Day Trips from Te Anau

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Te Anau

Day Trips from Te Anau

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15 places sorted by featured
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Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area

Things to do ranked using proximity and other Tripadvisor data including bookings, reviews, ratings, and popularity
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Paul S
    Macon, GA5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The scenery was unbelievable. Shawn was the perfect driver-guide, driving safely and sharing useful, fascinating facts along the way. He was sensitive to the group’s wishes in managing scenic stops. We felt well informed, protected and cared for. Milford Sound is a highlight of our NZ vacation! We loved the mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, seals and penguin. Our boat captain was also incredible, Spotify wildlife and taking us safely as close as possible. Five stars! Thanks, Team!
    Written 1 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kristine O
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jeff was a great tour guide who brought us to nice photo ops along the way to Milford Sound and provided us with interesting info and entertaining stories. Fun group overall, nice small van and small boat, great lunch and wonderful experience! Thank you
    Written 24 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Henry
    Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau, organised by Trips & Tramps, was truly fantastic. The journey, however, didn’t begin smoothly as an unexpected avalanche blocked the road, putting our cruise at risk. Fortunately, we received word that the road would reopen by 1 pm.

    Our guide and driver, Ross, was exceptional—both knowledgeable and deeply attentive to the group’s needs. Having lived in Te Anau for over 50 years, Ross shared his vast knowledge of the region’s geography, climate, economy, wildlife, and plants, making the trip informative and enjoyable. His pride and passion for Te Anau were evident in his engaging storytelling, reflecting the resilience and spirit of the local community.

    We were lucky enough to witness breathtaking scenery, avalanche debris, and even spot dolphins, fur seals, and penguins along the way. Ross’s expert driving through the mountainous terrain ensured we returned to the hotel safely and on time. He is truly one of the best guides we’ve ever had, and we’re eager to experience Trips & Tramps' service again when we return to Te Anau.
    Written 24 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Colleen V
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a fabulous way to spend a day visiting the Te Anau area. A cruise on Milford Sound was on my list to must dos when planning my NZ trip, and this did NOT disappoint! Although quite chilly, it ended up being a fantastic day. The weather cooperated and spectacular views could be seen in all directions. Jonathan was a wonderful driver and guide, pointed out the scenery along the way and the significance thereof. Once onboard, the captain and crew were exceptional - so glad this boat was picked for this excursion. The ride back held even more adventures, with great easy nature walks and stops at awesome viewpoints. I highly recommend Fiordland Tours, for couples, families and even solo travelers like myself!
    Written 25 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David F
    Tyler, TX5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    short bus ride from Te Anau, then got on the boat across lake manapouri, the bus ride over the pass was good although some clouds. we did stop at the overlook on the way back as the weather had cleared. excellent boat ride, waterfalls, saw some penguins swimming. wine, drinks and food on the ship although we brought our own. highlight of the trip
    Written 20 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Quest18401078518
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sinchan was an amazing, full of energy and full of knowledgeable, great guide!!! We were luck to have him. His information was good and the music was good also.
    Written 21 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Debbie H
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing experience, Murray the driver shared his wealth of knowledge. Regular stops on the way to capture special photos. Everything ran very smoothly, transport was comfortable with a small group which appealed to us.
    Would definitely recommend.
    Written 29 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ElamMusk
    Warwick, UK7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A perfect day out! Smooth and informative journey with a knowledgeable driver, good photo opportunity stops, interaction with some Keas n the way, arrived in a good time before the cruise began.
    The buffet food was lovely, as was the packed lunch, and there were comfortable places to eat, even if you brought your own lunch. Free tea and coffee for the duration of the journey and well maintained comfortable toilet facilities downstairs.
    But the best is yet to come - beauty beyond measure, dolphins to escort you to the Tasman sea, fur seals basking on the rocks and a waterfall much taller than Niagara.

    A big thank you to Kirsty and Daniela in Te Anau who managed to get me a ticket at short notice, won't forget your kindness, or this incredible journey.
    Written 22 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Suzanna E
    Dania Beach, FL521 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I would like to commend Pure Milford for allowing me to change my tour a day earlier due to weather. I contacted Backpacker Deals two days prior because many people in Queenstown were disappointed that their tour had been cancelled due to risk of avalanche. They didn’t help me and told me that my tour was still going on the day that I booked which was 100% chance of rain. I literally contacted Pure Milford in transit from Queenstown to Te Anau in email praying someone would respond and they did. They had two seats open the same day that I arrived and allowed me to change. If not, I would have missed this very valuable opportunity of my life. Brendan is an excellent driver with a nice sense of humor thoroughly explaining everything along the way making everyone laugh and enjoying themselves with music. I thoroughly enjoyed my bus tour with him and the various stops along the way. Their boat tour on a catamaran was awesome! Lots of room to view from various areas. I highly recommend this tour. You won’t regret it!
    Written 11 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Donna R
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a wonderful time despite the weather. Having said that, our photos look amazing. Such a beautiful part of the world. A bit confusing knowing which coach we needed to board but once onboard the driver was excellent and very knowledgeable about the whole area. Boat trip was equally informative and got close to photographic areas.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wander04716569471
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a great overall experience. Took the whole trouble out of travelling ourselves to Milford and had a wonderful time with Nigel who provided us with much information of the surrounding areas as well as prime spots for our cruise. Very personalised experience and felt trouble free for the entirety thanks to Nigel.
    Written 18 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mscott114
    Fort Worth, TX24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This Fiordland Heli-hike was a highlight of our New Zealand trip. The staff at Southern Lakes Helicopters were wonderful to work with, and I highly recommend them to anyone interested in a great experience like this. They were very prompt in responding to every communication and question, and we had several! Katerina and Brittany were both particularly helpful. This was our first experience with a helicopter trip, and it could not have been any better. The hike down from Luxmore Hut was beautiful, and the water taxi met us right on time at the end. If you're thinking about doing this, then stop thinking and just do it!

    A couple of days after this excursion we were taking a daytrip to Mt Cook that also included a long hike. Unfortunately, that morning I was experiencing some knee pain and decided not to attempt the hike. At the very last minute, while on the bus to Mt Cook, I contacted Brittany again and asked if they could arrange a trip for us from their office at the Mt Cook airport. She very quickly coordinated a reservation there and arranged a flight that took us to the Tasman Glacier. It was fantastic.

    The pilots at both locations were lots of fun, but obviously very focused on our safety as well as our enjoyment. We did both trips while staying in Queenstown and just transferred by bus to the two locations. No need to rent a car. Thank you again to Southern Lakes for a wonderful couple of days!
    Written 24 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kjeames
    Toowoomba, Australia1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Charles was a great guide, we loved the scenery all the way along the drive and Milford Sound was stunning despite a wet afternoon. Would highly recommend using this company, especially to avoid the stuffy big charter bus tours.
    Written 5 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jude
    La Crosse, WI8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our bus tour guide was great and very knowledgeable along our drive. He knew of the right stops to go to and how best to avoid large crowds. The cruise was equally as wonderful, with brunch and scenery just as lovely. I enjoy driving but sometimes it’s nice not to have to deal with the hustle/bustle😉
    Written 3 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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