Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island is a place that truly captures the imagination. Known for its dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, and lush forests, it’s an area where nature’s raw power is on full display. For travelers who want to experience its grandeur firsthand, choosing the right tour can make all the difference. We’re particularly fond of the Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Cruise with Canape Lunch, which combines intimacy, excellent service, and wildlife spotting, making it a standout. For a more active and diverse outing, the Te Anau: River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local Guide offers a fun mix of adventure and nature. And if you’re after a breathtaking view from above, the Fiordland National Park Scenic Flight provides jaw-dropping aerial vistas of remote valleys and waterfalls.
Each of these experiences shows a different side of Fiordland, whether you’re after serene waterway cruises, high-speed river rides, or soaring above the landscape. The best choice for you depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend exploring this wild, spectacular region.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of ways to experience Fiordland National Park, from luxury small-group cruises to adventure-packed jet boat rides, and scenic flights that reveal the area’s remote beauty from the sky. Each offers a unique perspective:
- Milford Sound Premium Small Group Cruise with canape lunch for an intimate, wildlife-rich cruise.
- Te Anau River Jet Boat and Bike Tour for active travelers who want to combine adrenaline with sightseeing.
- Fiordland Scenic Flight for those who prefer their views from above, revealing hidden valleys and waterfalls.
Now, let’s look at each experience in detail to help you decide which is best suited to your travel style.
1. Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Cruise with Canape Lunch
At number 1, the Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Cruise with Canape Lunch offers a refined way to see one of New Zealand’s most iconic fjords. This tour departs from Te Anau or Queenstown and takes you aboard the MV Sinbad, a vessel designed for a close-up experience with fewer crowds. The small group size means you’ll avoid the tourist herd and enjoy a more personalized outing. The welcome includes a glass of champagne, setting a celebratory tone for the day.
What makes this cruise stand out is its combination of stunning scenery and gourmet touches. A curated canape menu featuring local flavors complements the tranquil cruise through towering cliffs, waterfalls, and lush rainforest. Wildlife sightings are common—look out for seals sunbathing on rocks, pods of dolphins, and even penguins if you’re lucky. The vessel’s intimate size allows for a closer look at the fjord’s sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls, which are best appreciated without the noise and crowds of larger ships.
The 2.5 to 12-hour duration offers flexibility—perfect for making this a half-day jaunt or a full-day adventure. Reviewers consistently praise the experience as “personalized,” with “amazing scenery and excellent food.”
Bottom Line: If you want a luxurious, less crowded experience with wildlife, waterfalls, and a gourmet touch, this cruise hits the mark.
2. Te Anau: River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local Guide
Second on our list is the Te Anau: River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour. This 4-hour adventure is ideal if you crave a mix of adrenaline, scenery, and a taste of local life. It kicks off with a thrilling jet boat ride along the Waiau River, a fast-paced way to access remote corners of Fiordland National Park that are otherwise hard to reach. During the ride, your guide shares insights into the area’s natural history, making it both fun and educational.
Following the adrenaline rush, you’ll take a short stroll through lush beech forest, enjoying the tranquility of one of New Zealand’s most pristine ecosystems. The journey continues with a leisurely bike ride along Te Anau’s Lake2Lake Cycle Trail, a well-maintained track offering stunning views of Lake Manapouri, often called New Zealand’s most beautiful lake. This trail is accessible for most fitness levels and offers plenty of opportunities to pause and soak in the scenery.
The tour is perfect for active travelers who want to experience Fiordland’s wilderness without committing an entire day. One reviewer notes, “The jet boat was exhilarating, and the scenery was unbelievable,” highlighting how well the tour balances excitement with natural beauty.
Bottom Line: This tour suits travelers looking for fun, fast-paced adventure combined with nature walks and cycling, all led by a knowledgeable local guide.
3. Fiordland National Park Scenic Flight
Last but certainly not least, the Fiordland National Park Scenic Flight offers an awe-inspiring aerial perspective of this rugged landscape. This 40-minute flight takes you over some of the most remote and inaccessible parts of Fiordland, revealing sights that are almost impossible to see from land.
As you soar above, you’ll land on Mount Kidd, providing a rare chance to step onto the mountain’s summit and take in panoramic views. The flight passes through hanging valleys, waterfalls, and deep fjords carved by glaciers, with the pilot pointing out features that are otherwise hidden from view. It’s an experience that rewards those who enjoy “big-picture” vistas and want to see Fiordland from a different angle.
What makes this flight special is the chance to see the untouched wilderness far from tourist trails, making it an ideal choice for seasoned travelers or those with limited time who want maximum impact. The flight’s price reflects its exclusivity and unique perspective, and reviews often mention the “breathtaking views” and “unmatched access to remote areas.”
Bottom Line: If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime perspective and don’t mind flying, this scenic flight provides an unforgettable view of Fiordland’s wild terrain.
How to Choose
Picking the right tour depends on your preferences and travel plans. If a relaxed, luxury experience with wildlife and gourmet food appeals, the Milford Sound cruise is ideal. For those who want to combine adventure with a touch of local charm, the Te Anau jet boat and bike tour offers a perfect active day. If your main goal is to see the landscape from above, the Fiordland Scenic Flight is the way to go—especially if you’re short on time or want a truly unique perspective.
Consider your budget, fitness level, and how much time you have. Large cruise options tend to be more crowded, while private or small-group tours offer intimacy but may be pricier. Scenic flights are spectacular but require planning and weather considerations. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season (summer months), as these experiences tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Fiordland National Park offers a range of tours that highlight its soaring cliffs, lush forests, and wild waters. For a mix of luxury and wildlife, the Milford Sound cruise stands out. Adventurous travelers will love the Te Anau jet boat and bike tour, which combines speed, scenery, and activity. And if stunning views from above are your priority, the Fiordland Scenic Flight offers a panoramic experience you won’t forget.
Whichever you choose, these experiences showcase the rugged beauty of Fiordland—so plan ahead, book early, and get ready for some of the most spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer.