Things to do in Te Anau, South Island: The Best Tours

December 2, 2021 Renato Branum

A gateway to Fjordland National Park, the quaint and peaceful township of Te Anau is nestled on the edge of a lake of the same name—the perfect site for jetboating or fishing. Embark on one of many day-long or multi-day hiking or walking tracks, then return to town to restore your body with a soak or massage at a spa and a delicious café meal. Nature lovers will marvel at the Te Anau glowworm caves, the Wildlife Park and Ivon Wilson Park, where rare Takahe birds flutter freely.
Restaurants in Te Anau

1. Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
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5.0 based on 51 reviews

Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot dolphins, seals and penguins. Enjoy an exhilarating flight past rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls, and land upon Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Inclusions: Landing and facility fees, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly, Hotel pickup and drop-off, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By kymr409

Sunset, a helicopter and a Mountain. These are things dreams are made of. The flight up the side of the mountain is breathtaking and surreal. As you get over the top it is just insane. Matt was our pilot and one of the nicest pilots I have flown with. He is a great photographer too. As we had a drink and watch ed the sun slowly setting in the distance. The flight home Matt was so informative at poiting out some interesting sites. What a trip we will be back .

2. Premium Milford Sound and Te Anau Highlights 2 Days Small Group Tour

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This small group, fully-guided tour not only gives you the best Milford Sound experience but also allows you to enjoy everything Te Anau has to offer, making it the ultimate Fiordland Adventure. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Te Anau Highlights tour • Overnight stay in Te Anau Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Inclusions: Lunch, Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Accommodation, Bottled Water & Snacks

Exclusions: Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking, Gratuities

Reviewed By pcol2017

Had a great trip last week with Cheeky Kiwi. Callum our guide was fantastic - took us to beautiful spots we would never have stopped at on our own. He provided a fun commentary and was totally engaging. The cruise with Cruise Milford was stunning. Lovely staff on board who chatted happily to guests and made us feel very welcome. Would totally recommend this trip. Takes the hassle out of driving yourself, and at the end of a long day, having someone else drive you home is a bonus. Nice comfortable van and small size makes a more personal trip. 5 stars

3. Milford Sound Fly | Cruise | Fly ex Queenstown

Glenorchy Air, Queenstown Airport, Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Glenorchy Air
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5.0 based on 120 reviews

You are guaranteed a window seat with unimpaired views as you fly this incredible route to and from Milford Sound through a landscape of unbelievable grandeur and beauty. Encounter real mountain flying and marvel at the most remarkable snow-capped mountains and glaciers onboard our fixed-wing aircraft. Your knowledgeable, highly skilled local pilot providing interesting and informative commentary. Flying across the Southern Alps, out to the West Coast and the Tasman Sea before flying through the Fiord itself to land in Milford Sound. Once in Milford, your pilot will accompany you to the boat terminal. Discover the natural wonders of Milford Sound aboard your cruise vessel with open-air viewing decks, a perfect location for some wildlife spotting. The Fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins, and dolphins, who love playing in the wake of the boat. You will cruise the length of the Fiord out to the Tasman Sea with a pass under Sterling Falls on the return.

Inclusions: Complementary Shuttle from Central Queenstown by 11 seater van , Child/booster seats available on request, baby earmuffs also provided , Departures from Queenstown Airport and Glenorchy Airstrip , Your knowledgeable, highly skilled local pilot will provide interesting and informative commentary , Complimentary Tea and Coffee provided during your cruise

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food options are available to pre purchase at an additional cost.

Reviewed By RhodesNZ

A great day exploring Milford Sound was made so much better by the team at Glenorchy Air and their brilliant new Cessna 208 Grand Caravan. Everyone on board had a window seat too. What an experience! We flew over high snow capped peaks and into the awesome Milford Sound for one of the World's most incredible cruises. This is one of life events that would be hard to beat. Thanks so much to those that made this day happen.

4. Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau

Fiordland Tours
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5.0 based on 450 reviews

This full-day Milford Sound extraordinaire tour from Te Anau will have you traveling along the spectacular Milford Road. With fun commentary and plenty of local knowledge provided you will have a chance to see keas, seals, dolphins and the Fiordland crested penguin. Visit the historical Gunns Camp and enjoy an amazing morning tea that includes wonderful date scones, tea, coffee and biscuits, chocolates and fruit juice. Experience an amazing 20-minute walk to the Chasm. You will have the chance to do the most spectacular 30-minute walk to Milford Sound. It is the Marian Cascade which is a continuous cascading waterfall draining from a glacier fed lake. Your day will be topped off with a 2-hour cruise on the famous Milford Sound.

