Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness

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Overview

Available languages

English

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

4.98

685 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

678
5
0
1
1
  • Truly amazing and a beautiful drive. This is a must for all of you.

    Chris S,,Feb 22, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Chris 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

    5.00

    An 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

    5.00

    The 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.

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  • Amazing views with a...

    Sheryl Y,,Feb 11, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Amazing 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

    5.00

    What a wonderful way to explore the Fiordland! Couldn’t have asked for a better driver than Lex! Highly recommend this excursion.

  • A must do fun experience for all 💥

    Debbie N,,Feb 5, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    From our initial greeting to the end of the trip the team were amazing 💥 Friendly professional and great fun! The jet experience was fantastic with Harry our boat skipper, who made sure we all had a memorable time and not get too wet !

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  • Cheeky Alex, Best driver EVER!

    mikerm2016,,Jan 31, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We absolutely loved our Fiordland jet boat tour ….however, the best part about it was our incredible driver/captain, Alex. She made it very fun with lots of interesting facts and tidbits. She can do ambidextrous 360’s and keep everyone in the boat and highly entertained. It is a gorgeous tour and a MUST do with Alex:) From Missouri and Iowa, with love!

  • Exhilarating and Peaceful

    Pellie36,,Jan 29, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Jade jetted us through beautiful, rugged country skimming the river. We did 360 turns, saw LOTRs filming sights and found ourselves on a peaceful, glassy lake all to ourselves. It was magical. If you are in Te Anau on your way to Milford Sound definitely take this unique adventure.

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  • An educational and thriling ride.

    Oscardog16,,Jan 28, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We took a very enjoyable trip on the stretch of Waiau River, that flows from Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri on Fiordland Jet boat. The boat was driven by Will, who was accompanied by his younger brother Harry for this trip. Will was an excellent jet boat driver and thrilled us with numerous spins and the high speeds that the jet boat is capable of through shallow waters. We stopped numerous times for Will to point out filming locations of Lord of the Rings as well as his and Harry’s experiences of growing up on the river and lake. It was encouraging to hear their passion for the river and that they were both actively involved in maintaining the ecology of the river and invasive species of plants on its banks. We stopped at Cozy Nook on the bank of Lake Manapouri and walked a short distance on shore. It is part of over 60 kilometres of walking trails, that tourists and locals use regularly. Will even lived up to the challenge we set for the number of spins he would do on the way back up the river. We highly recommend this tour.

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  • Incredible!

    lilliann730,,Jan 21, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Alex is fantastic, she went above and beyond to ensure our experience was fun and memorable! Such an incredible experience! Definitely would recommend if you want to see some beautiful scenery in a fun way!

From NZ$205.00

4.98
(685 reviews)