Te Anau is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Te Anau, nestled within the Fiordland region in New Zealand. Known as the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, Te Anau offers visitors a plethora of outdoor adventures and natural wonders to explore. From majestic fiords and stunning waterfalls to thrilling hikes and tranquil lake cruises, there is no shortage of attractions and things to do in Te Anau. In this post, we’ll guide you through some of the best places to visit and activities to experience in Te Anau, ensuring you make the most out of your time in this stunning part of the world.

The 4 Best Guided Travels in Te Anau

1. Milford Sound Small Group Tour Cruise Lunch from Te Anau
2. From Te Anau 1 Day Milford Sound Coach Cruise
3. Milford Sound Coach Cruise Underwater Observatory Lunch
4. Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

The 4 Best Guided Travels in Te Anau

1. Milford Sound Small Group Tour Cruise Lunch from Te Anau

Take a guided tour by comfortable minibus to explore the natural beauty of Milford Sound and the surrounding area. Your tour includes a sightseeing cruise, a picnic lunch, and plenty of scenic stops along the way. Meet your guide in Te Anau and drive along the lakeside, making a stop at Te Anau Downs to soak in the scenery. Enter the Fiordland National Park and visit Eglinton Valley to admire the landscape carved by an ancient glacier. Continue to Mirror Lakes and see the Earl Mountains reflected in these clear waters. Relax and take photos by Lake Gunn before continuing towards Hollyford River. Pass the waterfall at Falls Creek as you head higher into the Darran Mountains, stopping at viewpoints and keeping an eye out for native birds and other wildlife. Finally, arrive at Milford Sound and embark on your sightseeing cruise, taking in views of Mitre Peak and the stunning surroundings. Enjoy a picnic lunch onboard before heading back to Te Anau. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park.

2. From Te Anau 1 Day Milford Sound Coach Cruise

If you’re looking for the ultimate Milford Sound experience, look no further than this one-day coach cruise tour from Te Anau. Travel on a comfortable premium coach and take in the incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Your experienced local driver will show you the best short walks and photo stops along the way.

Once at Milford Sound, board the original cruise and get beneath waterfalls among towering mountains and see native wildlife with foreign language commentary. Milford Sound is known as the 8th wonder of the world, and the road to Milford is surely the 9th. The overland journey is a spectacular showcase of sheer mountains and towering cliffs surrounded by native rainforest, spectacular waterfalls, and glacial lakes.

This tour is an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of Milford Sound without the hassle of navigating the winding roads on your own. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the magnificent scenery and informative commentary. Milford Sound is approximately a 5-hour drive or 45-minute flight from Queenstown, so make sure to add this amazing experience to your to-do list while you’re exploring Te Anau.

3. Milford Sound Coach Cruise Underwater Observatory Lunch

Set off on an immersive day trip to encounter Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural wonders. Revel in the scenic beauty of the alpine Milford Road and take part in engaging commentary by an experienced local bus driver. Enjoy short walks and photo stops along the way.

Upon arrival at Milford Sound, embark on an intimate nature cruise on a smaller boat. Glide beneath towering waterfalls and along the length of the fiord, getting within touching distance of impressive rock walls and up close to Stirling Falls.

Visit New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory and witness the native wildlife surrounding the fiord. Take in the majestic mountains and learn about the area’s history from your passionate and knowledgeable skipper. Finally, relax and enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch on board before returning to Te Anau. This is the ultimate Milford Sound day trip experience for those who want to discover the natural beauty of the area in a more immersive way.

4. Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

Experience a mysterious underground world of rushing water and glowing lights on the Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour. This adventure begins with a scenic cruise on Lake Te Anau, and once you arrive to the caves, informative displays will give you insight into the geological wonder you are about to explore.

With a friendly guide leading the way, you will discover rock formations and hear the sound of rushing water as you journey through the 12,000-year-old caves. And of course, the highlight of the tour comes when you witness the breathtaking glow of hundreds of tiny glowworms illuminating the darkness.

