Te Anau is a small town located along the shores of Lake Ha Anau (Lake Tuac) on South Island, New Zealand. There are many adventurous things to do in Te Anau. New Zealand Te Anau Lake, next to the entrance to Fiordland National Park, is a world-famous scenic area renowned for its breathtaking natural landscape and a range of adventure activities you could partake in. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure-seeker, or simply someone looking for a place away from noisy, busy, or chaotic activity or looking for a place to relax, it has all sorts of choices from which you can decide which is most suitable.
Explore Top Things To Do In Te Anau
Here are some of the things to do in Te Anau.
1. Kepler Track
Image Credit: Nomad Tales for Wikimedia Commons
Kepler Track is where it is possible to enjoy a five-day respite. When out of the woods, the 60-kilometre loop track takes you through diverse landscapes, including the Sixth Hundredth Meridian Line ridges and lake shorelines. The track can be completed in three or four days, depending on personal strength and ability. Overnight huts are also provided for this purpose, one of which has a kitchen. The walking track is designed for able-bodied, long-distance hikers. It has some of the most beautiful and memorable views in this area. The track was carefully designed to showcase Fiordland’s natural beauty, making it a favourite among experienced hikers and those new to multi-day treks.
Address: Southland, New Zealand
Timings: Open 24 hours
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2. Milford Sound
Image Credit: John Gibb for Wikimedia Commons
One of New Zealand’s most well-known natural attractions is Milford Sound. Under its cliffs and over its waterfalls, lush rainforests sprout on high. The surrounding area offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, making this place a must-visit and one of the best things to do in Te Anau. The nearby Milford Track, known as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, offers a remarkable way to experience the surrounding natural beauty up close. Milford Sound’s exceptional beauty makes it a must-see location in Te Anau.
Often covered in a blanket of mist, Milford Sound gives a feel of the spiritual atmosphere that provides every traveller with an unforgettable experience. Milford Sound’s unparalleled natural splendour and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in New Zealand.
Address: Southland, New Zealand
Timings: Open 24 hours
3. Ivory Towers Backpackers Lodge
Image Credit: Ivory Towers Lodge for Facebook
A comfortable, budget-friendly stay in Te Anau at the Ivory Towers Backpackers Lodge. Guests can easily explore this beautiful region from the lodge site circumambient to Lake Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. The lodge has single- and double-bedroom rooms, which accommodate three people each, not to mention more enormous family suites. Rooms at the lodge are also equipped with TVs and decks, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities.
Full breakfast is included with the room rate, so starting early on your expeditions means that dinner will be back at the lodge instead. The lodge has a communal kitchen, lounge, and outdoor BBQ area.
Address: 33/35 Sullivan Road, Fox Glacier 7859, New Zealand
Timings: Mon-Sun: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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4. Fridland National Park
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Fiordland National Park is listed as a World Heritage site and is the most striking among New Zealand’s country nature reserves. Milford and Doubtful Sounds are the park’s world-famous attractions. It has over 1.2 million hectares and is renowned for its rugged mountain ranges, deep fjords, dense rainforests, and pristine lakes. Here, steep mountains, deep forests, and a lush green rainforest grow on some of the mossiest rocks in the world, which are the top things to explore in Te Anau.
The trails in this national park feature the Kepler Track (four days in total) and Milford Track—an extremely worthwhile (three-day) walk with beautiful wild wilderness scenes everywhere and a sprinkling of glaciers all along your route.
Address: Southland, New Zealand
Timings: Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
5. Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
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One of Fiordland’s most noteworthy attractions, the Te Anau Aviary, is ideal for birdwatchers and families. The reserve is situated directly at Lake Te Anau. Located on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the sanctuary is home to various native and endangered birds. Here, a host of native and nearly extinct birds, such as the rare Takahe, a bird once thought to be gone forever, can be seen here. You can walk around the sanctuary leisurely and have close-up encounters with these birds.
You can also learn about the ongoing struggle to save New Zealand’s birdlife. Amidst the spectacular natural setting of Fiordland, the reserve offers an educational and restful experience.
Address: RD 162 Manapouri Te Anau Highway, 9679, New Zealand
Timings: Open 24 hours
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6. Lake Te Anau
Image Credit: Krzysztof Golik for Wikimedia Commons
This lake is found in the very heart of Fiordland National Park. On the one hand, it is an essential entrance to this UNESCO-listed forest; on the other, people see its peaceful yet grand landscape, where pure waters mix with untamed wilderness. The lake is bounded by the Kepler, Murchison, and Stuart Mountain ranges; their rugged spurs and peaks, often streaked with early morning snow, provide a dramatic silhouette. Mountain streams help foster the pure, limpid beauty of Anau’s lake- water, giving it the blue and green hues for which it is so well known. For many tourists, the peace and nature of Lake Te Anau are the best things to do in Te Anau because they get a chance to relax their minds.
Address: Southland, New Zealand
Timings: Open 24 hours
7. Te Anau Glowworm Caves
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Another delightful sight in Fiordland’s Te Anau Glowworm Caves transports visitors into a strange and awesome world where tiny, bioluminescent glow worms provide all the light with which tremulous forms can now be hazily distinguished. Located on the western shores of Lake Te Anau, these caves are accessible only by boat, and even travelling to them feels like an adventure or of secret sorceries at work.
The caves themselves are still geologically young, making them particularly active. Fast-flowing streams and waterfalls have carved out intricate passages and chambers, making them among the top things to explore in Te Anau.
Address: 85 Lakefront Drive, 9679, New Zealand
Timings: Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
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Te Anau beckons with awe-inspiring landscapes and adventures that ignite the soul. Whether you’re wandering glowworm caves or sailing through Milford Sound, every moment here is magic. Don’t just dream it—experience it. Start your adventure with a trip to New Zealand and immerse yourself in the natural beauty along with things to do in Te Anau.
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Cover Image Credit: Tim Burgess for Wikimedia Common
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Te Anau
When is the best time to go to Te Anau?
The summer months (December–February) are the best time to visit Te Anau. The temperature is warm and daylight-long for outdoor activities such as walking or mountain climbing. The lakes are also ideal for boating enjoyment or sightseeing pleasure.
What local specialities can you eat in Te Anau?
Ananui Sweet Strings are lump-formed pieces of sugar candy that can be bought as souvenirs. You can enjoy the local seafood served in all cafes and restaurants.
Which outdoor activities can one do in Te Anau?
Hiking the Kepler Track, exploring Fiordland National Park Boat cruises on Lake Te Anau, and visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves all offer a taste of outdoor downscales for people visiting the city beneath the mists.
Are there any hotels in Te Anau where you can stay?
From luxury lodges to hostels, motels, or camping, the town offers a variety of accommodation options. These options include the comfortable convenience of Ivory Towers Backpackers Lodge at major attractions.
How do I travel to Te Anau?
Te Anau may be reached by road from major cities such as Queenstown or Invercargill. Road coaches provide regular services between the towns; however, one can drive there. If the traffic conditions are favourable, two hours by car will take you from Queenstown to Te Anau.
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