Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Fiordland National Park - far from the crowds found elsewhere. Fiordland Jet is is the only scenic commercial operator on these waterways, which means guests can enjoy an authentic kiwi experience in a small, personalized group tour.
As a locally owned and operated business, we are taking tourism back to what it use to be - personal - and invite you to explore our beautiful home as one of the family. No rushing. No lines. Just wide open spaces and jaw dropping scenery.
This is not the typical jet boat 'ride' - this is a journey - time to explore and learn about this amazing area and its rich history all while having heaps of FUN!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This activity is great fun for any age
It is recommended that you wear comfortable, supportive close-toed shoes
Guided walk suitable for all. The walking track is well-formed.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Begin your tour at our office on the Lakefront of Te Anau with plenty of free parking and secure storage. Get fitted for a spray coat, life jacket and if needed any cold weather gear (hats, gloves, blanket). Next take a short ride through Southland farms to the Queens Reach Boat Ramp where you'll board the boat with ease thanks to convenient ramps. After a short safety brief it's time to hit the water! Travel down the Upper Waiau River with crisp Fiordland air rushing by, crystal-clear waters below and stunning views all around. Pause along the way to learn about the area and it's rich history, have some laughs, spot trout swimming just off the boat, re-imagine Lord of the Rings from 3 film locations and even listen to native birds as your driver quiets the engine for a spell. Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities plus high-speeds and spins - which are great fun for all! Emerge onto Lake Manapouri and embrace true silence while surrounded by towering mountains and a view that will leave you speechless. Disembark into the National Park for a short guided nature stroll among native flora and fauna. Jump back in the boat and head back up river for more FUN!
What‘s Included
Cold weather gear when needed (hat, gloves, blanket)
Life Jacket & Spray Coat
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Options
Pure Wilderness
Reviews
691 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Superb trip!
Voyage56832449099,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have a great jet boat ride. Our guide was amazing! Alex was funny, sweet and super knowledgeable. She was also having a blast with us and that made it all the more fun! Would highly recommend. Amy and Lucy were fantastic too!
Thrilling jet boat ride.
Andrzej B,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Super fun boat ride! If you like boats, don’t miss this trip. You get to zoom along at some 45 knots including several ‘whirlies’ that put a grin on your face. The rainforest walk was very educational and our guide totally knew his stuff. Then we got to enjoy the speedy return ride.
Excellent Te Anau activity
anna nz2016,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great jet boat ride with Alex today, she made the trip a lot of fun with her bubbly personality and knowledge of the area!
Fantastic fun for all ages.
JulieBrisbane98,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great morning out on the water. Really well organised and lots of fun. As per other reviews only bring your sunglasses and camera. They provide jackets, sunscreen and beanies (pretty cold even in February on a nice day), and we got water from lake manapouri. No wet feet! (I think it is calmer in the morning generally, the wind seems to come up in the middle of the day) Highly recommended.
Excellent
Carissa M,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Had a great ride with Shaun, very informative and exciting 🥰
Truly amazing and a beautiful drive. This is a must for all of you.
Chris S,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris was the driver / tour guide of our boat and was very likeable, entertaining and informative. He also did a number of spins with the boat making it very special for all of us and exciting. The entire staff was amazing and helpful!! Way to go team. Chris and Susan Schneck
A Must Do experience
Contagious-Snr,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely unforgettable afternoon. Over 2 hours of thrills, fun, stunning beauty and fascinating information. Amy our host and bus driver was fun, entertaining and always willing to help. Our boat driver, Hanson, was brilliant. Lots of great information and expert jet boat ‘driving’. Speeding down the river amongst such stunning scenery then going into a 360 spin was the best fun ever. We also experienced quieter moments and loved being able to get out onto the shore of Lake Manapouri and walk a little bit of the Kepler track. My wife and I are in our mid 60’s and we both would recommend Fiordland Jet 110%. This definitely is a MUST DO experience for anyone and everyone.
A highlight of our trip to New Zealand!!!
F7090VQgm,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The fjordland jet boat tour is unique. Super organized and very professionally executed. We had a lot of fun and got very valuable information about the lake, the river, the environment and the locations of the film set of LOTR. Our skipper Chris was very thoughtful. Everyone could enjoy the speed and donuts of the boat and had their adrenaline kick. Landing at Shallow Bay was another highlight. The whole tour took place on a non-tourist scale, but was very nature-oriented and original. Afterwards, the two of us stopped for coffee and cake at the Woodstone farm, which is about 6 km from Te Anau. There you can also admire the farm with its animals. So we had a successful conclusion to our speed adventure.
Amazing views with a...
Sheryl Y,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing views with a twist. It was just a beautiful trip. Well worth the price the drivers were good and friendly
Fast Fun
811denisev,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful way to explore the Fiordland! Couldn’t have asked for a better driver than Lex! Highly recommend this excursion.
From NZ$205.00
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Operated by Fiordland Jet