16 Exciting Things to Do in Te Anau, New Zealand

Te Anau is a small town with lots to offer. From majestic landscapes and stunning day hikes to unique tours and experiences, there is something for everyone. Here’s a quick travel guide with 16 exciting things to do in Te Anau the next time you visit!

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How to get to Te Anau

By car

Driving yourself is the best and easiest way to get to Te Anau from other places on the South Island. The scenic drive along the main road is filled with breathtaking views of rural Southland and makes a great addition to any South Island road trip.

Driving times from:

• Invercargill: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Queenstown: 2 hours
• Dunedin: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Christchurch: 7 hours 30 minutes

Note: If you’re heading on to Milford Sound from Te Anau, factor in at least another 2 hours to drive down Milford Road. I’d definitely recommend staying in Te Anau for at least one night to break up the drive (and to see all the cool stuff along the way)!

By bus

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, you can also reach Te Anau via public bus, private charter, or tour company. Many different tour agencies offer

There is an InterCity bus that runs from Queenstown to Te Anau. The journey takes 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs about $40 NZD ($25 USD) one-way.

By plane

The closest commercial airport to Te Anau is Queenstown Airport (ZQN). Rental cars, campervans, and buses are available at the airport.

If you feel like splashing out, you can also book a scenic charter flight from Queenstown Airport to Te Anau Manapouri Airport.

Things to do in Te Anau map

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Things to do in Te Anau, New Zealand

Drive the scenic road to Milford Sound

Many visitors are shocked to learn that the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound takes around 2 hours. Fortunately, the drive is filled with lots of breathtaking scenery and fun things to do! If you have the time, you could spend an entire day just stopping at all the viewpoints and day hikes along the way.

The road enters Fiordland National Park, passes through Eglinton Valley, and traverses the Homer Tunnel before reaching Milford Sound.

Here are a few of the most awe-inspiring stops.

Mirror Lakes

This short walk is located just off of the main road and is definitely worth stopping for! It follows a boardwalk through lush native bush and ends with a series of super reflective lakes. On a still and sunny day, the reflection on the water perfectly mirrors the majestic mountains in the background (hence the name!).

Lake Gunn Nature Walk

This short 45-minute loop is awesome for nature lovers. It’s one of the best places on the Milford Road to walk through native forest, listen to the sounds of various bird species, and get a glimpse of Lake Gunn, another lovely reflective lake.

Lake Marian

The Lake Marian hike is a great one to do if you’re looking for a steady uphill walk with rewarding views. Taking about 3 hours round-trip, this half-day hike features swing bridges, waterfalls, and ends in a hanging valley with a stunning alpine lake.

You can read more about the Lake Marian day hike on the Department of Conservation website.

Gertrude Saddle Route

The Gertrude Saddle route is a spectacularly scenic (although technically challenging) hike with views over Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. It’s a great option for more experienced hikers looking for a fun and worthwhile day hike in Fiordland National Park.

The walk takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours round-trip. You’ll need to cross a few streams and scramble over some large boulders and steep scree — because of that, you should only attempt the Gertrude Saddle hike in good weather.

The Chasm

At just 400 m (1,312 ft) round-trip, the 20-minute Chasm walk has a high effort-to-reward ratio. A series of powerful waterfalls and swirling turquoise water on the Cleddau River really highlight how much rainfall the Milford Sound area receives every year!

Note: As of 2020, the Chasm walk is temporarily closed due to storm damage. It’s expected to open again in April 2023.

Cruise Milford Sound…

Milford Sound, also known as the unofficial “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand (if not the most!).

The best way to see this marvel of the natural world is by taking a scenic cruise. Your guided tour will make its way across the fjord and into the Tasman Sea, passing dramatic mountain peaks, rainforests, and gushing waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see native birds, fur seals, and even bottlenose dolphins during your boat ride.

Visiting Milford Sound is generally done as a day trip from Te Anau, but taking an overnight cruise can be a fun option instead. You’ll spend the night in one of the boat’s private cabins and get the opportunity to wake up in the most magical surroundings.

The highly-rated tours below are a great option if you’re looking to book a single-day Milford Sound cruise. GetYourGuide is my go-to tour provider because they have a very flexible cancellation policy — a must-have if you like to be flexible when you travel!

