Join Cruise Te Anau for a three-hour guided trek to Fiordland’s hidden waterfalls. This intimate walk through native forest ends at the breathtaking Gorge Falls—a must for waterfall enthusiasts and nature lovers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness to handle natural bush tracks with some uneven terrain and minor elevation change.
Wildlife
History
Fiordland National Park, established in 1952, protects one of New Zealand’s largest and most intact wilderness areas with deep significance to the local Ngāi Tahu iwi.
Conservation
Cruise Te Anau follows strict guidelines to minimize impact on fragile forest habitats, supporting Fiordland’s ongoing conservation efforts.
Cruise Te Anau
Join Cruise Te Anau for a three-hour guided trek to Fiordland’s hidden waterfalls. This intimate walk through native forest ends at the breathtaking Gorge Falls—a must for waterfall enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Cruise Te Anau is a Te Anau-based operator offering guided small-group cruises and scenic flights in Fiordland National Park. The company runs a curated set of experiences that showcase Lake Te Anau, South Fiord, hidden waterfalls and ancient beech forest. Local guides lead nature walks, explain regional ecology and share historical stories about the Fiordland area.
Operations center on comfortable cruise vessels and a floatplane service that provides the South Island's only scheduled floatplane return from hidden lakes to Te Anau. Key experiences include a three-hour Cruise & Fly combining a lake cruise, a guided walk at Hidden Lakes and a floatplane return; a three-hour Waterfall Adventure to Gorge Falls; a 60-minute Flyby Explore for quick scenic immersion; and a 2.5-hour Discovery Cruise across Lake Te Anau.
Safety and conservation are integral to the operation: boat safety briefings, experienced skippers and guides, and adherence to Fiordland conservation guidelines. Groups are kept intentionally small to protect sensitive habitats and to provide quiet, intimate encounters with nature. Weather in Fiordland can change rapidly; the operator monitors conditions and offers flexible itineraries or rescheduling when required.
Booking information, exact departure times and accessibility details are available through the business's official channels in Te Anau. Cruise Te Anau positions itself as a specialist provider for visitors seeking efficient, authentic and well-guided access to Fiordland's iconic lakes, waterfalls and rainforest.
Local guides Chris and Erica often lead shorter Flyby Explore departures, offering insider narration and regional context for visitors with limited time and memorable photo opportunities.
Tours Offered
4 Tours
Curated Fiordland experiences
Base Location
Te Anau
Gateway to Fiordland National Park
Typical Durations
60–180 min
Short to half-day adventures
Small Groups
Small groups
Intimate, guided experiences
Secure a spot on a Cruise Te Anau tour — limited small-group availability for cruises, waterfall walks and floatplane returns.
Wear sturdy walking shoes
Trails are natural bush tracks that can be uneven and slippery, so closed-toe, grippy footwear is essential.
Bring a rain jacket
Fiordland’s weather can change quickly; waterproof layers keep you dry and comfortable on the trail.
Pack a camera with extra batteries
The waterfalls and native forest scenes offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially at Gorge Falls.
Stay with the guide
To protect sensitive ecology, remain on the established track and follow your guide’s directions at all times.
Waterproof jacket
Protects against Fiordland’s unpredictable rain and keeps you comfortable throughout the hike.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Necessary for traction and support on slippery, uneven forest paths.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the striking waterfalls and native flora encountered during the trek.
Insect repellent
Helps reduce discomfort from midges common near water in warmer months.
summer