For an optional add-on, you can also participate in a short guided forest experience to learn more about the unique flora of the region. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the mesmerizing beauty of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

The Ultimate Guide to Te Anau: Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists

Te Anau is a picturesque town located in the South Island of New Zealand. It is a gateway to Fiordland National Park, one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in the country. Despite its relatively small size, Te Anau offers a range of activities and attractions that make it an ideal place to spend a few days exploring the surrounding areas. Here are the most frequently asked questions by tourists about Te Anau, and everything you need to know.

1. How do I Get to Te Anau?

There are several ways to get to Te Anau. If you are coming from North Island, you can either take a domestic flight to Queenstown, which is the nearest regional airport to Te Anau, or drive from Christchurch, Dunedin, or Invercargill. Queenstown is just over 2.5 hours’ drive from Te Anau. If you are coming from South Island, you can also drive to Te Anau or take a bus from Invercargill, Queenstown or Dunedin.

Driving to Te Anau

Driving to Te Anau is an excellent way to see the stunning scenery and stop at some of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions, like the Milford Sound. If you drive from Queenstown, you will take the scenic route through the Crown Range and Kawarau Gorge, which is a must-do for any driving enthusiast.

Taking a Bus to Te Anau

Intercity, New Zealand’s largest coach network, provides bus services from Queenstown to Te Anau several times a day. You can book your tickets online or at any Intercity desk.

2. What is the Best Time to Visit Te Anau?

The best time to visit Te Anau depends on what you want to do and see. For example, if you want to hike, the summer months (December to February) are the best, as the weather is warmer and the days are longer. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is better to visit during the shoulder seasons – autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November).

Summer

Summer is the busiest season in Te Anau, as it is the best time to hike, kayak or take a boat tour on the Milford Sound. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, and there are up to 15 hours of daylight in December. However, you need to book your accommodation and tours well in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.

Autumn and Spring

Autumn and spring are excellent seasons for travellers who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beauty of Fiordland National Park. In autumn, you can witness the changing colours of the leaves, while in spring, you can enjoy the sight of baby animals and blooming flowers. The temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C, and there are fewer daylight hours.

Winter

Winter is the off-peak season in Te Anau, which means there are fewer tourists, and the accommodation and tours are cheaper. However, the weather can be cold and unpredictable, and some of the trails and attractions may be closed due to snow.

3. What are the Best Things to Do in Te Anau?

Te Anau offers a range of activities and attractions that cater to different interests and budgets. Here are some of the best things to do in Te Anau.

Hiking

Hiking is the most popular activity in Te Anau, and it’s easy to see why. The town is surrounded by some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world, including the Kepler, Milford and Routeburn tracks. These hikes are suitable for different fitness levels and offer spectacular views of the mountains, lakes and forests.

Boat Tours

Te Anau is also the gateway to the Milford Sound, which is one of the most visited and picturesque natural wonders in the world. You can take a boat tour from Te Anau or Manapouri, and experience the beauty of the sound up close, including its iconic waterfalls, sheer cliffs and marine life.

Kayaking

If you want to explore the Milford Sound independently, kayaking is an excellent option. You can rent a kayak and paddle through the sound at your own pace, discovering hidden corners and encountering dolphins, seals and penguins.

Stargazing

Te Anau is located in one of the world’s darkest areas, which makes it an ideal place for stargazing. You can join a guided tour or explore the night sky on your own, and witness the beauty of the stars, planets and constellations.

4. What is the Weather Like in Te Anau?

The weather in Te Anau is generally mild and temperate, with an average temperature of 9°C. However, it can also be unpredictable, especially during the winter months. It is not uncommon to experience four seasons in a day in Te Anau, so it is important to bring warm and waterproof clothing, no matter what season you visit.

Rain

Te Anau is one of the wettest places in New Zealand, with an annual rainfall of around 2000mm. The rain tends to be spread quite evenly over the year, so it’s important to be prepared for rain, especially if you are planning to go hiking or take a boat tour.

Snow

It can snow in Te Anau during the winter months, especially in the higher altitudes. Some of the trails and attractions may be closed due to snow or ice, so it’s important to check beforehand and prepare accordingly.

