New Zealand · NATIONAL PARKS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 13 national parks tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review of RealNZ’s 7-hour Doubtful Sound trip from Manapouri, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, waterfalls, and practical tips.
“Real NZ staff are amazing. dedicated to the cause they sell. shame as I was aNZMCA member I didn't get the discount”
Ride the Upper Waiau River from Te Anau to Lake Manapouri with Fiordland views, Lord of the Rings sites, spins, and a short forest walk.
“It was a AWESOME experience Very knowledgeable driver The session was a lot longer then we expected it also included stops with the history of the area The hard turns of the Jet boat was Fantastic we all had a great time I would highly recommend this company for anyone they were AWESOME”
Ride the Dart River through Mt. Aspiring National Park with skilled guides, dramatic scenery, 360-degree spins, and Queenstown transfers.
“John our captain was incredible I felt safe and the scenery was dramatic. Such a cool experience on the river”
Cruise Lake Manapouri, cross Wilmot Pass, and explore remote Doubtful Sound with wildlife, waterfalls, guides, and a memorable silence stop.
“A great rainy day activity. Have seen more waterfalls during this cruise than the rest of my entire life combined. Dress prepared to stand on the outer deck for the full experience. It’s worth it!”
Trade Auckland for Piha Beach and Waitakere rainforest on a five-hour small-group tour with local guides, views, birdsong, and afternoon tea.
“Pickup especially was so quick and easy ! The guides were so knowledgeable and kind, and you can really tell that they love what they do. I learned so much about the area, and it was altogether an amazing experience with such beautiful views ! :)”
Review of RealNZ’s 13-hour Doubtful Sound trip from Queenstown, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, costs, and practical tips.
“Amazing day! Doubtful sound was the reward of this long day trip. The best moment is when the boat stops his engines for few minutes, you will enjoy this moment of silence with only the birds singing!”
Review of the 9-hour Doubtful Sound cruise from Te Anau, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, costs, timing, and practical tips.
“Fantastic day viewing the wonders of Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound. All staff involved were well-informed, helpful and friendly.”
Ride the Matukituki River by jet boat, then walk to waterfalls and glacier-fed streams in Mount Aspiring National Park from Wanaka.
“Fabulous tour! Had a blast on the jet boat and walk. Loved the Captain - very interactive. Highly recommended tour!”
Review of the 12-hour Doubtful Sound cruise from Queenstown, with transport details, wildlife tips, costs, weather advice, and honest value notes.
“We had quite the day! First of all the weather the day we were scheduled was bad and it was rescheduled to the following day. They informed us that since our tour was rescheduled we would need to rent a car and drive to Lake Manapouri ourselves as they had no room on a bus for us. We had to basically beg for money off the excursion since we had to hire a car for $250 for the day. We finally received $132 off 4 days after the fact with multiple phone calls and emails. So once we arrived it was lovely and a very long day. It rained nonstop…”
Sail past seals and Split Apple Rock, then walk from Anchorage Bay through Abel Tasman National Park to Marahau for $80.
“The boat was enjoyable and hosts and skipper were great. It was not overbooked so room to move around the boat easily. The walk back was easy and mostly shaded with access to beach stops. Would recommend”
Cruise Paterson Inlet, then walk Ulva Island with a sharp-eyed nature guide. See rare birds, seals, beaches, and Stewart Island stories.
“We enjoyed the guide’s ability to recognise the different bird calls and show us where to look. We loved our small group of 5 people. We learnt so much. We also enjoyed the acknowledgement of tangata whenua in the history and stories.”
Cruise to Anchorage Bay, walk Pitt Head Loop, swim at Te Pukatea Bay, then sail past seals on a six-hour Abel Tasman outing.
“We loved the hike from Anchorage Bay and the scenery getting there was amazing. Nick was one of the skips he was neat. He and his off sider (?) Claudia (Canadian girl) just made the trip. Would I do it again... definately.”
Fly above Te Anau's Kepler Mountains, see hidden lakes and land beside a mountain tarn on this 30-minute Fiordland helicopter tour.
Pick an island, a lake or a cave.
