Te Anau

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the start of the Milford Road, a place where deep glacial lakes meet ancient beech forests. The small town sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau, New Zealand's second-largest lake, and offers a laid-back base for exploring some of the country's most dramatic wilderness. Whether you're setting out for a cruise on the lake or gearing up for the Milford Track, Te Anau has a quiet, end-of-the-road feel that lets you breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Highlights & What to See

• Lake Te Anau – Walk the lakeside track or take a scenic cruise to the glowworm caves, a magical underground world of limestone passages and tiny lights.
• Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Accessible only by boat, these caves offer a guided tour through limestone formations and a silent boat ride through the glowworm grotto.
• Milford Sound – A 120 km drive from Te Anau along the stunning Milford Road (SH 94) leads to one of New Zealand's most iconic fiords, best experienced on a cruise or kayak trip.
• Fiordland National Park – The park is a world of waterfalls, towering peaks, and lush rainforest, with short walks like the Key Summit Track offering panoramic views.
• Doubtful Sound – For a more remote fiord experience, take a tour from Manapouri that includes a cruise on Lake Manapouri and a bus over Wilmot Pass.
• Te Anau Bird Sanctuary – See rare native birds like the takahē, a flightless bird once thought extinct, in a conservation setting.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend two to three nights in Te Anau. This allows a full day for a cruise on Milford Sound (including the drive there and back) and another day for a shorter walk or a visit to the glowworm caves. If you're planning to tackle one of the Great Walks (Milford, Routeburn, or Kepler), you'll need at least four days for the track itself plus travel time. For a relaxed pace, add an extra day to explore the lake and local trails.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Milford Sound – The star attraction, a two-hour drive each way, but the journey is part of the experience.
• Manapouri – A small lakeside village 20 minutes south, the launching point for Doubtful Sound tours.
• Fiordland National Park – The park surrounds Te Anau; day walks like the Kepler Track or the Hollyford Track are easily accessible.
• Queenstown – About a 2.5-hour drive east, offering adventure activities, dining, and a different alpine vibe.
• The Catlins – Further south, a wild coastal area with waterfalls, penguins, and petrified forest, worth a detour if time allows.

Please check official sources for current details.