Real Journey Te Anau Glow Worm Cave/Milford Sound/Doubtful Sound Experience

Home to the amazing Glowworm Caves and the ideal base for all our Fiordland adventures day overnight cruises and kayaking. Te Anau is the gateway to the Fiordland National Park and the closest town to Milford Sound. Located on the shores of Lake Te Anau and bordering Fiordland National Park, Te Anau township is an attractive town that is a destination in its own right as well as a base for trampers and visitors to the fiords.  Two and a half hours drive from Queenstown, the Milford Road begins in the centre of Te Anau. In Te Anau, you can visit the amazing Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Described by the Sydney Morning Herald as “one of the most unusual limestone cave experiences on the planet”, a visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves should be part of any visit to this wonderful region. For a taste of one of the world’s greatest walks, the Milford Track, spend a day with us on a guided day walk. Te Anau is also the departure point for our day and overnight cruises in Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Experience a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms. Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau on one of our purpose-built scenic cruise vessels. At the entry to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you join your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, our friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history. This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall. Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.

Milford Track Guided Day Walks

Get a taste of the famous Milford Track on a one-day guided adventure. The Milford Track, long regarded as the ‘finest walk in the world’ is a four day trip through the heart of Fiordland National Park. If you don’t have the time to do the full walk, a Milford Track Guided Day Walk is the only way to go. Join your guide in Te Anau and take a short coach trip to Te Anau Downs and then  cruise across Lake Te Anau to the start of the Milford Track. Our walk takes you along the Glade Burn to historic Glade House where we’ll stop for lunch and a hot drink.  The path then follows the stunning Clinton River, across a swing bridge into a mystical beech forest. On your trip our knowledable nature guides will help you interpret the magical surroundings, providing you with information about the track’s history and the unique native birds and plants around you.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises

Travel with us to the heart of Fiordland National Park and take in the beauty and vastness of remote Doubtful Sound on our Wilderness Cruise. It will take your breath away as you experience its deep wilderness.

More information about our Wilderness Cruise

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord. Three times longer than Milford Sound, with twisting arms, it has a surface area ten times larger. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away. There’s no direct road access, so the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road. We’ll pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see. In Doubtful Sound, you’ll board our spacious, purpose-built catamaran Patea Explorer for a 3 hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise our knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Milford Sound Nature Cruises

Get up close and personal with Milford Sound on our leisurely Nature Cruise. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces. Informative, participative and more relaxed, a Nature Cruise is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest.

More information about our Milford Sound Nature Cruises

Take the time to enjoy the best of Milford Sound with our leisurely Nature Cruise. Exploring the length of the fiord you’ll learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Our Nature Cruises have a flexible, extended itinerary that gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take in the highlights. Our experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you’ll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day. Informative, participative and relaxed, a Nature Cruise is the perfect way to experience what’s been called the “eighth wonder of the world”.

Milford Sound Scenic Cruises

For breathtaking, awe-inspiring scenery take a Milford Sound cruise and enjoy spacious decks, relaxing lounges and a variety of delicious on-board lunch choices. Make the most of Milford Sound from the comfort of our modern vessels.

More Information about our Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Our Scenic Cruise vessels have purpose-built observation lounges and large decks. From here you’ll see just what makes the New Zealand landscape so incredible – the sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Keen eyes may observe seals basking on the rocks or the local pod of dolphins streaking through the Sound. During your Milford Sound cruise, our crew provide commentaries in several languages. They’ll make sure you don’t miss the sightseeing highlights, including Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier. As Milford Sound drifts by, treat yourself to one of our delicious lunch options – from an Indian Lunch box to a international buffet, freshly prepared on board by our chefs. As a day trip from Queenstown or Te Anau there’s nothing that competes. So get ready to sit back and relax with a truly unforgettable Milford Sound experience.