Day Trips from Te Anau to Invercargill

Discover the stunning beauty of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park on this active, small-group day trip from Te Anau. Start your adventure with a peaceful morning boutique cruise showcasing breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Afterward, embark on a guided walk to Key Summit on the Routeburn Track, where panoramic alpine views await. This full-day experience combines leisurely cruising with invigorating hiking, making it perfect for those who love the outdoors. - Early morning boutique cruise on Milford Sound with Cruise Milford - Guided Key Summit walk on the Routeburn Track with stunning views - Small-group setting with a maximum of 8 guests for a personal experience - Includes return transport, lunch, and local guide commentary

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.

Milford Sound is a must-visit South Island destination but the journey there is half the fun—and self-driving can be stressful in the mountains. Simplify your visit from Te Anau on a guided tour in a glass-roofed coach, for optimized views of Fiordland National Park. On arrival at the sound, enjoy a nature cruise with live commentary. Get close to waterfalls cascading from the peaks, and watch for dolphins and penguins.

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.

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.

Soar over Lake Te Anau via helicopter. Soak up views of the Hidden Lakes, the Main Divide and the remote Kepler Mountains before getting dropped off at the Luxmore Hut for your hike. Soak up the amazing views from Luxmore Summit, before descending by foot onto the shores of Lake Te Anau.

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.

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.

Tucked away in the South Island’s beautiful Fiordland region, Milford Sound ranks among New Zealand’s most impressive natural attractions—but its remote location makes access challenging. On this tour, enjoy round-trip transport from Te Anau to Milford Sound aboard your premium glass-roof coach and admire panoramic views over the countryside scenery. Take to the water for a Milford Sound cruise, and discover native wildlife among the towering waterfalls.

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.

Experience the most comprehensive Milford Sound day trip from Te Anau. An expert nature guide accompanies you throughout both the coach and cruise journeys. Travel in a premium glass-roof coach through Fiordland with scenic photo stops along the way, while your Nature Guide shares the region's rich stories of history, geology and wildlife. Arrive at Milford Sound ready for your extended cruise through this world-famous scenery aboard a spacious vessel. The boat features both indoor cabins and outdoor viewing decks, perfect for watching wildlife and feeling the spray of waterfalls. With multiple language options via the app and free refreshments onboard, this cruise is designed for those who want the most complete Milford Sound experience

Milford Sound, in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, is a must-visit destination in the South Island, but self-driving through the mountainous landscape can be challenging. Simplify your visit by letting someone else drive so you can enjoy the views. After departing Te Anau, stop at an authentic farm to learn about rural life. Continue to Milford Sound for a nature cruise, admiring views of peaks, waterfalls, and possibly dolphins.

Many people come to Milford Sound, in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, to enjoy a scenic nature cruise. But if you feel like getting more active, join this combo tour for a hike along the scenic Milford Track, too. Get a taste of the multi-day hiking track without the time commitment. Return transfers from Te Anau mean you don’t have to self-drive in this distractingly beautiful landscape.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound with an exclusive small-group experience that includes transport and a nature cruise. Departing from Te Anau, travel in a customized glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter designed for just 12 guests, ensuring comfort and panoramic views. Upon arrival, enjoy priority boarding for your Nature Cruise, featuring the Captain's VIP Lounge where you can savor stunning views of Stirling Falls and the surrounding cliffs. With all-inclusive food and beverages served onboard, you can relax and enjoy the company of NZ fur seals, and other wildlife throughout your journey. - Small-group tour with a maximum of 12 guests for personalized experiences - Travel in a luxury glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter with onboard amenities - Priority boarding and access to the Captain's VIP Lounge during the cruise - All-inclusive food and drinks served onboard, including beer and wine

Travel to Milford Sound from Te Anau in a small group of just 12 guests, journeying through Fiordland in a glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter with leather seats and room to spread out. The smaller group means a relaxed pace, easy conversation with your driver-guide, and time to stop and take in the scenery along the Milford Road. Onboard Wi-Fi, USB and USB-C charging, and a refillable chilled water dispenser keep the journey comfortable. On the water, enjoy Southern Discoveries' Discover More Cruise, our longest Milford Sound cruise, with up to 2 hrs 15 mins on the fiord. An onboard Nature Guide shares stories of the wildlife and the landscapes, with chances to see fur seals, dolphins and penguins. Depart from Te Anau on a seamless, full-day Milford Sound experience.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the enchanting landscapes of Middle Earth on this half-day adventure from Te Anau. Travel through the stunning Fiordland National Park, visiting iconic filming locations from the Lord of the Rings, including the Dead Marshes and Mavora Lakes. With expert guides passionate about the lore of the films, you'll gain insights into the making of the series while enjoying photo opportunities with authentic props. This tour is perfect for both dedicated fans and curious travelers seeking a unique adventure. - Duration: 5.5 hours, departing at 11:00am - Visit legendary LOTR locations like Fangorn Forest, Nen Hithoel and the Anduin River - Includes photos with the largest collection of licensed LOTR props - Medium fitness level required; suitable for adventurous spirits

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!

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.