Water Sports in Te Anau

Water activities in Te Anau are built around the Waiau River and Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau, all at the edge of Fiordland National Park. Jet boating is the main draw, with 360-degree spins, beach landings and film locations, and it often pairs with a walk or a bike ride.

Jet boating on the Waiau River

Jet boat trips here follow the Waiau River from Te Anau to Lake Manapouri through Fiordland National Park. Guides spin the boat through 360 degrees, point out filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and stop for a landing on a beach. On a trip like the Pure Wilderness jet boat ride, life jackets and spray coats are provided.

Wear clothes that suit the weather and can get wet.

Jet boating plus time on land

Jet boat trips here pair with something on land. The river bike ride and jet boat adds a self-guided riverside mountain bike ride, and a guided Kepler Track hike is another pairing, as on the Kepler hike and jet boat that crosses Rainbow Reach suspension bridge.

Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri

Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island and the second largest in New Zealand, with a depth of 417 m. Manapouri is a 20-minute drive south, about 20 km away, and Doubtful Sound trips depart from there. Evening cruises and guided walks by boat on Lake Te Anau itself are part of Te Anau cruises.

The whole area belongs to Fiordland National Park, which sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When to go jet boating in Te Anau

Summer is the warmest season, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius and very long days. Spring is often unsettled, with more wind and rain, while winter is often the most settled time of year with clear skies and snow on the mountains.

Snow can fall in Te Anau and Manapouri between one and five times a year, so winter trips need warm layers.

Fitting water activities around the rest of Te Anau

Time on the water leaves room for the rest of Fiordland. Pair it with things to do in Te Anau such as scenic flights from Te Anau, Te Anau activities on land, or a day on the Milford Road with one of the Te Anau tours.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go jet boating in Te Anau?

Jet boating in Te Anau runs on the Waiau River between Te Anau and Lake Manapouri. Trips include spins, beach landings and a guided walk, and some combine the boat with a bike ride or a Kepler Track hike.

What do you wear on a jet boat in Te Anau?

On a Te Anau jet boat, wear weather-appropriate clothes that can get wet, with comfortable shoes. The Pure Wilderness trip provides life jackets and spray coats, and cold-weather accessories when necessary.

How far is Lake Manapouri from Te Anau?

Lake Manapouri is about 20 km south of Te Anau, a 20-minute drive. Jet boat trips reach it by water along the Waiau River.

How long do jet boat trips from Te Anau take?

Jet boat trips from Te Anau range from a 2-hour outing to a full-day trip when paired with a guided hike. The river bike ride and jet boat combination is a 4-hour trip, and the Kepler hike and jet boat is a 7-hour day.

Which film locations do you pass on a Te Anau jet boat?

Jet boat trips on the Waiau River pass filming locations used in The Lord of the Rings. The Pure Wilderness trip passes three of them.

What is the weather like for water activities in Te Anau?

Weather in Te Anau changes with the season, with warm summers up to 30 degrees Celsius and settled, clear winters. Spring can be windy and wet.

Water activities in Te Anau centre on the Waiau River and Lake Manapouri. Choose the length of outing first, then whatever goes with it on the day.