Fiordland National Park is a natural wonderland famous for its towering cliffs, sweeping fjords, and lush forests. It’s a place where the landscape commands your attention, and no visit would be complete without experiencing its breathtaking scenery firsthand. Among the many ways to explore, we particularly like the ** Milford Sound** small group cruise, which offers an intimate look at one of New Zealand’s most iconic sights, and the Fiordland Scenic Flight for a perspective from above that reveals hidden valleys and waterfalls. These experiences stand out because they combine the beauty of the landscape with a personal touch or a unique vantage point, making your visit truly memorable.
While boat cruises and scenic flights dominate the list, there’s also a fantastic combination of land and water adventures, like the Te Anau: River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour, which blends high-speed river rides with peaceful cycling. Whether you’re after spectacular views, wildlife encounters, or aerial panoramas, Fiordland’s tours deliver with a variety of options suited to different interests and fitness levels.
1. Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Cruise with Canape Lunch
At number one, the Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Cruise with Canape Lunch offers an elevated experience on the water. This tour takes you aboard the MV Sinbad, a vessel designed for intimacy and comfort, limiting capacity to ensure you’re not just another face in the crowd. Starting with a warm welcome and a glass of champagne, you’ll glide past waterfalls, sheer cliff faces, and possibly spot native wildlife like seals, dolphins, or even penguins.
What makes this tour unique is the combination of personalized service and gourmet canapes crafted from local ingredients. The 2.5-hour cruise provides a close-up view of Fiordland’s dramatic scenery, but the option to extend your experience to 12 hours means you can include additional activities like a scenic drive or a longer exploration of the area. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5/5 score from 24 travelers, praising the small-group atmosphere and the expert commentary that brings the landscape to life. If you’re after a luxurious, quiet way to experience Milford Sound, this cruise delivers.
Bottom line: This is the best choice if you prefer a relaxed, intimate boat ride with excellent food and wildlife sightings in a small-group setting.
2. Te Anau: River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local Guide
Second on our list is the Te Anau: River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local Guide. For just $141 per person, this 4-hour adventure combines the thrill of jet boating on the Waiau River with a leisurely bike ride along the Lake2Lake Cycle Trail. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a taste of high-speed action and scenic tranquility in one morning or afternoon.
The jet boat ride is the highlight, offering rapid spins and close encounters with the landscape, all while your guide shares insights into Fiordland’s environment. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a short walk in lush beech forest, which provides a calm contrast to the adrenaline of the boat. The cycle trail near Te Anau offers beautiful views over Lake Manapouri, New Zealand’s most stunning lake, and provides a gentle ride suited for most fitness levels. Reviewers emphasize the fun and informative nature of the tour, and at a solid 5/5 rating from 20 reviews, it’s clear this experience hits the mark.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want a combination of excitement and scenic cycling, with a local guide sharing expert insights.
3. Fiordland National Park Scenic Flight
For a truly unforgettable perspective, consider the Fiordland National Park Scenic Flight. This 40-minute flight costs $349 per person and is all about seeing the extraordinary from above. You’ll take off to soar over remote valleys, waterfalls, and hanging glacial valleys, with the pilot pointing out features you might miss from the ground.
One of the most exciting parts is landing on Mount Kidd, an experience that offers a sense of adventure and access to untouched wilderness. The flight showcases some of Fiordland’s most inaccessible areas, providing sights that are impossible to reach by land or boat. From this vantage point, waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs, and the vastness of the landscape becomes apparent, making it a photography and memory-making highlight.
Though the flight duration is brief, the views are spectacular and worth every penny. It’s ideal for travelers who want an aerial adventure or have limited time but still crave a big-picture view of Fiordland’s rugged beauty.
Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting a quick, scenic aerial overview with access to remote areas not seen on typical Land-based tours.
$349 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your interests, budget, and physical activity level. If you’re after a luxurious, intimate cruise with gourmet food, go for the Milford Sound Premium Small Group Cruise. For active travelers who want a mix of adrenaline and leisure, the River Jet Boat and Bike Ride offers a fun combination. If your goal is to see the landscape from above and capture breathtaking photos, the Scenic Flight provides unmatched vistas in a short time.
Timing is also important: boat cruises are best during calmer weather, while scenic flights depend on clear skies for the best views. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons (summer months in New Zealand).
Fiordland National Park offers a variety of ways to experience its dramatic landscape, from intimate cruises to aerial adventures. For travelers seeking a peaceful, luxurious cruise with excellent wildlife viewing, the Milford Sound cruise is hard to beat. Those wanting a more active, varied day will find the Te Anau jet boat and bike tour a perfect fit. And if you’re after spectacular photos and a sense of remote wilderness, the scenic flight will leave you in awe.
No matter which option you choose, each tour showcases a different facet of Fiordland’s stunning scenery. Be sure to book early, dress for changeable weather, and prepare to be wowed by one of New Zealand’s most spectacular regions.
Happy exploring!