Te Anau

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the starting point for most journeys to Milford Sound. Nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau, New Zealand's second-largest lake, this small town offers a relaxed base with stunning mountain views and a surprising depth of activities. The real magic lies in the surrounding wilderness: pristine lakes, ancient forests, and world-renowned hiking trails.

Highlights & What to See

• Milford Sound: Take a cruise or kayak through this iconic fiord, accessible via a scenic drive or a flight from Te Anau.
• Glowworm Caves: Explore the limestone caves on the western shore of Lake Te Anau, home to thousands of glowworms.
• Lake Te Anau & Fiordland National Park: Enjoy walking tracks, boat cruises, and birdwatching in one of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes.
• Kepler Track: One of New Zealand's Great Walks, this 60 km circuit offers alpine views and beech forest—can be done as a multi-day tramp or shorter day hikes.
• Te Anau Bird Sanctuary: See rare native birds like the takahē and kākā in a conservation setting.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 2–3 nights in Te Anau, using it as a base for a day trip to Milford Sound and a visit to the glowworm caves. If you plan to hike the Kepler Track or explore deeper into Fiordland, allow 4–5 nights. The town itself is compact and walkable, so you can easily fit in a lakeside stroll and dinner in a few hours.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Invercargill: A relaxed city with heritage architecture and the gateway to Stewart Island.
• Stewart Island: A remote island offering birdwatching, kiwi spotting, and pristine beaches—accessible by ferry from Bluff.
• The Catlins: A rugged coastal area with waterfalls, petrified forests, and wildlife like sea lions and penguins.
• Bluff: Famous for its oysters and the start of the Southern Scenic Route, with views of Stewart Island.

Please check official sources for current details.