Published on Feb, 2025
We were staying for 2 nights in Te Anau and to be frank, we wondered how we’d pass the time as the town seems like little more than a stopover location for those en route to Milford Sound.
We were therefore delighted to find a great way of spending 4-5 hours.
The Fiordland Jetboat is a very well run operation. From start to finish all the staff were very professional and friendly. They bus you from Te Anau to the Kawarau River and kit you out with warm waterproof jackets and beanie hats if you want them. This way you can stay both warm and dry.
Our jetboat guide - John - was an excellent guide; funny and informative in equal measure. The experience lasts for around 2 hours and is combines the high speed & 360 degree spins that you’d expect to get on all jet boat rides with 3 stops at LOTR locations as well as a short nature walk. The scenery is stunning particularly when the boat emerges onto Lake Manapouri.
At the end of the ride we had booked to return to Te Anau on e-bikes along the riverside track. This is something we’d thoroughly recommend as once again, the scenery is amazing. The 11kms takes around 90mins depending on how many times you want to stop. On our return to Te Anau, we extended our ride on some of the lakeside trails which the e-bikes make light use of.
All in all, a great experience and highly recommended!
