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Top 10 attractions in Manapouri

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Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park

5.5
4.7/5
105 reviews
Fiordland National Parklocated at the southwestern tip of New Zealand's South Island and covering approximately 12,000 square kilometers, it ranks among the largest of the country's national parks. Successive glacial movements have carved more than a dozen deep fjords into the coastal mountains, with Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound being the most notable examples. About two-thirds of the park is covered by native beech and podocarp forests, while the landscape is dotted with towering peaks, alpine lakes, and moss-covered valleys. The area was designated a World Heritage Site in 1990. An extensive network of walking trails allows visitors to explore this pristine wilderness of mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and moss-clad valleys.Southland District · 26.2 km from Manapouri
Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

7.8
4.6/5
483 reviews
Milford Sound is a world-famous natural wonder, a glacial landform located in the South West Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. Steep, jagged cliffs emerge from calm, dark waters, lush rainforest grows on the rock walls, and waterfalls plunge hundreds of meters into the sea. 1. The beautiful road in the world The road from Queenstown to the Fiordland is known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Along the way, it passes many scenic spots, such as Mirror Lake, trails, and Homer Tunnel. Many small waterfalls formed by melting snow. 2. Enjoy the scenery of the fjord by cruise ship The water tour of Milford Sound is the main way to enjoy the beauty of the fjord. After the sightseeing boat slowly leaves the pier of Milford Sound, you can see the The Baowen Waterfall is more than 100 meters high. When the wind is strong, the water of the waterfall will splash on the pier. On the opposite side of the waterfall is a small gravel pile called a small cemetery, which is the resting place of the whalers and sealers who lived nearby. Continue to drive forward, and on the left is the towering Matthew Peak, which stands directly on the sea. On the other side are Lion Mountain and Elephant Mountain, with very vivid names. Not far away is Tongjiao, which is the relatively channel of the fjord. When the wind is strong, it passes through the mountains, and the wind is amazing. When the boat comes to the Fairy Falls, the bow of the boat will meet directly below the waterfall, and the water of this waterfall is drinkable. After looking at the Tasman Sea from the boat, the boat will slowly turn around and re-enter the fjord, and a fjord cruise is basically complete. Airplane tours and sea kayaking tours are two other great ways to experience mountains, waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. There are also sightseeing boats with underwater viewing windows, allowing tourists to observe coral reefs and other marine landscapes from the bottom of the water. Dolphins, fjord penguins, seals and other aquatic creatures can also be seen in the fjord, especially in the seal headland where a large number of young seals often gather. 3. One of the filming locations of "The Lord of the Rings" As one of the filming locations of "The Lord of the Rings", it attracts many fans to this place.New Zealand · Milford Sound
Lake Te Anau
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Southland

Lake Te Anau

5.5
4.8/5
84 reviews
Lake Te Anau is adjacent to Fiordland National Park and has a vast surface area, second only to Lake Taupo on the North Island in New Zealand. This body of water was shaped by glacial movement, with three fiord-like arms extending from the west side: the North Fiord, Middle Fiord, and South Fiord. Flanked by cliffs and deep waterways, taking a boat into them offers a direct view of the traces left by glacial erosion on the land. The eastern shore of the lake is flat, where the lakeside town of Te Anau is located, with pastures and farmland spreading out, while the western shore merges into the pristine forests of Fiordland National Park. There are activities to enjoy here all year round, with trout fishing, kayaking, and lake cruises being popular; you can also take a boat from the wharf to visit the spectacular glowworm caves on the western shore. Hiking enthusiasts might consider using the lakeside as a base. The Kepler Track is one of the more popular hiking trails, starting near the control gates at the southern end of the lake and winding along the lakeside forests. This is also the gateway to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and Doubtful Sound / Patea, and many travelers use the lakeside town as a base to combine exploring the lake with a fiord tour.Te Anau · 40.7 km from Manapouri
Glenorchy

Glenorchy

7.2
4.3/5
210 reviews
Glenorchy's Chinese name translates to Glenorchy. Located on the north bank of Lake Wakatipu, just 45 minutes from Queenstown, it is the gateway to many hiking trails and the magical world of Middle-earth. 1. An outdoor lover's paradise This rustic town is a veritable outdoor lover's paradise. Surrounded by native beech forests and towering mountains, Glenorchy's surroundings are never lacking in excitement. Stunning Lake Wakatipu and the Dart River offer plenty of options for jet boating and kayaking, and it's a popular base for New Zealand's many walking trails. Horseback riding is also one of the most popular activities here. 2. The spectacular scenery of Glenorchy, the filming location of "The Lord of the Rings", has made it a filming location for blockbusters. The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "The Chronicles of Narnia" have been shot here in large numbers. Twenty kilometers from Glenorchy, as idyllic farmland is gradually replaced by beech forest, we come to the town of Paradise. The origins of the name vary, with some saying it got its name from the natural charm of the place, while others say it got its name from the ducks of paradise that inhabit it. No one can be sure of the origin of its name, but the suffocating natural beauty here has been unanimously recognized by everyone. . "This is the Middle-earth I've always fantasized about," Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) said of Paradise.New Zealand · Glenorchy
Doubtful Sound / Patea
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Southland

