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.

31 results

Sort by: Featured

Best Seller

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(1,123)

from $77

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.

...More

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(3,625)

from $220

Champagne Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Te Anau

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(64)

from $99

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.

...More

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(328)

from $229

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.

...More

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

9 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(777)

from $186

Special Offer

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.

...More

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

7 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

...More

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(251)

from $537

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

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on Lake Te Anau on a tour that combines a cruise and guided nature walk in Fiordland National Park. Set sail on a motorized yacht for a relaxed cruise with drinks and snacks. After a bush walk with mountain views, set sail for the return trip. Note that this tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible and has some restrictions for travelers with limited mobility.

...More

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

3 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(170)

from $99

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.

...More

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

7 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(120)

from $230

Taste of Fiordland // Helicopter Scenic Flight from Te Anau

20 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(6)

from $236

Likely to Sell Out

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.

...More

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(2,639)

from $250

Fiordland Heli-hike from Te Anau

3 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(21)

from $277

Cruise Milford Small Group Day Tour from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(45)

from $220

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.

...More

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(704)

from $545

Likely to Sell Out

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.

...More

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(366)

from $595

Lake Te Anau: 2-Hour Small-Group Fiordland Discovery Cruise

Discover the beauty of Lake Te Anau on a two-hour Discovery Cruise with Cruise Te Anau. Just 10 minutes after leaving the Te Anau lakefront, you’ll be cruising into a freshwater fiord with a small group—experiencing the dramatic gateway to one of Fiordland’s most pristine wilderness areas. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views within Fiordland National Park before stepping ashore for a gentle 15-minute guided nature walk through native beech forest to the beautiful Hidden Lakes. Kids have plenty of fun exploring the track and discovering the plants, mushrooms and wildlife along the way. Back onboard, cruise past waterfalls and dramatic landscapes while surrounded by peaceful, untouched scenery. This relaxed, off-the-beaten-track adventure offers a unique Fiordland experience without the crowds or a long day of travel. Perfect for families, photographers and anyone wanting an accessible taste of Fiordland’s wilderness—right from Te Anau’s doorstep.

...More

Lake Te Anau: 2-Hour Small-Group Fiordland Discovery Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $108

14 Day Scenic New Zealand Discovery Private Tour

Discover New Zealand’s greatest wonders in one unforgettable journey—from glowworm caves and steaming geothermal pools to soaring glaciers, dramatic fjords, and star-filled skies. Drift through glowworm-lit caverns, walk at the foot of ancient glaciers, and stand beneath the clearest night skies on Earth. From Rotorua’s geothermal marvels to Fiordland’s fjords, Napier’s vineyards to Kaikoura’s wild seal colonies, each day reveals a new chapter of discovery. With private transfers, boutique stays, and handpicked activities, you’ll enjoy a seamless blend of iconic highlights and hidden gems. Whether it’s sipping wine by the sea, stargazing, or riding the legendary TranzAlpine train, New Zealand will capture your heart and take your breath away. This tour is the ultimate New Zealand story, written just for you.

...More

14 Day Scenic New Zealand Discovery Private Tour

14 daysFree Cancellation

from $10,111

Price varies by group size

Likely to Sell Out

Guided Kepler Track Heli Hike

7 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(34)

from $475

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.

...More

Kepler Track Water Taxi

15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(47)

from $18

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.

...More

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(208)

from $517

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.

...More

7Day/6Nights Coastal Splendour Tour

7 daysFree Cancellation

3.7

(6)

from $1,670

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.

...More

Milford Sound and Big Five Glaciers Scenic Flight

1 hourFree Cancellation

4.9

(58)

from $376

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.

...More

Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from Queenstown

5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(27)

from $437

Milford Sound Small Group Day Tour From Queenstown

Why Choose Us for Your Queenstown to Milford Sound? Here’s why travelers love booking with us: 1. Modern, Comfortable Fleet • Our fleet of 6 well-maintained vehicles ensures a smooth and safe ride, whether you’re traveling in a small group or with a larger party. 2. Experienced Local Drivers & Guides • Our friendly drivers are not only skilled behind the wheel but also knowledgeable about the region’s history, 3. Flexible and Personalized Itineraries • Whether you’re looking for a private tour or a group experience, we can customize the itinerary to suit your preferences 4. Complimentary Amenities • Free bottled water to keep you hydrated throughout the journey. • Wi-Fi on board • USB charging ports 5. Affordable Pricing with No Hidden cost Let us take care of the driving while you sit back, relax, and soak in the breathtaking views of Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, and Milford Sound!

...More

Milford Sound Small Group Day Tour From Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(2)

from $1,046

Per group

1 2

What are people saying about Lake Te Anau

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

Thomas_B, Aug 2026

It’s a good experience

Wear waterproof shoes and ensure to wear warm clothes. Tour guides are very friendly and are happy to answer any questions.

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

Stuart_L, Aug 2026

Excellent

Excellent. Everything ran on time and the staff were great! Recommend for the family................

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

Kaitlyn_A, Aug 2026

Great winter tour and cruise

The tour guide was great and had lots of information about the region and its history. The drive was smooth and we got to stop at some great lookouts along the way. The buffet at the cruise was great with plenty of food and the cruise ride itself was stunning!

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

31 results

What are people saying about Lake Te Anau

Lake Te Anau

People Also Ask