There are several competing Jet Boat companies in Queenstown, but Lord of the Rings fans will want…read moreto go with Skippers. $159NZ isn't the cheapest, but this includes a very scenic, and scary, 4WD bus tour of Skippers Canyon and Shotover river where you'll see some LOTR shooting locations for Mordor and the part where Arwen uses river magic to kill the ring wraiths. If you're really scared of heights, you might want to skip this, no pun intended. Skippers Canyon Road is a narrow gravel road that goes alongside dangerously steep cliffs...thank goodness for our expert driver!. But the entire one hour drive there and back is very scenic with stops for gorgeous photo opportunities of Mordor. The jet boat ride itself is thrilling fun, be prepared to get wet! Midway through you'll see the location where Arwen fought off the ring wraiths. There is an opportunity to use the toilet after the boat ride, but I'd highly recommend going wee wee before you hop on the bus.

This was a great jet boat tour. We picked it to get the tour and history with the jet boating, and…read moreit didn't disappoint. They stopped a few times for pictures, the first time at a beautiful overlook. They told us lots of lord of the rings trivia if that's your thing, and there are lots of lots of the rings backdrops along the way. The drive took maybe an hour in, less time out. The jet boat time is about 25 minutes, faster down than up. The driver is very good but the ride wasn't as white knuckly as I expected. We stopped by a house with bathrooms afterwards. We'd paid for a longer tour with museum stop and gold panning but it was a cold drizzly day so they nicely offered us the chance to switch to the shorter tour, which we did. They take a typical amusement park photo at the beginning. They pick up the the station bus stop on camp street, which is labeled as such, and which is a tourism store, not a city bus stop or anything like that. It's at the end of camp street closer to arrowtown. We were able to book on very short notice, but it was low season.

Do yourself a favour and call these guys and get on the next plane to NZ! The NZ Adrenaline tour…read morewhich i did a few months back is probably the craziest think i've ever taken part in! I did more in the 10 days than others do in a lifetime. Amazing activities, scenery, great accomodation and a guide by the name of Russel who quickly becomes more like an old friend, this package provider has it all. To say that I highly recommend them would be an understatement! Thanks for all the amazing experiences Adventure Junkies!

From the owner: Adventure Junkies have been specialists in delivering the ultimate multi-day guided adventure tours…read morein New Zealand since 2005. Our bucket list adventure tours combine the best activities, extreme sports and adrenalin highs that the South Island of New Zealand has to offer. We also include modern comfortable apartments, professional guiding and plenty of laughs along the way. You will not find tours like these anywhere else! On our epic ten day adventure tours you will embrace the awesome challenges that New Zealand has to offer, face your fears with like minded adventurers, and experience the trip of a lifetime with the very best customer service. We guide you through the spectacular South Island where you'll discover New Zealand's incredible and diverse environments at stunning National Parks, golden sand beaches, rugged mountain tops, incredible glaciers and World Heritage Fiordland. If you are looking for the very best in New Zealand adventure travel, then look no further than Adventure Junkies.

I was soooo glad we booked a kayak trip to Milford Sound rather than an impersonal coach ride/boat…read morecruise that seems to be the norm. We went with the "Day Safari" which included transport from our B&B in Te Anau (about two hours each way), about four hours on the water (the Sunriser Classic trip), and all the gear to stay warm and dry). It was actually quite a good value considering it was a full day activity (pricing was something like $189 pp in NZ dollars which is like $145 in US dollars). Due to the nature of the sport/tour, the group was small and personal (eight people/four kayaks plus the guide). This trek leaves super early due to weather typically being more favorable in the morning and fewer cruise ships on the sound. We were down at the end of the driveway for pick up at 5:45 and it was still completely dark out. At least we got to see some stars! We were the last ones on the van with our guide Abi driving. She offered a bit of commentary on the Te Anau/Fiordland National Park area, but mostly let us sleep (which was good, because van rides - on winding roads, no less - make me woozy). We had one foggy stop once we exited the tunnel and another once we got to Milford Lodge. At the main launch point for the kayaks, they have all the equipment in a big tent where you change into a striped thermal get-up, a fleece pullover, a yellow rain jacket, a life jacket and the thing that keeps you secure in the kayak. I was worried about not having the right apparel for the conditions, but was warm, comfortable, and mostly dry for our trip (and because only my hands/face were exposed, I wasn't bothered by the infamous sandflies TOO much, although I still recommend bug spray for your neck/hands and any other body part that may eventually be exposed). We also got a dry bag for our phones and snacks and there was room on the kayak to strap on our water bottles. From there we did a quick lesson on paddling/what to do in the event of a capsize (which is very rare, apparently) and then set out! We almost immediately saw a seal and it swam right by our kayak! Abi led us around the main part of Milford Sound - apparently it goes on for quite a ways out to sea. It started out a little cloudy in the morning, but the clouds slowly lifted revealing the spectacular scenery that Milford is known for. About midway through, we stopped at a beach and Dave and I switched kayak positions. We had perfect weather and a great seal-filled tour. After kayaking, we had about a half hour lunch break at the lodge. We brought our own lunch as we were unsure what to expect, but they do have a little cafe with espresso drinks, beer, pastries, and filled bread pockets. Our drive back was much longer as the conditions were more ideal for some Fiordland roadside sightseeing. Waterfalls at every turn and even a stream ideal for refilling your water bottle with cold, clear glacier water (the best ever after a long day outside, I might add). Abi was a great guide. Super knowledgeable and I could tell she was really passionate about her job and the area. We encountered some of the other guides as well and they all seemed young and super fun. The whole operation seemed well run and organized without being automatic and impersonal. Now that we're a bit more seasoned sea kayakers, I would definitely go for a longer trip next time so we can see a bit more of the sound. But the Day Safari was the perfect intro to kayaking and Fiordland for beginners, while still providing a fair amount of a workout and adventure. I'd highly recommend kayaking Milford Sound (over the AYCE buffet on a cruise boat with 100 other people) and booking it with Rosco's.

I think it's difficult to capture the full beauty and magnificence of Milford Sound whilst on a…read moreboat and highly suggest taking a guided kayak tour instead. Our guide Abby was phenomenal! We were picked up from our hotel in Ten Anau and we enjoyed a highly scenice 2 hour drive. Once we arrived at the Sound we were given warm clothes, waterproof jackets, hats, life vests, and kayak skirts for our journey. With four kayaks to one guide we paddled the sound, received educational tidbits, saw wildlife (seals, starfish), enjoyed the gorgeous views, and got a great core and arm workout. One tidbit, there are quite a bit of sandflies, if this bothers you, make sure you bring mosquito repellent. This is the best way to enjoy Milford Sound if you have several hours to spare!

Rosco's was amazing. We came September 2018 and had an amazing time. They provided all the…read morenecessary gear and most people went tandem. One person did go with the guide because we had an odd number of folks. It can be fairly chilly but don't worry as they provide jackets and everything you need. Be aware of the sand flies. Come out and enjoy the magnificent views of Fiordland National Park! We highly recommend Rosco's without hesitation.

It was an amazing day out on the wster. Very nice staff which was helpful all the time. We got a…read moregood briefing before we started a pick up from the accommodation and many helping hands handing us out the gear. My guide (Jennifer from Canada) was the best guide I could ever had imagined. She was very well trained knew a lot about the Sound was always trying to interact with all of her gang and made us a very cool and fun day. All after all you have to say that it was the best way to see the Sound. Rosco's offers a huge range of different types of tours so just pick what suite you and your condition the most. Thanks guys and especially Jennifer for this awesome day which I'll never forget.