Doubtful Sound / Patea

5.7
4.3/5
73 reviews
Doubtful Sound, also known as "Silent Fiord", is a relatively long (421m) and longer (40km) fjord in the South Island. It shows the ingenious workmanship of nature, which is quiet and pleasant, mysterious and wonderful, and has not been influenced by modern society. 1. The name of the fjord comes from Captain Cook. Because the fjord is relatively narrow and the boat is very dangerous, Captain James Cook did not enter the port at that time. When they got there later, whale and seal hunters called it Doubtful Sound. Like other fjords in the region, Doubtful Sound's waters are divided into two distinct layers. A few meters above is fresh water flowing down from the surrounding mountains, and below is salt water from the sea. Due to the different refractive indices of freshwater and seawater, it is difficult for light to penetrate. As a result, many deep-sea species, such as black coral, grow in relatively shallow places. 2. The natural landscape is beautiful and the wildlife is abundant. There are several waterfalls in the Doubtful Fjord, which are especially spectacular in the rainy season. Brown Falls in Hall Bay is 619 meters long; Helena Falls in Deep Bay is 220 meters long. Wonderful wildlife is another reason the fjord attracts tourists, with rare bottlenose dolphins, seals and penguins all haunting the area.Te Anau · 55.1 km from Manapouri
Lake Wakatipu
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Lake Wakatipu

6.4
4.7/5
554 reviews
Lake Wakatipu is located on the South Island of New Zealand, and Queenstown is located on its north shore. The charming river bay is dotted with Queenstown. It is shaped like a lightning and the lake is clear. It is also a popular destination for outdoor activities in New Zealand. 1. Sky Gondola Overlook If you are in Queenstown, you can choose to take the Sky Gondola to overlook Lake Wakatipu. The Sky Gondola sits at the top of Bobt's Peak in Queenstown, a great place to overlook downtown Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond. 2. Steamboat cruise The TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu is undoubtedly one of the ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery, so that you can not only appreciate the lake and mountains more closely, but also feel the tranquility and serenity of the lake, and enjoy the shocking experience. The breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to enjoy a delicious barbecue and experience the authentic New Zealand culture. The TSS Earnslaw steamship will cross Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm (Walter Peak High Country Farm). You'll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch at the ranch or dinner at Colonel's Homestead restaurant and watch a unique farm show. 3. The neighboring Gibbston Valley (Gibbston Valley) has more than 70 wineries, producing a variety of wines, especially Pinot Noir. You can sign up for AppellationCentral WineTours' daily wine tasting tour, which includes visits to 4 wineries, wine tasting, and lunch. At the end of the lake is a place called Glenorchy, the town of The Lord of the Rings. The town is very quiet, there are only sporadic tourists by the lake, and the small bridge in the lake attracts many tourists.Walter Peak · 89.8 km from Manapouri
Lake Tekapo
No. 1 of Spring Outings in New Zealand

Lake Tekapo

6.6
4.6/5
343 reviews
Lake Tekapo is located in the Mackenzie Basin in the central part of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a lake formed by glacial meltwater, with a surface altitude of approx. 700 m and an area of approx. 80 sq km. The lake water displays a distinct turquoise color, making it stand out in the alpine scenery of the South Island. This unique color comes from fine rock flour ground by glaciers: as glaciers move slowly, they grind rock layers into extremely fine particles, which flow into the lake with the meltwater and remain suspended for a long time. Under sunlight, the water color shifts between milky blue and emerald green, changing with the weather and light. The lake is surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps and open meadows. Standing on the lakeshore are the stone-built The Church of the Good Shepherd and a bronze statue of a sheepdog, which together with the lake and mountain scenery behind them form a common photo opportunity. Ascending Mount John on one side of the lake area also offers a panoramic view of the intertwined lake and basin. Lake Tekapo is also part of the Waitaki hydroelectric power system—the lake water is diverted for power generation, and the lake level is artificially regulated, rising and falling regularly within a certain range throughout the year. The lake area is far from city lights and has excellent night sky conditions; on clear nights, you can see the clear Milky Way and Southern Hemisphere constellations, and stargazing is a long-standing local experience. From late spring to early summer each year, the lakeshore is covered in patches of lupins, with pink and purple flower belts spreading along the shore; in other seasons, it takes on a simple color palette composed of snow-capped mountains, clear water, and short grass, with the scenery changing with the seasons. Walking, cycling, or boating along the lake are common ways to experience this alpine lake.New Zealand · Tekapo
Mount John
No. 12 of Night Attractions in New Zealand