…or Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound’s landscapes are very similar to those of Milford Sound — that is, stunning and jaw-dropping and dramatic. Logistically, it’s also a bit easier to get to because the boat cruise departs from Manapouri, a quick 20-minute drive from Te Anau.

If you’re not keen on the two-hour drive down the windy State Highway 94, Doubtful Sound is a great alternative!

We decided on this exact tour with RealNZ. It’s definitely an unforgettable experience, but the day can be quite long. The schedule goes a little something like this:

• Arrive at the starting point near the beautiful Lake Manapouri
• Take a small boat across the lake (45 minutes)
• Coach bus ride across Wilmot Pass (1 hour)
• Board the catamaran at Deep Cove
• Cruise Doubtful Sound for 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Make the entire journey back in reverse!

With all that being said, taking a cruise around Doubtful Sound is 100% worth it. Seeing the majestic fjords is one of the best things to do in Te Anau!

Take a scenic flight

Sightseeing from the air (or should I say… flightseeing?) is an exciting and adventurous way to take in the beautiful Southland scenery.

There are many different options for flights departing out of Te Anau. You’ll get unreal views of the Sounds and the surrounding Kepler Mountain Range. Some flights even include mountain landings, letting you access part of Fiordland that few people have ever seen.

If you’re keen for a unique activity, a heli-hike could be right up your alley. These tours include a scenic helicopter ride followed by a downhill walk across part of the Kepler Track from Luxmore Hut. Add on a relaxing water taxi across Lake Te Anau and a knowledgeable tour guide and you have yourself a great day!

Hike the Kepler Track…

The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks — multi-day hikes that are so spectacular and awe-inspiring that they’ve become the most popular hikes in the country. Three of the nine total Great Walks are located relatively close to Te Anau, making it a great spot for the outdoor enthusiast!

The Kepler Track is a 60 km (37 mi) long loop that takes anywhere between 3 and 4 days to complete. It features awesome views of the surrounding fjords, lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, and the Murchison mountain range.

If you don’t have time to hike the entire Kepler Track, there are a few shorter day hike options available. From the carpark, you can walk to Brod Bay, Rainbow Reach, or Luxmore Hut.

Even if you’re not planning on hiking any part of the Kepler Track, the trailhead is still worth a visit to see the Rainbow Reach swing bridge. The entire area around the Waiau River is a Lord of the Rings filming location (it’s featured in the opening shot of The Fellowship of the Ring).

…or the Milford Track…

The Milford Track is a 53.5 km (33 mi) point-to-point hike from the top of Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. It takes roughly 4 days, with 3 nights being spent in huts along the way.

You’ll travel through glacier-carved valleys, ancient rainforests, and past powerful waterfalls. There are swimming holes, icefields, and towering rock walls on the track, making it a very diverse and interesting walk.

Milford Track is often considered one of the finest hikes in New Zealand, if not the world! Because of its popularity, spots in the overnight huts book out very quickly. If you’re interested in hiking the Milford Track (or any Great Walk, really), make sure to finalize your plans in advance and book your stay as soon as bookings open for the season. Unfortunately, camping is not allowed on the Milford Track.

…or the Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track is the shortest of the three Te Anau Great Walks, at 33 km (20.5 mi) one-way. It takes between 2 and 4 days to complete and can be walked in either direction.

The track stretches from the northern edge of Lake Wakatipu (near Glenorchy and Paradise) to The Divide, a shelter off of the Milford Road. Because it’s a point-to-point hike, you’ll need to arrange pick-up/drop-off, shuttle, or car transfer in advance.

The Routeburn Track offers majestic scenery, from the icy Southern Alps in Otago to the alpine wetland of Southland. If you’re lucky, you can spot carnivorous plants and cheeky keas or kererū (New Zealand pigeons).

You can break the full Routeburn Track into shorter day hikes, including the Earland Falls Track, Key Summit Track, Lake Howden Track, and Routeburn Nature Walk.

Visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves

If you’re looking for a super unique New Zealand experience, the Te Anau glow worm caves are definitely it!

Glow worms are little insects (not worms!) that create bright blue dangling strands using bioluminescence. Close up, they look like pearl necklaces — but don’t be fooled, they’re actually used to attract and trap their prey! They’re native to New Zealand and parts of Australia, making glow worm tours a rare and special experience that you can’t find anywhere else.

