Top Te Anau Outdoor Activities

Explore Fiordland National Park's Doubtful Sound on this full-day cruise from Manapouri. Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, then a short coach journey over Wilmot Pass, with stunning views. Cruise the 25-mile (40-kilometer) stretch of Doubtful Sound, looking out for fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins while listening to your naturalist guide’s commentary. A highlight is when the engines are cut so you can appreciate the silence.

Travel along the spectacular Milford Road on a full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau. See native wildlife such as the endangered kea (an alpine parrot), seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Enjoy short walks to beautiful sights including the Chasm and Marian Cascade, and take a sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound. Includes entrance fees, boat cruise, morning tea, and hotel transfers.

A Milford Sound cruise is a must-do activity in southern New Zealand, but getting there independently can be stressful because of the rugged mountain roads. This full-day tour from Te Anau includes a hotel pickup and picnic lunch, so you don’t need to pack your own. Watch the views rather than the road by going with a guide and driver. See many spectacular sights along the way, including Mirror Lakes.

Experience life on a real working farm at Woodstone with this 90-minute hosted tour. Get up close with friendly animals and enjoy a relaxed, hands-on visit guided by a local farmer. Feed and interact with the animals, then watch live demonstrations including sheep shearing and working dog mustering, while learning how the farm runs day to day. Take a break with while soaking in the surroundings of vineyards, lavender fields, and seasonal blooms. At select times of year, your visit can also include access to the maize or sunflower maze, adding something extra to your day. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting an authentic Kiwi farm experience!

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.

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.

Step into a powerful jet boat and cruise along the mighty Upper Waiau River from Te Anau on this roughly 2-hour adventure into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Feel the wind rush past you and enjoy unobstructed views of this ancient forested landscape as you head to Lake Manapouri. Enjoy stunts along the way that you could never do in a car or tour bus.

Explore the magic of Milford Sound on our, unforgettable Milford Sound Day Tour! Discover New Zealand’s pristine beauty as you journey through Fiordland's rugged landscapes, awe-inspiring peaks, and glistening waters. Our carefully curated tour combines the thrill of adventure with moments of serene relaxation, showcasing the unparalleled wonders of this World Heritage site. You’ll be transported in comfort with breathtaking scenic stops along the way, guided by passionate locals who share insights into the area’s geology, history, and wildlife. Capture sweeping views of waterfalls cascading down towering cliffs and glistening fiords that define Milford Sound’s untamed allure. You also have a chance at encountering New Zealand’s iconic seals, playful dolphins, and diverse bird species. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and let the magic of Milford Sound create lasting memories on this extraordinary day tour. Perfect for nature lovers, families, and adventurers alike!

This Doubtful Sound overnight cruise takes you over Manapouri Lake to this South Island gem in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Board the ‘Wanderer,’ a 3-mast motorized boat designed on a traditional scow, and cruise past soaring granite peaks in New Zealand’s second-largest fiord. Learn from an onboard nature guide about wildlife such as fur seals, penguins, and bottlenose dolphins. Then spend the night in a comfortable cabin, including a 3-course dinner and breakfast.

Travel to the Tasman Sea on a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown. Travel in a comfortable luxury coach with a glass roof for premium views of the towering mountains. At Milford Sound, cruise past by the world-renowned Mitre Peak and drift alongside rushing waterfalls as you search for wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. An onboard nature specialist provides expert commentary.

The most scenic jet boat ride ever: see actual “Lord of the Rings” film locations on the way down to the beautiful Lake Manapouri. On the way down the river you will get the chance to spot rainbow and brown trout. There is an amazing view around every river bend. The ride has a pinch of adrenalin and heaps of natural beauty. Lake Manapouri is amazing and you may not see another boat in sight. Your start of part of the Kepler Track begins on disembarking from the boat at approximately 12:00 pm. A leisurely guided walk begins through towering Beech trees and even taller Rimu trees. Our guide will share his/her knowledge with you; Native trees, ferns and the occasional Bellbirds, Tuis, friendly Fantails, Tomtits, Finches and Robins will keep your camera clicking. The hike concludes at the large suspension bridge at Rainbow Reach where your transport awaits to take you back to Te Anau

Go on one of New Zealand's "Great Walks," the Routeburn Track from Te Anau to Key Summit, during this full-day guided walking tour. Get views of alpine herb fields, snowy peaks, and lush forests across the South Island’s Fiordland National Park. Travel with a small group of 12 hikers or fewer, ensuring personalized attention from your guide. Be prepared for a moderate hike with some uphill sections.

Discover Milford Sound on the original small-group glass-roof tour from Queenstown with Altitude Tours. Travel in a custom-built Mercedes Sprinter featuring an expansive glass roof, panoramic windows, leather seats, Wi-Fi and USB charging. With a maximum of just 15 guests, enjoy a relaxed, personalised experience away from the crowds. Your knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating commentary, local history and hidden gems as you journey through Fiordland National Park, stopping at iconic viewpoints and scenic locations along the spectacular Milford Road. A freshly prepared packed picnic lunch is included to enjoy during the day. In Milford Sound, board a small-group nature cruise and experience towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and native wildlife, including seals, dolphins and, if you're lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. This is Milford Sound at its most personal and unforgettable.

