Things to Do in Te Anau

Sitting on the shore of one of New Zealand’s most beautiful lakes, Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, and a destination that deserves much more than an overnight stop. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, there’s no shortage of things to do in Te Anau that will make your South Island trip stand out.

From underground glowworm caves to Great Walks and wild country, this small lakeside town punches well above its weight. Here’s our guide to the best of it.

Walk the Kepler Track

The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, and it starts right on Te Anau’s doorstep. This 60km loop takes trampers through a great mix of landscapes, from lakeshore beech forest to exposed alpine ridgelines, limestone bluffs and wetlands.

The full circuit takes three to four days, but you don’t have to commit to all of it. The first section from the Te Anau control gates to Brod Bay makes a beautiful day walk through native bush along the lake edge. It’s an easy, well-formed track and one of the most accessible ways to experience the Kepler Track without a multi-day commitment.

For those with more time and fitness, the alpine section above Luxmore Hut offers sweeping views across Te Anau, the surrounding mountains and into the heart of Fiordland.

Take a day trip to Milford Sound

Te Anau is the closest town to Milford Sound, which makes it the perfect base for a day trip to the country’s most famous fiord. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is around two hours and is one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. It winds through old beech forest, past mirror lakes and through the Homer Tunnel before dropping into the Cleddau Valley.

Once you arrive, hop aboard our Nature Cruise or Discover More Cruise to explore the fiord up close. Cruise beneath waterfalls, spot fur seals on the rocks and take in the scale of Mitre Peak rising 1,692 metres from the water. If you’d rather not drive, our Coach & Cruise package picks you up in Te Anau and takes care of the whole day.

Stroll along the Te Anau lakefront

Sometimes the best things to do in Te Anau are the simplest. The lakefront walkway is a lovely, flat trail that follows the edge of Lake Te Anau, with views across to the Murchison Mountains. It’s perfect for a morning jog, an evening wander or a picnic by the water.

The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, on the lakefront path, is home to several rare native species including the takahē, a flightless bird once thought to be extinct. Entry is free, and it’s a great stop for families.

Try the Fiordland Jet

For something a little more lively, jump aboard our Fiordland Jet. This jet boat ride takes you across Lake Te Anau and up the Upper Waiau River, combining high-speed spins and braided river channels with the surrounding Fiordland scenery. It’s a brilliant way to see the country from a different angle, and the 360-degree spins are always a highlight.

Enjoy local food and drink

Te Anau has a small but growing food scene that’s well worth exploring. Grab a flat white at one of the cosy cafés, enjoy a craft beer at a local bar, or treat yourself to a hearty meal after a day on the trails. The town may be small, but the hospitality is warm and the food is good.

If wine is more your thing, consider our Queenstown Wine Tour on a rest day. It’s a great way to see Central Otago’s pinot noir region.

Plan your Te Anau adventure

Te Anau is more than just a stopover. From glowworms underground to the views of the Kepler Track, the deep quiet of Doubtful Sound, and the spray of a Milford Sound cruise on your face, this corner of Fiordland offers experiences you’ll remember long after you leave.

Base yourself in Te Anau and we’ll help you make the most of every moment in this special part of New Zealand.

Ready to see Te Anau from the water?

We’d love to take you out on Lake Te Anau and up the river with us. Our Fiordland Jet is fast, fun and shows you a side of the country you can’t see from the road. We promise you’ll be grinning the whole way.

Book a Fiordland Jet ride from Te Anau