
Wairaurahiri River Wilderness Jet Boat Tours
Experience Fiordland’s wild Wairaurahiri River by jet boat. Ride from Lake Hauroko to the South Coast with rapids, rainforest walks, and remote scenery.
Updated : 19 th March 2026
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the starting point for unforgettable experiences including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
From scenic lake cruises and glowworm cave tours to epic day trips through Fiordland’s rugged wilderness, Te Anau offers some of the best things to do in New Zealand’s South Island.
Whether you’re chasing adventure, nature or breathtaking scenery, Te Anau is the perfect base to explore one of the country’s most iconic regions.
Te Anau is the main base for exploring Fiordland National Park and one of the best places in New Zealand to experience iconic destinations like Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Set on the shores of Lake Te Anau, this relaxed lakeside town offers a wide range of activities, from scenic lake cruises and guided walks to glowworm caves, jet boating, and unforgettable Fiordland day trips.
From Te Anau, visitors can explore world-renowned walking tracks including the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks, cruise across Lake Te Anau, or discover the famous Te Anau Glowworm Caves. For those seeking adventure, jet boating and horse trekking provide a more exhilarating way to experience Fiordland’s rugged wilderness.
Te Anau is also the perfect base for visiting Milford Sound, while nearby Manapouri is the gateway to remote journeys into Doubtful Sound. These spectacular fiords are known for towering cliffs, waterfalls and abundant wildlife, making this region one of the most unforgettable places to visit in New Zealand.
Whether you’re planning a scenic day trip, outdoor adventure or relaxed nature experience, Te Anau offers some of the best things to do in Fiordland.

Experience Fiordland’s wild Wairaurahiri River by jet boat. Ride from Lake Hauroko to the South Coast with rapids, rainforest walks, and remote scenery.

Escape to Waitutu Lodge in Fiordland National Park – off-grid accommodation on the South Coast Track. Reach it by walk, jet boat or helicopter.

Top 6 Milford Sound cruises & tours—day, overnight, coach & fly-cruise—from Queenstown & Te Anau. Compare durations, inclusions, and prices to book.

Relax on an overnight Milford Sound cruise. Explore stunning waterfalls, rainforests, and wildlife like seals and dolphins in the heart of Fiordland.

Experience Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and the Kepler Mountains with Fiordland Helicopters. Scenic flights, alpine landings and unforgettable views from Te Anau.

Experience raw beauty first hand. Step out into the forest & mountains with a knowledgeable guide to share in this awe-inspiring world.

Discover Te Anau’s scenic trails on horseback with Westray Fiordland Horse Treks. Enjoy guided rides, panoramic views, and an authentic New Zealand adventure.

Fiordland Jet is all about fun and incredible experiences of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, be completely wowed by stunning scenery

Private guided day walks from Te Anau on the Milford, Kepler & Routeburn Tracks. Explore cliffs, forests, lakes and alpine views with your own expert guide.

Explore Milford Sound by kayak with Rosco’s expert guides. Paddle close to waterfalls, wildlife, and dramatic fiord scenery on a guided kayaking tour.

Explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves on a guided tour and lake cruise. See sparkling glowworms, limestone caverns, and Fiordland’s magical underground world.

you’ll be travelling on smaller boats, which are less crowded & where the crew offer an informative & personal tour of Milford Sound,

Our excursions and services are completely guided, and our guides are renowned for their enthusiasm, expertise, and ability to entertain our clients.

Experience RealNZ Doubtful Sound day and overnight cruises. Cross Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass to explore remote fiords with waterfalls, wildlife, and rainforest.

Discover the best free things to do in Te Anau. Enjoy scenic walks, wildlife encounters, and outdoor activities in Fiordland’s stunning natural landscapes.
Te Anau is more than just a base for Milford Sound — it’s a destination in its own right. Surrounded by lakes, native forest and alpine landscapes, the area offers a mix of relaxed nature experiences, hidden local spots and easy access to Fiordland National Park’s most iconic locations.
Ivon Wilson Park – A peaceful reserve close to town, ideal for short walks, picnics and enjoying native bush in a quiet setting.
Lake Mistletoe Track – A short loop track near Te Anau Downs leading to a tranquil forest lake, best visited early for calm conditions and birdlife.
Fiordland Community Garden – A small, locally run garden that reflects the region’s slower pace and community spirit.
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary – One of the best free things to do in Te Anau, home to rare native species including takahē and kākā.
Summer (Dec–Feb): Lake cruises, kayaking, cycling and Kepler Track day walks
Autumn (Mar–May): Fewer crowds, crisp air and vibrant autumn colours — ideal for photography
Winter (Jun–Aug): Snow-capped mountains, quiet roads and cosy cafés
Spring (Sep–Nov): Peak waterfalls, wildflowers and active birdlife throughout Fiordland
Milford Sound – One of New Zealand’s most famous destinations, featuring dramatic fiords, waterfalls and scenic cruises
Doubtful Sound (via Manapouri) – A quieter, more remote wilderness experience with full-day and overnight cruises
Lake Manapouri – Just 20 minutes from Te Anau, offering peaceful lake views, walking tracks and access to Doubtful Sound
Lake Hauroko & Wairaurahiri River – A remote jet boat adventure for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-track Fiordland experience
Te Anau offers the best balance of comfort, access and variety in Fiordland. While there are plenty of free and easy experiences, guided tours and cruises open up parts of the region that simply can’t be reached independently — from remote fiords to hidden wilderness valleys.
Whether you’re staying a night or using Te Anau as your base for exploring Fiordland, it’s one of the most rewarding places in New Zealand to visit.
Te Anau offers a wide range of experiences including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound day trips, scenic lake cruises, glowworm cave tours, hiking sections of the Kepler Track, and exploring Fiordland National Park.
Popular day trips from Te Anau include Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound via Manapouri, Lake Manapouri, and remote Fiordland adventures such as jet boating on the Wairaurahiri River.
Yes, Te Anau is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand, offering access to Fiordland National Park, world-famous fiords, scenic cruises, walking tracks, and unique nature experiences.
Milford Sound is approximately a 2-hour drive (120 km) from Te Anau, following one of New Zealand’s most scenic alpine routes through Fiordland National Park.
At night, visitors can explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, enjoy peaceful lakeside walks, or relax at local restaurants and cafés in the town centre.
Yes, Te Anau offers several free activities including lakeside walks, visiting the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, exploring local parks, and short walking tracks around Fiordland. More Information Here:
Te Anau can be visited year-round. Summer is ideal for hiking and lake activities, while winter offers snow-capped scenery and fewer crowds. Spring and autumn provide excellent conditions for photography and quieter travel.