5 Most Highly Rated Walking Tours In Te Anau

Te Anau is a fantastic base for exploring New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, largely because of its proximity to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. Unlike many other destinations, Te Anau offers a genuine sense of wilderness—where you can enjoy guided walks, scenic cruises, and even adventure-packed jet boat tours. We particularly love the Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on the Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau for its combination of history, serenity, and stunning views. Watching the sun set behind mountain peaks from a vintage yacht is a memorable way to experience the region’s calm beauty. Plus, the live commentary adds a layer of insight that makes the scenery come alive.

If you’re after an adrenaline rush, the Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau offers high-speed fun paired with peaceful nature walks. For those interested in covering more ground in a day, the Full-Day Routeburn Track Key Summit Guided Walk from Te Anau provides a taste of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks. And for travelers aiming to combine a scenic coach trip, a Milford Sound cruise, and a walk along the iconic Milford Track, options like the From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise & Track Walk by Coach and the Premium Milford Sound Cruise & Milford Track Walk give you a comprehensive day out. All these experiences showcase Te Anau’s versatility—whether you want relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both.

Quick Overview

Our list includes scenic cruises, guided hikes, and adventure-filled jet boat rides. From the peaceful Lake Te Anau cruise with afternoon tea to the full-day Routeburn Track hike, each tour offers a unique way to explore Fiordland. For a relaxing afternoon, Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau combines history, nature, and light refreshment. For adrenaline lovers, the Fiordland Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience delivers a high-speed thrill along with scenic walks. The full-day Routeburn Track offers a challenging, intimate experience that’s perfect for fit hikers. And for those wanting a comprehensive day in Milford Sound, the Cruise & Track Walk by Coach and the Premium Milford Sound Cruise & Milford Track Walk cover all bases.

1. Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

Starting with a three-hour experience, this tour offers a peaceful way to enjoy Fiordland’s grandeur. You’ll board a beautifully restored historic motor yacht at a convenient Te Anau location for a relaxed cruise across Lake Te Anau. During the cruise, live commentary by knowledgeable guides enhances your understanding of the area’s geology, flora, and fauna. The highlight is the afternoon tea served on board, making this a comfortable, low-key way to learn about nature.

After cruising, the tour continues with a bush walk into Fiordland National Park, where you’ll encounter towering native trees and hidden lakes. The walk lasts about 40 minutes but rewards with mountain views and the chance to see some of New Zealand’s pristine wilderness. Guests consistently praise the friendly crew and the vessel Faith, a beautifully restored yacht that offers both comfort and charm. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 165 reviews, it’s clear this tour hits the sweet spot for tranquility and insight.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a blend of relaxing scenery, light walking, and cultural history. The value for the experience and the glowing reviews make it a top choice for a laid-back Te Anau outing.

2. Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau

For around 2 hours, this adventure-packed experience combines high-speed jet boating with a nature walk in Fiordland’s less-traveled corners. You’ll hop into a trout-filled Waiau River jet boat, zipping through narrow waterways and past rugged mountain scenery. The thrill of the jet boat ride is balanced by a gentle walk through ancient beech forest, where you can spot native birds and trout in crystal-clear waters.

What sets this tour apart is the personalized experience away from crowds, with guides who are local and full of stories about the landscape and the Lord of the Rings filming locations. Guests rave about the fun of jet boating paired with the tranquility of the forest, making it appealing to those looking for both excitement and serenity. The tour’s 4.9 rating from 94 reviews indicates strong approval, especially for the unique wilderness it reveals.

Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers who want a taste of Fiordland’s untouched wilderness without a multi-day commitment. It’s a lively, fun option that’s great for a short outing.

3. Full-Day Routeburn Track Key Summit Guided Walk from Te Anau

If you want to experience one of New Zealand’s Great Walks in a single day, this 7.5-hour guided tour is your best bet. It includes round-trip transport from Te Anau, a picnic lunch (if you choose), and a carefully curated route along the iconic Routeburn Track. The walk covers a variety of landscapes, from alpine herb fields and lush forests to panoramic mountain views of snow-capped peaks.

Personalized, small-group attention ensures you get plenty of time for photos and questions. The guides are experienced, with guests noting how Andreas and others made the terrain approachable for different fitness levels. The route culminates at Key Summit, where views unfold over Fiordland’s rugged terrain. The tour’s 5-star reviews confirm it’s a top choice for those wanting a full immersion into Fiordland’s diverse environment without the time commitment of multi-day hikes.

Bottom Line: Best suited for fit travelers who want a taste of New Zealand’s world-famous tracks in a manageable day. It’s an excellent way to experience Fiordland’s grandeur without camping gear.

4. From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise & Track Walk by Coach

This 11-hour tour combines a scenic coach journey, a cruise on Milford Sound, and a walk along the Milford Track. It starts with comfortable transfers from Te Anau, passing through some of the most picturesque New Zealand scenery, with stops at Mirror Lakes for brief photos. The cruise on Milford Sound lasts about 2 hours, with outdoor and indoor viewing areas, giving you an up-close view of waterfalls, cliffs, and possibly wildlife like seals or dolphins.

Post-cruise, you’ll hop on a water taxi to the beginning of the Milford Track, walking approximately 11 km to Giant Gates Falls. This walk features lush beech forest and spectacular waterfalls, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery. The tour is praised for its smooth logistics and friendly crew, making it easy to enjoy a full day of Fiordland’s highlights.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting to see Milford Sound in one comprehensive day, with a good balance of sightseeing, light walking, and comfort.

5. Premium Milford Sound Cruise & Milford Track Walk From Te Anau

This premium option offers a luxurious Milford Sound experience combined with a self-guided walk along the Milford Track. After an exciting cruise, you’ll transfer via water taxi to the Milford Track, walking approximately 11 km at your own pace through ancient beech forest. The cruise itself offers close-up views of waterfalls, seals, and playful dolphins, with commentary from expert crew.

The day includes scenic drives, a short walk at Mirror Lakes, and enough flexibility to explore the Milford Track without a guide. The tour is designed for those who prefer a more independent experience with premium comfort. Although it’s new to the reviews, it promises the same high standards of scenery and value as other Fiordland outings.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a luxury experience with the freedom to explore the Milford Track at their leisure, making it suitable for confident walkers and those seeking a more personalized day.

How to Choose Your Walking Tour in Te Anau

When selecting the best tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you prefer a tranquil, cultural experience, the Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Lake Te Anau is perfect. For adventure lovers, the Jet Boat & Nature Walk offers excitement and wilderness. Want to combine sightseeing with a challenging hike? The Routeburn Track is your best pick. And if you’re pressed for time but want a comprehensive Fiordland experience, the Milford Sound options deliver stunning scenery with manageable walking.

Booking early is advised, especially in peak season (summer months in New Zealand), to secure your spot on these popular tours. Think about whether you prefer guided or self-guided walks, and always check the level of fitness required—some walking options are strenuous, while others are gentle strolls.

Final Thoughts

Te Anau offers a wide range of walking and boat tours that showcase its stunning landscapes. From the relaxing historic yacht cruise to the adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride, there’s something for every type of traveler. For those looking to enjoy Fiordland’s wilderness, the Routeburn Track is a highlight. Meanwhile, the Milford Sound tours remain some of the most iconic experiences in New Zealand.

Whether you’re after a cultural journey, an outdoor adventure, or a luxurious scenic cruise, booking early will ensure you get the experience that best fits your interests and schedule. Now’s the time to start planning your unforgettable trip to this pristine corner of the world.