Milford Track Water Taxi: 50-min Crossing to Brod Bay

The first boat across Lake Te Anau gets you to the trailhead before the crowds.

A 50-minute water taxi crossing Lake Te Anau from Te Anau to Brod Bay and back, transport only for Milford Track hikers. The operator runs a small family company with a first departure and personal service. You ride with fellow hikers and get commentary along the way. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and public transport options are available near the pickup point.

The experience

The boat leaves Te Anau early, crossing Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay where the Milford Track begins. This is transport only (no guide, no meals, no walking included), so you're free to hike at your own pace once you land. The crossing takes 50 minutes and seats a small group, which means you'll recognize faces on the water and at the trailhead. The operator runs the boat themselves and offers commentary during the ride, so you get a sense of the lake and the country you're about to walk through before your feet hit the track.

The return journey is included in the same booking. You arrange your own hiking schedule across the Milford Track's multiple days, then catch the boat back to Te Anau when you're done. Public transport options operate near the departure point if you're staying elsewhere in town and need to reach the dock.

What’s included

• Water taxi transport across Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay and return to Te Anau.
• small-group boat with operator commentary.
• GST included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:30 and 14:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 14

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Fiordland Outdoors Co.

Is this one for you?Book this crossing if you're based in Te Anau without a rental car or prefer not to drive the Milford Road yourself. The early departure gets you to the trailhead before other groups, and the return boat is timed to your own hiking finish, not a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5): free.

How do I get to the water taxi departure point if I'm staying in Te Anau?

Public transportation options are available nearby the boat dock. If you're staying at a hotel in Te Anau, confirm the pickup point with the operator when you book, as they can coordinate timing with your accommodation.

What's included in the water taxi booking?

The crossing to Brod Bay and the return journey to Te Anau are included, along with GST. The boat ride itself is transport only. You bring your own food, gear and hiking plan for the Milford Track.

Can I bring a pram or stroller on the boat?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Confirm space with the operator when booking if you're traveling with one.

How many people travel on the water taxi?

The boat is small and personal, carrying a group of fellow hikers. You'll get to know the other passengers during the 50-minute crossing.

Do I need to be fit to take this water taxi?

The boat ride itself requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness to board and move around the vessel. The Milford Track hike that follows is a separate commitment with its own fitness demands.