The glow worm tour in Te Anau is a must-do. It starts off with a calm boat ride to the western shores of Lake Te Anau. Once you’re on shore, you’ll be broken up into smaller groups. One will get an interesting presentation on the glow worms while the other enters the grotto. (Afterwards, the groups switch places.)

The cave system is incredible. On the tour, you’ll follow a twisting network of limestone passages deeper underground. There is a river, there is a waterfall, and there are thousands of glow worms. You’ll even get to take a boat ride through a silent hidden grotto. The glow worms twinkle like the night sky, and it’s truly magical!

Cycle the Lake2Lake Trail

The Lake2Lake is a 28.5 km (17.7 mi) cycle trail that stretches from Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri. Starting from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, you’ll bike south along the Waiau River, passing incredible scenery along the way.

The trail is rated as Grade 2, meaning it’s considered easy by by NZ Cycle Trail standards.

If you don’t have your own bicycle, you can rent one from Wild Rides or Outside Sports.

Cruise Lake Te Anau

A relaxing cruise on a historic motor yacht around Lake Te Anau is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Once aboard the ship (which was built in 1935!), you’ll sail across the lake for 40 minutes before reaching the Hidden Lakes Jetty. There, your crew will take you on a short guided walk around Fiordland National Park before making your way back to Te Anau.

There are both morning and afternoon cruises available. Depending on which one you choose, you’ll be served a tasty morning or afternoon tea.

This is also a great activity if you’re traveling with kids. On the way back, you’re able to go into the engine room and see how everything works!

Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary (Punanga Manu)

The Bird Sanctuary is one of the top things to do in Te Anau — it’s the only place in New Zealand where you’re able to see the native takahē up close and personal. Besides the flightless bird, you also have a chance of seeing other endangered species, like kākā (mountain parrots), Antipodes Island parakeets, and ruru koukou (small owls).

Plus, it’s free!

The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is open every day from dawn to dusk.

Go jet boating

Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies will love jet boating down the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri. The boats can reach up to 80 km/h (50 mph) and the drivers make quick, hairpin turns that often end with a splash.

The 3-hour Fiordland Jet activity also makes several scenic photo stops along the river. Once you’re across Lake Manapouri, your guide will take you on a quick guided walk through the native bush.

Where to stay in Te Anau

• Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels: This is where Ben and I stayed with my parents and we absolutely loved it! We booked the two-bedroom family motel — it’s cheap and cheerful, close to town, and had some handy kitchenette amenities.
• Top 10 Holiday Park: This family-friendly accommodation option offers inexpensive campsites, cabins, and motel rooms. Top 10 chains are the perfect place to stay if you’re on a tight budget!
• Lakeside Motel & Apartments: Quiet and calm accommodation with a central location to the town centre. Also relatively inexpensive for what you get.

Book a hotel in Te Anau

Te Anau FAQs

Is Te Anau worth visiting?

Absolutely! The town of Te Anau itself has so much to offer in terms of outdoor activities and natural wonders. It’s a great place to spend a few nights exploring the town center and surrounding region, but it also makes an ideal base for any Fiordland National Park adventures.

When is the best time to visit Te Anau?

Te Anau’s climate is relatively stable year-round. For the most part, you can expect rain, clouds, and chilly weather; the temperature generally ranges between 1°C (34°F) and 18°C (64°F). The town of Te Anau itself is drier and more temperate than Fiordland because it is protected by the Southern Alps.

Because of this, the best time to visit Te Anau is during the summer months (December through March). Activities and hotels will be more crowded as it is peak season, but you’re also more likely to enjoy milder weather, making the whole trip more enjoyable!

How much time should you spend in Te Anau?

Many travelers will only make a quick stop in Te Anau on the way to Milford Sound, but I’d recommend spending at least two nights to get the most of the surrounding area. That gives you enough time to cruise Milford, Doubtful, or Dusky Sound, visit the Te Anau glowworm caves, and do a quick day hike as well.

What is Te Anau known for?

Te Anau is a small town on New Zealand’s South Island that’s known for its stunning natural surroundings. Because of its proximity to Milford Sound, the town is a popular place to stop to break up the long drive.

Te Anau township is situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island and second largest lake in New Zealand. It’s surrounded by Fiordland National Park, which is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Te Anau is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and international travelers alike.

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Thanks for reading this post on the best things to do in Te Anau!

xoxo Niki