Mount John

6.5
4.8/5
101 reviews
Mount John is the commanding height of the town of Lake Tekapo. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the panoramic view of Lake Tekapo and the town. There is a famous star-gazing point MtJohnUniversityObservatory on the top of the mountain, and you can experience the world-famous starry sky of Tekapo at night.New Zealand · Tekapo
Wānaka

Wānaka

6.5
4.8/5
119 reviews
Wānaka is backed by the Southern Alps and is a lakeside town that blends refined living, family vacations, and outdoor adventure. Cafes, restaurants, and unique shops in the town center line the lakeshore. Just a few steps away, you can sit by the water and watch the snow-capped mountains reflected in the clear lake. The lone willow tree standing in the lake is an iconic image of the town. The soft light during the morning mist and at sunset are popular times for photography. The town has a deep connection with aviation. You can book sightseeing flights, helicopter tours, or skydiving at the airport to overlook Lake Wānaka and the glacial peaks of Mount Aspiring from the air. The town hosts a biennial airshow featuring classic military aircraft, a traditional local event. During the winter ski season, ski resorts such as Cardrona and Treble Cone are within a 1-hour drive. In spring and summer, the Roy's Peak track attracts many hikers with its panoramic views of Lake Wānaka. It is also a convenient base if you want to venture into Mount Aspiring National Park for hiking or mountaineering.New Zealand · Wanaka
Queenstown Gardens
2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

Queenstown Gardens

6.4
4.4/5
129 reviews
Queenstown Gardens is located on a small peninsula extending into Lake Wakatipu, just a short walk from the town center. This botanical garden is filled with towering ancient trees. Walking along the lakeside path around the peninsula, you will see shimmering lake waters and distant mountains on one side, and dense groves of trees on the other. The colors are particularly vibrant in late fall, making it a great place to unwind after sightseeing. The details of the park are worth slowing down to appreciate: many notable trees, such as English oaks, Chilean pines, and giant sequoias, were planted by the first mayor and are now listed as protected trees. The rose garden next to the tennis courts turns into a sea of flowers during the blooming season. The bandstand and the memorial to Scott's Antarctic Expedition chronicle the town's history. If you want to experience outdoor sports, the park has a disc golf course, where throwing discs through the trees is a fun experience. While walking, keep an eye out for birds in the forest; the birdsong accompanied by the lake breeze offers visitors a relaxing and pleasant natural experience.New Zealand · Queenstown

Experiences you can't miss in Manapouri

Featured Cultural experiences in Manapouri

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Full Day Mavora Lakes Tour, Lord of the Rings Film Locations
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 1 day
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 13,199.90RUB 13,894.64
Queenstown Glenorchy half-day tour [Lord of the Rings filming location/Paradise Valley/Red Boat Shed]
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FromRUB 9,794.39
New Zealand: Queenstown Milford Sound / Piopiotahi 1-day tour (sightseeing bus & cruise experience)
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FromRUB 16,017.27
New Zealand: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi full-day small group tour (lunch included)
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FromRUB 15,782.99
Queenstown: Create Your Own Bespoke Fragrance
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 7,461.47RUB 7,854.18
From Queenstown: Glenorchy and Paradise Scenic Half-Day Tour
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4.7/5
· 116 reviews
Duration: 4.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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94.8% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 8,345.78RUB 8,785.04
Queenstown: Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - Full Day
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Duration: 9.5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 28,696.59RUB 30,206.94
Queenstown: Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour to Glenorchy-Half Day
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4.0/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 255 mins
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 13,908.76RUB 14,640.81

Featured Day tours in Manapouri

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From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip
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4.8/5
· 361 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
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26 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 14,092.12RUB 14,833.82
From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
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4.9/5
· 74 reviews
Duration: 23 hrs
Free cancellation
59 consecutive positive reviews
FromRUB 46,425.05
Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau
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4.9/5
· 27 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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27 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 9,491.54RUB 9,991.1
From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise
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4.8/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromRUB 18,674.28RUB 19,657.14
From Queenstown: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip
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4.8/5
· 63 reviews
Duration: 13 hrs
Free cancellation
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93.7% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 24,237.26RUB 25,512.91
Doubtful Sound: Scenic Flight with 2 Landings
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 70 mins
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromRUB 49,666.77RUB 52,280.82