Inclusions: National Park fees, Coffee and/or Tea, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off from Te Anau, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Drinks, Lunch, Hotel Pick up from Manapouri (available by special arrangement. Additional costs may apply)

Reviewed By JMR700

We had a great day - our driver was very passionate and knowledgeable, and stopped along the way at places of interest for walks (if you wanted to), views and date scones :). The minivan was super comfortable and we could enjoy the scenery which is spectacular. Cruise Milford provided the cruise service and this was an awesome experience on a beautiful boat with a very friendly and informative captain. We had booked to fly back to Te Anau if able but the weather did not permit this, however we were more than happy to make the return trip back with our group by van.

5. Half-Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

3 Tex Smith Lane, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Air Milford
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5.0 based on 383 reviews

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. This tour with Air Milford allows you to combine the stunning flight to Milford Sound with a beautiful cruise on the fiord. Relax as you enjoy the best of both worlds from above and from the sea.

Inclusions: Live pilot commentary on board, Reserved seating aboard the Nature Cruise of Milford Sound, Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located hotels), Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By bipinjohn

Awesome experience and worth it.The service is incredible and commentary by the pilot was useful and he was checking every now and then whether everyone was ok.

6. Full-Day Milford Sound Hiking Tour with Cruise

Fiordland Community Events Centre, 20-22 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand Trips & Tramps
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5.0 based on 217 reviews

Enjoy a friendly, small group (maximum 15 people) day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, including a small boat cruise along the full length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea. Our relaxed timetable ensures plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy short walks, photographic stops and exploration with the nature guide. Plus, from November to April guests can select 2 ½ hours hiking (unguided) on the renowned Routeburn Track to Key Summit.

Inclusions: Afternoon or morning tea, Local driver/guide, Te Anau accommodation pickup and drop-off (if advised), Sightseeing boat cruise, Guided and Self-Guided Walking tours, Modern air conditioned minivan (max 15)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Queenstown pick ups - the tour departs from Te Anau

Reviewed By mike61119

Fabulous trip to Milford Sound today. Andrew's commentary and knowledge of the area was outstanding. Would definitely use Trips and Tramps again. Highly recommend for those looking to book in Fiordland. ????????????????????

7. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Te Anau

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 23 reviews

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise onboard TripAdvisors No.1 rated cruise operator, Cruise Milford, and picnic lunch from Te Anau. There is no better way to see this famous attraction. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel and Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By lauramareehay

Mark was an excellent tour guide with a lot of local knowledge. The bird sanctuary was eye opening to the number of native bird species and we even saw a morepork which was a first for us! We absolutely love Lord of the rings and we're happy that the tour could be altered to our interests slightly to incorporate a few more Lord of the rings spots. These additions did not add to much time to the overall travel time which was good! The Mavora lakes area was a highlight and had so many hidden filming spots. We appreciated having exploration time at each point for photos and to soak in the scenery to truely picture what is was like to film in these areas. We were thrilled to get our pictures taken in Amon Hen although it would have been better if we were able to get photos together. Some more in depth knowledge for Lord of the rings super fans would have been awesome like more behind the scenes facts unique to these locations. It was an awesome opportunity to actually walk through Fangorn forest, an activity not usually in the tour. Overall we loved the tour, it introduced us to some areas that we will have to return to!

8. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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4.9 based on 153 reviews

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise with Cruise Milford, the number 1 Trip Advisor rated cruise company, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By tinanU2049PP

Lance was an excellent driver/Guide. He was patient and kept us entertained throughout-Thanks Lance!

9. Half-Day Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Flight from Queenstown

3 Tex Smith Lane, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Air Milford
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4.9 based on 110 reviews

Air Milford hosts you on an intimate experience, combining two incredible scenic flights into Fiordland National Park, with a Nature Cruise through the fiord itself. With numbers capped on the boat at 150, and on-board Nature Guides offering personal attention. The “Spirit of Milford” catamaran explores nooks and crannies along the edge of the fjord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail. Enjoy return flights to Milford Sound so you can enjoy it from all angles.

Inclusions: Live pilot commentary on board, Reserved Seating aboard the Nature Cruise, Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located hotels), Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By bipinjohn

Awesome experience and worth it.The service is incredible and commentary by the pilot was useful and he was checking every now and then whether everyone was ok.

10. Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

Cruise Milford, 1 Milford Sound Highway, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand Cruise Milford
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4.9 based on 1,022 reviews

Rated as one of the Top 10 Experience in New Zealand for 2019 & 2020. Join this tour for an uncrowded boutique small boat cruise on Milford Sound. The only cruise company at Milford Sound to limit passenger numbers on-board, they offer comfortable luxury lounge style seating and superb customer service, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed. The smaller boats will get you up close and personal with the local wildlife like seals, dolphins and penguins in their marine habitat.

Inclusions: Complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits on-board all sailings

Exclusions: No food sold on-board the cruise, Parking fee ($20 for 5 hours)

Reviewed By fabianabG5262MV

The 2 hours cruise was amazing, the place is beautifull and for sure is a must do in NZ. I really recomend go from Te Anau not from Queenstown to have time to stop along the Milford road.

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