Te Anau, New Zealand
Gateway to Fiordland and Southern Alps Adventure
Gateway to Fiordland and Southern Alps Adventure
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Overview
Nestled on the eastern shore of its namesake lake, Te Anau is a picturesque town that serves as the gateway to the breathtaking Fiordland National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a region of dramatic landscapes, from deep, glacier-carved fiords to towering mountains, and lush rainforests. While many visitors use Te Anau as a base for day trips to the famous Milford Sound, the town itself is a destination with a wide array of tours and activities that celebrate the wild beauty of New Zealand's South Island.
Te Anau offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and small-town charm. Its proximity to some of the country's most iconic Great Walks, as well as a variety of unique local attractions, makes it a hub for hikers, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. Whether you are exploring ancient underground caves, cruising on a serene lake, or simply soaking in the spectacular alpine views, Te Anau promises an unforgettable experience.
A must-do from Te Anau, a day trip to Milford Sound is a spectacular experience. The journey along the Milford Road itself is considered one of the world's most scenic drives, with stops at Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, and other stunning viewpoints. Once there, a boat cruise on the fiord will take you past towering Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls, and local wildlife like dolphins and seals.
Tip: Booking a coach-and-cruise tour from Te Anau is a great way to avoid the stress of driving the winding mountain road and to take in the scenery without distraction.
Take a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the magical Te Anau Glowworm Caves. A guided tour will lead you through a subterranean network of limestone passages carved by an underground river. The highlight is a small boat ride on the dark, silent water, where thousands of tiny glowworms light up the ceiling like a galaxy of stars.
Tip: Photography is not permitted inside the caves to protect the delicate ecosystem and enhance the experience for all guests. The temperature inside is constant and cool, so bring a warm layer.
For a more secluded and tranquil experience, consider a day trip or an overnight cruise to Doubtful Sound. Larger and more remote than Milford Sound, Doubtful is known for its quiet, untouched beauty. The tour involves a boat cruise across Lake Manapouri, a bus trip over Wilmot Pass, and then a cruise through the fiord, providing an immersive journey into a peaceful wilderness.
Tip: An overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound is a truly special way to experience the fiord without the crowds, with opportunities for kayaking and stargazing.
Te Anau is known as the "Walking Capital of New Zealand" due to its proximity to three of the country's famous Great Walks: the Milford, Kepler, and Routeburn tracks. Even if you're not doing the full multi-day trek, you can do a stunning day hike on one of these trails, offering a taste of their breathtaking scenery.
Tip: A popular day walk is the first section of the Kepler Track to Brod Bay, which offers a beautiful and relatively easy stroll along the lakefront.
For an exhilarating perspective, take a jet boat tour on the Waiau River, experiencing thrilling 360-degree spins and high-speed turns. Alternatively, a scenic floatplane or helicopter tour provides a unique opportunity to see the vastness of the Fiordland wilderness from the air, including remote peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls.
Tip: Scenic flights are highly dependent on weather, so it's a good idea to book this tour for early in your stay in case it needs to be rescheduled.
Located on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the Punanga Manu o Te Anau (Te Anau Bird Sanctuary) is a great place to see some of New Zealand's rare native birds up close. The sanctuary is a conservation effort focused on species like the endangered Takahe, a flightless bird once thought to be extinct.
Tip: The sanctuary is free to visit, but donations are greatly appreciated to support the vital conservation work.
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