Free things to do in Manapouri

What travelers say about Manapouri

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5O6 July 2025
5.0
Fiordland National Park hides the wildest beauty of New Zealand! It is located at the southwest end of the South Island, accounting for 1/10 of New Zealand's land area. The densely packed fjords, glacial canyons and pristine rainforests have turned this place into a real-life magical secret land. The most famous one is Milford Sound. The park also has many treasures: for example, Doubtful Sound is more primitive than Milford, and you can see dolphins jumping out of the water when you take a boat. There are also hiking routes in the park, such as the "Milford Trail", which is known as one of the "best hiking routes in the world", and you can encounter glacial lakes and waterfalls along the way. It rains all year round here, and clouds often hang on the mountainside. The waterfalls on the cliffs hang down into the deep blue fjords like silver chains. Seals and seabirds can be seen everywhere, and even the air is fresh with grass and water vapor. If you want to experience the most extreme natural power of New Zealand, you can't go wrong here~

Fiordland National Park

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Anonymous user1 October 2026
5.0
Milford Sound is one of the most iconic natural landscapes on New Zealand's South Island, often hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," and a UNESCO World Heritage Site within Fiordland National Park. The most classic experience here is a boat tour. The boat glides through the dark waters of the fjord, flanked by steep cliffs carved by glaciers. Mettler Peak soars into the clouds, and Bowen and Stirling Falls flow year-round. After rain, countless temporary waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle. With luck, you might spot seals basking on the rocks, or even encounter dolphins and Fiordland penguins. Overall, Milford Sound isn't a "check-off" destination; it's best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The waterfalls are often more spectacular on rainy days, so don't let rain deter you from your trip. If you have ample time, consider departing from Te Anau or opting for an overnight cruise to avoid the daytime crowds and create a more immersive experience.

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

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旅の径11 October 2020
4.0
New Zealand has many lakes, most of which are surrounded by mountains, with winding coastlines, clear water and pleasant scenery. They are excellent tourist destinations. Lake Te Anau is the second largest lake in New Zealand and the largest lake in the South Island. Compared with the famous "Two Wakatipu and One Te" (Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka, and Lake Tekapo), the uniqueness and appreciation of the landscape are slightly inferior, and the popularity index is also lower. Because it is located on the main road to Milford Sound, there are endless tourists passing by and staying overnight in the lakeside town. The seaplanes on the lakeside take off and land, and the speedboats on the lake go in and out, which set off the blue sky and white clouds, the lake and the mountains, and have a unique charm.

Lake Te Anau

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Claire Young21 March 2023
5.0
This is known as the place closest to heaven. It is a very simple town. Many scenes are shot here in the movie. There is also a place called paradise. Seeing the vast grassland, rivers, sheep and horses, you can feel comfortable physically and mentally.

Glenorchy

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🎀彡🐾25 May 2020
5.0
The Doubtful Sound in Queenstown is the most magnificent place here. The bay is full of towering mountains, dense vegetation, and a very calm sea. Dolphins and whales often appear, so taking a boat into the customs to watch dolphins and whales is also the best tourist project here. You must come and experience it.

Doubtful Sound / Patea

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去旅行YJQ7 July 2023
5.0
Lake Wakatipu is the third largest lake in New Zealand. In addition to its beautiful scenery, it is also the center of New Zealand's outdoor activities. Mountain skiing, surfing, parachuting, jet boats, whitewater kayaking are all available here. The world-famous bungee jumping first emerged here.

Lake Wakatipu

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铨上风满楼21 February 2026
4.0
Located a popular tourist destination a 3.25-hour drive southwest of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island… the scenery here is breathtaking. The Church of the Good Shepherd is a must-see. If driving from Christchurch to Queenstown, this is a great stopover! It's also perfect for a weekend getaway, with a small hot spring nearby… a good place to unwind after a long drive… and a popular spot for photographers to capture stunning images!

Lake Tekapo

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jing0ling22 January 2024
5.0
nice place with nice Astro Cafe, Astro cafe opening hour is depends on the weather. if is too windy they will close.

Mount John

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Jocelyn89 July 2023
5.0
I went to a vineyard in Wanaka and the view was beautiful and photos turned out to be great! 🏞

Wānaka

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D了个Y30 May 2022
4.0
Queenstown Gardens is located in the southeast of Queenstown, on a small peninsula by Lake Wakatipu. The garden is close to the city and the environment is quite quiet. There are towering ancient trees and not many people. The trails in the park are surrounded by trees and flowers. It is a good place for leisure strolls. The garden is not very big. It is a good choice to stroll along the lake after dinner.

Queenstown Gardens

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Manapouri?

Don't miss these attractions in Manapouri: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, and Lake Te Anau. If you like Cultural experiences, try Full Day Mavora Lakes Tour, Lord of the Rings Film Locations. If you enjoy Day tours, try New Zealand Realnz Doubtful Sound / Patea 1-day tour [departing from Queenstown/Te Anau | boat ticket].

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include New Zealand Realnz Doubtful Sound / Patea 1-day tour [departing from Queenstown/Te Anau | boat ticket], From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip, and Full Day Mavora Lakes Tour, Lord of the Rings Film Locations. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 20 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Manapouri is around RUB 9,491.54 – RUB 49,666.77. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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