6 National Park Trips Worldwide to Build a Trip Around

1.Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park – Pure Wilderness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 678 reviews · from $127Our pick

From Te Anau, Fiordland Jet Boat takes you along the Upper Waiau River to Lake Manapouri in a small boat carrying up to 11 people. Expect high-speed runs, 360-degree spins, Lord of the Rings film sites, local stories, native birds, and a short forest walk. Warm gear, spray coats, and life jackets are supplied.

“Great experience on the jet boat along the Waiau River and onto Lake Manapouri! Such good fun - in particular the 360s! Very informative guide and driver told us so much interesting information about the river, the lake and what we saw on the walk. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend!”

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2.Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 531 reviews · from $190

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then take a jet boat through Mt Aspiring National Park on the glacier-fed Dart River. Your guide handles shallow channels, sharp turns, and 360-degree spins while explaining native plants, wildlife, Māori stories, and pioneer life. Guides such as Jordan, Pedro, Dean, and John have earned praise for their calm driving and lively commentary.

“Our guide was awesome very friendly and knowledgeable. Alkasy kept us informed on what was happening”

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3.Gerês National Park Canyoning Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 407 reviews · 6 hours · from $115Best value

Head from Porto to Gerês National Park in a nine-seat van, then follow guides such as Tiago, Marta, Miguel, or Diogo through a canyon of pools, slides, jumps, abseils, and zip lines. Wetsuits, Adidas Hydro Lace canyoning shoes, safety gear, photos, videos, and return transport are included. Bring swimwear and a towel.

“Great value! Beautiful views and amazing guides. Marta and Tiago were great about checking on the group, taking pictures for us, and preparing us for jumps, and plan B in case some didn’t want to jump. Beautiful cascades and a must do activity for anyone visiting Portugal.”

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4.Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · from $215

Set out from Wanaka with Wanaka River Journeys for a four-hour trip into the Matukituki Valley. You’ll ride a jet boat through shallow river braids, enjoy spins and mountain views, then take a 50-minute guided walk through beech forest to waterfalls and glacier-fed streams. Guides such as Ben and James add local insight along the way.

“Ben is a very knowledgable and gifted skipper. You are in for a real treat on this trip!!!! We had a blast with beautiful scenery, great jet boat ride and walk in a serene beech forest. Would definitely do this again when in Wanaka!”

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5.Canyoning Bled Slovenia Triglav National Park Tour with Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 125 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $126

Join 3glav Adventures for a 3.5-hour canyoning trip from Bled into Grmecica Canyon near Triglav National Park. You will rappel waterfalls, jump into pools, slide over smooth rock, and swim in clear water. Groups are limited to eight per guide, with Urban among the guides named by past participants.

“It was a wonderful trip! Guide was very professional and extremely fun. Really enjoyed the adventure.”

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6.Via Ferratas In Triglav National Park And Julian Alps

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · from $616

Start early from Bled, Kranjska Gora, or Mojstrana and spend a full day on a guided via ferrata in the Julian Alps. Grega, Gregor, Ziga, Martin, or another Kofler Sport guide provides safety instruction, equipment guidance, and route support. Routes may include Mala Mojstrovka, Mojstrana, Hvadnik, or Jerm’n, depending on conditions and ability.

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