For those looking to explore one of New Zealand's most scenic drives, the Premium Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour from Te Anau is the perfect option. Join knowledgeable and experienced guides on a journey through lush rainforests, glacier carved valleys, and alpine lookouts, with plenty of opportunities for short walks and photo stops along the way before embarking on your cruise. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and lunch as you take in the stunning scenery and learn about the fiord's fascinating history and wildlife from the welcoming crew. Finish with a refreshing dance under the Stirling Falls before heading back to Te Anau.

Enjoy majestic views of the Fiordland wilderness without hiking up mountains or even breaking a sweat on this luxury sunset cruise. Enjoy champagne and canapés on the deck of this impeccably preserved 1930s sailing yacht and marvel at the rolling hills and dense forest stretching from the shores of Lake Te Anau through to the horizon. Relax and watch the sun set over the Southern Alps.

Get a comprehensive tour of Milford Sound with this combination coach tour and boat cruise from Te Anau. Avoid the hassle of self-driving along the mountainous Milford Road by going with a guide and group in a low-emission vehicle. Stop for photo ops and short walks en route. Then, transfer to a boat for a scenic cruise on Milford Sound. Enjoy lunch and unlimited coffee and tea on the water.

Take in stunning panoramic views of mountains and alpine lakes on this half-day, fully guided small-group hike along the Routeburn Track to Key Summit. Limited to just 12 guests, you'll explore alpine lakes, valleys, and ancient forests with a knowledgeable guide. Begin with a scenic drive along Milford Road and enjoy morning tea with freshly baked treats before hiking the well-formed track, suitable for various fitness levels. Weather permitting, additional viewpoints may be included, and even in rain, the scenery remains breathtaking. A packed picnic lunch, small group setting, and flexibility make this a must-do Fiordland adventure.

The fjord of Milford Sound houses dramatic rainforests, crashing waterfalls, crystalline lakes, and majestic mountains. Explore the region’s stunning scenery on this full-day small-group tour from Te Anau. Travel the Milford Road before hopping aboard a cruise where you can enjoy a morning snack and unlimited purified water, plus taste New Zealand regional dishes as you watch the mountainous landscape pass you by.

Explore Milford Sound on a full-day tour from Queenstown with a combination of a scenic coach ride, sightseeing cruise, and return flight over the pristine mountain wilderness. Avoid the hassle of self-driving through the beautiful landscape and let an experienced driver take the wheel on the mountainous roads. Look out for rare South Island wildlife on the cruise, then save time with a flight back to Queenstown.

Lake Marian Day Walk offers a captivating hike to one of Fiordland’s hidden gems. This full-day experience leads you to Lake Marian, a stunning alpine lake nestled in a hanging valley, surrounded by towering mountains. We’ll pick you up from your Te Anau accommodation for a scenic drive along the Milford Road, with photo stops in Fiordland National Park. The hike begins with a gentle walk beside cascading waterfalls before ascending through lush forests of fuchsia, ribbonwood, and beech trees. Enjoy a delightful morning tea with fresh baking and refreshments at a scenic stop. The walk to Lake Marian and back takes around 5 hours, with time to explore the lake’s southern side. If weather affects our time at the lake, we’ll explore other short walks along the Hollyford Valley.

Active, outdoor-loving travelers will enjoy this half-day jet boating and cycling combo. Zoom up the Upper Waiau River and across Lake Manapouri on a thrilling jet boat ride–don’t forget to take in the amazing views. After a short guided nature walk you’ll grab your bikes for a 7 mile (10 km) ride along a moderately challenging riverside trail. Learn about the area from your guide on the way.

It can be difficult to fully appreciate Fiordland National Park when you’re hiking with a heavy pack. This easy-going morning or afternoon cruise takes the sweating and heavy breathing out of the equation. Cruise along Lake Te Anau in an elegant yacht and enjoy the views of the bush-covered mountains from the lake. Note that this tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible and has some restrictions for limited mobility.

Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on this premium small group tour from Te Anau to Queenstown, featuring a boutique cruise on Milford Sound. Begin your journey with a morning pickup in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz van and enjoy breathtaking sights like Mirror Lakes and the impressive Darran Mountains. At Milford Sound, experience an intimate cruise showcasing iconic Mitre Peak and local wildlife. Afterward, savor a picnic lunch amidst the scenery before a scenic drive back to Queenstown, with plenty of photo opportunities included along the way. Duration: Approximately 10 hours, fully guided Small group sizes for an intimate experience Picnic lunch and refreshments included Visit major highlights like Milford Sound, Eglinton Valley, and more