Sunshine

Te Anau gets a lot of sunshine during the summer months, with up to 15 hours of daylight in December. However, even during the summer, it’s important to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the UV index can be high.

5. Where Can I Stay in Te Anau?

There are several accommodation options in Te Anau, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. Here are some of the best places to stay in Te Anau.

YHA Te Anau

The YHA Te Anau is an award-winning hostel located in the heart of Te Anau. It offers affordable and comfortable dormitory and private rooms, as well as a range of facilities, including a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy lounge, and laundry facilities.

Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

The Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas is a 4-star hotel located on the shores of Lake Te Anau. It offers luxurious and spacious rooms and villas, as well as a range of amenities, including a restaurant, a bar, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a spa.

Fiordland Lodge

The Fiordland Lodge is a 5-star luxury lodge located on a hill overlooking Lake Te Anau. It offers elegant and stylish rooms and suites, as well as a range of facilities, including a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a helipad for scenic flights over Fiordland National Park.In conclusion, Te Anau is a charming and vibrant town that offers a range of activities and attractions for every type of traveller. Whether you want to hike, kayak, stargaze, or simply explore the beauty of Fiordland National Park, Te Anau is the perfect place to start your adventure. Make sure to plan your trip well in advance, pack appropriate clothes, and have fun exploring this stunning part of New Zealand.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Te Anau

Te Anau is a town located in the south-west of South Island in New Zealand. This beautiful little town is surrounded by stunning mountains and a serene lake. Tourists can enjoy the natural beauty, indulge in adventure sports, and explore the rich Maori culture. Here is a detailed guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Te Anau.

1. Explore the Fiordland National Park

The Fiordland National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest national parks in New Zealand. The park is home to numerous walking tracks, including the famous Milford Track. The Milford Track is a 53.5 km (33.2 mi) walk that takes you through the heart of the park, and it requires advanced booking. You can also take a scenic flight to get an aerial view of the national park.

2. Boat Tours on Lake Te Anau

Lake Te Anau is the second-largest lake in New Zealand, and it’s a popular tourist attraction. Take a boat tour to enjoy the panoramic view of the town, mountains, and crystal-clear waters of the lake. Some companies offer guided tours to the hidden waterfalls and glowworm caves around the lake.

3. Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves

The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are located on the western shore of Lake Te Anau. These caves are home to thousands of glowworms that illuminate the caves like stars in the sky. The tour of these caves includes a boat ride across Lake Te Anau followed by a guided walking tour of the caves.

4. Hiking Trails in Te Anau

Hiking is a popular activity in Te Anau as the town is surrounded by the Fiordland National Park. Some hiking trails are easy while others are strenuous, so make sure to choose the one that suits your fitness level. Some popular trails include the Kepler Track, which is a 3-4 day hike, and the Routeburn Track, which is a 2-3 day hike.

5. Visit the Wildlife Park

The Te Anau Wildlife Park is home to many native New Zealand animals such as Kiwis, Possums, and Wallabies. You can pet and feed the animals while learning about their unique features and habits. The park also offers horse riding and quad biking tours, making it a perfect family destination.

6. Experience the Maori Culture

The Maori culture in New Zealand is rich and fascinating. Te Anau offers opportunities to learn about Maori culture through cultural performances, traditional hangi dinners, and visits to Marae (Maori meeting houses).

7. Adventure Sports in Te Anau

If you are an adrenaline junkie, Te Anau has plenty of adventure sports to offer. You can go skydiving, bungee jumping, jet boating, or even heli-skiing. Make sure to book in advance as these activities are popular among tourists.

8. Visit the Ata Whenua Shadowland Movie

The Ata Whenua Shadowland Movie is a unique cinematic experience that takes you through the Fiordland National Park. The movie is projected on a giant screen, and the surround sound system creates an immersive experience. The movie plays daily, and it’s a perfect rainy day activity in Te Anau.

Book Your Tour Now

Te Anau is a beautiful destination with plenty to offer. From hiking to adventure sports to cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in this charming little town. Make sure to plan your itinerary in advance and book your activities early to avoid disappointments.