Te Anau Jet Boat and Biking Combo Upper Waiau River
Connect personally on the only jet boat tour through Fiordland’s hidden waterways
A jet boat and biking combo from Te Anau that pairs four hours on the Upper Waiau River and Lake Manapouri with a 10km cycle back to town. You travel with 11–13 passengers, a live English-speaking guide, all safety gear and a bike (standard or electric). The operator is the only commercial scenic service on these waterways. Moderate fitness required. The cycle trail is well-formed but steady.
Options for this experience
2 optionsWhat’s included
- Jet boat ride on the Upper Waiau River and Lake Manapouri with live English-speaking guide.
- bike (standard or e-bike as an upgrade option).
- helmet, spray coat and life jacket.
- short guided nature walk in the National Park.
- air-conditioned vehicle to the boat ramp.
- 10km cycle trail back to Te Anau town centre.
Times
- Monday, Tuesday and Sunday 10:00 14:00
- Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 14:00 15:00
- Friday 10:00 11:00 14:00
- Saturday 10:00 13:00 14:00 15:00
Before you book
Operated by Fiordland Jet
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
You start at the Te Anau office getting fitted for your bike, helmet, spray coat and life jacket, then a short bus ride takes you to the boat ramp. Once aboard, the jet boat heads down the Upper Waiau River at speed, then slows so your guide can point out native birds, trout in the water, and three Lord of the Rings film locations along the banks. The river stretches quiet and clear, with mountains rising on both sides. You'll have time to photograph and ask questions. This is built as an interactive tour, not just a thrill ride.
The boat emerges onto Lake Manapouri, where the engine cuts and the silence hits. Towering peaks surround the water. You disembark for a short guided walk through native bush, then head back upriver for more speed and spins before returning to the boat ramp. Your bike is waiting there. The 10km cycle trail runs along the river's edge all the way back to Te Anau's town centre on a well-formed path. It's a moderate pace, steady but not steep, and it gives you time to process the morning without rushing back to the car park.
The small group size (11–13 per boat) is what makes the stops feel personal instead of herded. Because Fiordland Jet is the only commercial operator on these waterways, you won't queue or share the river with other tour boats. All gear (spray coat, life jacket, helmet, bike) comes with the booking, so you show up ready to go. If you want to ride an e-bike instead of a standard one, that's an upgrade you choose at checkout.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to combine jet boating and biking in one morning: the small group size and mix of activities let you cover more ground than a single-activity tour, though the bike ride back requires steady pedaling.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the Upper Waiau River like when you're on the jet boat?
The Upper Waiau River runs clear and fast, with crisp air and mountain views on both sides. Your guide cuts the engine at points to show you native birds and trout, and you'll spot three locations used in Lord of the Rings films. The boat does high-speed runs and spins, so it's both scenic and thrilling.
How hard is the bike ride back to Te Anau?
The cycle trail is 10km (about 6 miles) along the river's edge on a well-formed path. It requires moderate fitness, steady pedaling but no steep climbs, and takes you all the way back to Te Anau's town centre without traffic.
Do I need to bring my own bike gear or safety equipment?
No. Your bike, helmet, spray coat and life jacket are all included. You get fitted at the office before you leave, and everything is provided for the full four hours.
What happens on Lake Manapouri?
Lake Manapouri is where the jet boat slows and the engine quiets. You're surrounded by towering mountains and water that stretches out in silence. You disembark for a short guided walk through native bush and native birds, then return to the boat for the ride back upriver.
How many people go on each boat?
Each boat carries 11–13 passengers, which keeps the group small enough for your guide to talk with everyone and for you to get close-up views without crowds.
Is there a difference between the standard bike and the e-bike upgrade?
The standard bike is included in the tour price. An e-bike upgrade is available at checkout if you want electric assist for the 10km cycle back to town, which can make the ride easier if you prefer less physical effort.
Te Anau Jet Boat and Biking Combo Upper Waiau River
4h · EN
from NZ$ 255 per person
≈ US$ 147 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.