Fiordland Jet · Waiau River and Lake Manapouri
Fiordland Jet drives you a few minutes out of town to the Waiau River, then jet boats you downstream through beech forest to Lake Manapouri with a short walk ashore. It's the quickest adrenaline in Te Anau, and it fits in a morning before an evening at the caves.
The Waiau River drains Lake Te Anau and runs south into Lake Manapouri. Fiordland Jet's trip starts at its office on Lakefront Drive, with a short bus ride to the boat ramp, then heads down the river through beech forest. The listing says this stretch stood in for the Anduin in The Lord of the Rings.
The listing gives a 75-minute jet boat ride and a 15-minute guided walk, about two hours in all; the operator's own page now says 90 minutes on the water, so the split may vary. Expect spray. Spray jackets and life jackets are provided, plus warm gear when it's cold. Guides cut the engine in quiet spots to talk about trout, birds and forest.
Not for children under 4, and it may not suit infants or pregnant guests. There are no glowworms on the river: book the cave tour for later the same day.
Meet in central Te Anau and get kitted up. Free parking behind the office, according to the listing.
A short bus ride through farmland to the boat launch.
Jet boat downstream through beech forest towards Lake Manapouri.
A short guided walk in the forest on the lake shore.
Boat and bus back to central Te Anau.
★★★★★Fantastic!!! Our guide, John, is a local from way back and shared many interesting insights
★★★★★Excellent - fun and informative with highly skilled, friendly staff who went beyond to ensure that I had a good experience.
★★★★★Alex was an excellent guide good driver and great knowledge
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About two hours, according to the listing: 75 minutes on the jet boat and a 15-minute walk, plus the short bus ride.
Some spray, yes. Spray jackets are provided, and warm gear when it's cold.
The listing says the Waiau River was used as the Anduin, and the operator mentions Lord of the Rings filming locations on the route.
No. Glowworms are only on the RealNZ cave tour across Lake Te Anau.
Ready to book
75 minutes on the Waiau River by jet boat and a short walk at Lake Manapouri, back in two hours.
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