. Descending over the mountains takes you closer to Lake Te Anau, Te Anau township and Lake Manapouri for landing at Te Anau Airport.

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Helicopter Transfer from Milford Sound Airport to Te Anau

40 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

from $589

Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from Queenstown

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most impressive natural wonders, but the remote fjord lies around four hours by road from Queenstown. Save time and maximize your experience with this airplane tour to Milford Sound, which allows you to explore the region from both the air and land. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of Skippers Canyon, Sutherland Falls, and the Fiordland National Park; and touch down to experience the fjord up close with a self-guided walk along the shore.

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Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from Queenstown

5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(27)

from $433

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What are people saying about Lake Te Anau

Champagne Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Te Anau

William_G, Jan 2026

Relaxing evening Sail aboard the Faith

Was a Brillant cruise on the Scottish built sailboat faith with Megan and Adam. The boat is their love child and the history behind Faith is very interesting. The actual sailing around Lake Te Anau was nice and relaxing with some great nibbles and a nice red and champagne provided. If in Te Auau would highly recommend the cruise.

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

Elisabeth_Y, Jun 2026

Incredible vistas all the...

Incredible vistas all the way! We had a friendly and experienced driver, the coach was clean and comfortable. We were lucky to have a clear, sunny day and calm water on the fjord. Highly recommend the warm buffet lunch on the cruise! We travelled with a senior family member, so the later start and easy itinerary were well suited. OveraIl I would highly recommend this tour experience

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

Zai_K, Jul 2026

Please temper your...

Please temper your expectations if you are expecting bright glow that lights up a cavern. Otherwise, a beautiful time.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

Kathryn_H, Jul 2026

Amazing views!

Incredible place to see - high snowy peaks towering over the sound, mountains straight out of water. The trip was comfortable with lots of explanations of the landscape and history. Super helpful staff!

Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

Natala_P, Jun 2026

Amazing Tour & Tour Guide!

We had an amazing day with our very knowledgeable tour guide, Michelle. She was so well versed on the local environment and went out of her way to make our day informational, interesting and comfortable. The Sound was amazing, and the walks that we took as part of the tour were beautiful . I would highly recommend this tour company. Make sure to ask for Michelle!

Guided Private Milford Sound Day Tour from Te Anau(Cruise Included)

Aisyah_A, Jun 2026

Best way to Milford!

It is an experience that you would not regret! There is so much to learn from Nigel - knowledge, facts and happenings in fiordland and landmarks. He was very thoughtful to ensure our experience was comfortable and well paced. He even went ahead to get us good seats for the boat ride. We really felt like 'superstars' in his car. No regrets at all. Thank you, Nigel!

Lake Te Anau

5.0

(10,577)

Fiordland & Milford Sound

Know before you go

A wooden pier entering the Lake Te Anau in New Zealand.

Lake Te Anau is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The towns of Te Anau and Manapouri are good bases for most travelers thanks to grocery stores, restaurants, and accomodation options.
Bring sturdy shoes or hiking boots to explore the many walking and mountain-biking tracks near the lake.
From November to March, book travel to Te Anau well in advance; accomodation and tours are known to sell out.
Overnight camping is generally restricted to designated campsites, even if your vehicle is self-contained.
Help prevent the spread of didymo, an invasive algae present in Lake Te Anau, by washing boats, kayaks, waders, and other gear when you leave the lake.

Lake Te Anau Tours and Tickets

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What are people saying about Lake Te Anau

Lake Te Anau

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