Te Anau Town

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the start of the famous Milford Road. Nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau, New Zealand's second-largest lake, this small town offers stunning alpine scenery, world-class hiking, and serene lakefront walks. With a relaxed vibe and excellent facilities, it's the perfect base for exploring Fiordland's wild beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Lake Te Anau & Lakefront Track – Stroll along the peaceful lakefront path with views of the Murchison Mountains and the chance to spot native birds.
• Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Take a boat cruise across the lake to explore limestone caves filled with thousands of glowworms.
• Milford Road (SH94) – One of the world's most scenic drives, leading through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound, with stops at Mirror Lakes and The Chasm.
• Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre – Learn about the region's unique ecology, history, and hiking trails, including the Kepler and Milford Tracks.
• Kepler Track Day Walks – Enjoy shorter sections of this Great Walk, such as the easy loop to the Waiau River or the climb to Mount Luxmore for panoramic views.
• Te Anau Bird Sanctuary – See rare native species like the takahē and kākā in a natural setting.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 nights in Te Anau. Arrive in the afternoon, take a glowworm cave tour or a leisurely lakeside walk, then head out early the next day to drive the Milford Road (allow a full day return, including a cruise). If you're keen on multi-day hikes like the Kepler Track, plan for 3–4 nights. For a relaxed pace, two nights give you time for both the caves and a day on the Milford Road.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Milford Sound / Piopiotahi – A two-hour drive each way from Te Anau; combine with a scenic cruise to see waterfalls, seals, and towering cliffs.
• Doubtful Sound – A longer day trip via boat and bus across Lake Manapouri, offering a more remote fiord experience.
• Manapouri Town – Just 20 minutes south, a quiet lakeside settlement with access to Doubtful Sound and the Kepler Track.
• Haast Pass – Heading north, this scenic route through the Southern Alps connects to the West Coast, with waterfalls and short walks.
• Queenstown – A two-hour drive east, the adventure capital offers bungee jumping, jet boating, and vibrant nightlife.

Please check official sources for current details.