Things To Do
in Te Anau
Te Anau is a charming town located on the South Island of New Zealand. It is known as the gateway to the stunning Fiordland National Park, home to the famous Milford Sound. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island, offering beautiful views and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Te Anau is a peaceful and picturesque destination, perfect for those looking to explore New Zealand's natural beauty.
- "Kia ora" - Hello
- "Haere mai" - Welcome
- "Ka kite" - See you
- "Tēnā koe" - Thank you
- "Māori ora" - Be well
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $80 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Explore the beautiful shores of Lake Te Anau and take in the stunning views.
Join a guided tour to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves for a magical underground experience. Finish with a relaxing walk along the lakefront.
Savor dinner at a lakeside restaurant with views of the sunset. Take a leisurely evening stroll by the lake to unwind.
Set off early for a day trip to Milford Sound. Enjoy the scenic drive and make stops at picturesque viewpoints.
Cruise across Milford Sound to see waterfalls and wildlife. Capture breathtaking photos of the towering cliffs.
Return to Te Anau and have dinner at a cozy pub. Reflect on the day’s adventures with a warm drink.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery with breathtaking views of mountains and lakes.
- Proximity to Fiordland National Park, offering numerous outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
- Quiet and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and retreat.
- Rich wildlife and opportunities for bird watching, including the rare Kiwi.
- Local culture and community, with opportunities to experience Maori heritage.
- Limited amenities and services compared to larger cities.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rain and cold temperatures in winter.
- Relatively remote location, making travel to and from the area more time-consuming.
- Infrequent public transport options, requiring a car for convenience.
- Tourist crowds during peak season may affect the tranquil experience.
Best Activities in Te Anau
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Take a scenic drive to Milford Sound and enjoy a boat cruise through stunning fiords, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Explore the enchanting limestone caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms, with guided tours available.
Hike a section of the world-famous Great Walk, the Kepler Track, known for its breathtaking views and diverse landscapes.
Enjoy kayaking, fishing, or taking a leisurely walk around the shores of New Zealand's second-largest lake.
Discover the stunning scenery, rich wildlife, and various hiking trails within Fiordland National Park.
Visit the sanctuary to see native bird species and learn about local conservation efforts.
Experience one of New Zealand's most famous multi-day walks, renowned for its incredible scenery and natural beauty.
Take advantage of Te Anau's dark skies to enjoy a night of stargazing; the area is part of the Te Whakarewarewa Dark Sky Reserve.
Tours
Uncover the best of Te Anau with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Te Anau
Visit one of these nice places.
Experience the magical glowworms in the underground caves, offering unique and stunning photo opportunities.
The largest lake in the South Island, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, perfect for sunset photography.
A scenic hiking trail offering panoramic views of the mountains and lake, ideal for capturing the natural beauty of the Fiordland region.
Surround yourself with dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and lush forests; multiple lookout points provide fantastic photography spots.
A great location to photograph native New Zealand birds amidst a picturesque natural setting.
A short hike leads to this lookout, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding mountains.
Just a short drive from Te Anau, this lake features stunning reflections of the mountains, perfect for landscape photography.
Charming streets and waterfront views in the township provide great opportunities for capturing local life and scenery.
Food in Te Anau
Te Anau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular delicacy made with tiny, tender whitebait fish mixed with egg and seasoning, then pan-fried. You can savor this dish at various local restaurants, such as The Fat Duck or Redcliff Cafe.
Must-Try!
Being surrounded by lush deer farms, Te Anau is known for its high-quality, tender venison. Visit Kepler Restaurant or The Ranch Bar & Grill to relish this local specialty.
Te Anau is a great place to try fresh blue cod, usually served beer-battered and accompanied by hand-cut chips. Seek out The Sandfly Cafe or La Toscana for an exceptional blue cod dish.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Te Anau better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A must-visit for food enthusiasts, this market offers a range of local produce, artisanal products, and delectable street food, including savory pies, craft cheeses, and freshly baked goods.
Explore this food hub for an array of street food delights, including gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and authentic Maori hangi (earth oven) meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Te Anau is known for its stunning natural landscapes. It's important to treat these areas with care, following guidelines for waste disposal and respecting local wildlife.
Take the time to interact with local residents and learn about their cultures and traditions. This fosters a sense of community and shows appreciation for the local way of life.
The local Māori culture is an integral part of the Te Anau community. Show respect for Māori customs, language, and sites of significance, and participate respectfully in cultural events if invited.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Te Anau with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Te Anau
Ensure a smooth experience
In Te Anau, tipping is not a common practice as it is in some other countries. Service workers generally receive a fair wage, and tips are appreciated but not expected. Visitors often choose to round up the bill or leave a small amount as a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service.
Payment in Te Anau can be made through various methods, including cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Many establishments accept electronic payments, which are convenient for both locals and tourists. It is advisable to check with specific businesses regarding acceptable payment methods, especially in smaller shops or services.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Te Anau.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
From December to February, Te Anau experiences warm weather with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25 °C (59°F to 77°F). This season is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and sightseeing. The Fiordland National Park is particularly stunning, with lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. Expect long daylight hours and a lively atmosphere.
During March to May, temperatures begin to cool down, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Autumn offers beautiful fall foliage, making it a picturesque time to visit. This season is quieter compared to summer, allowing for a more peaceful experience in nature. It's a great time for photography and enjoying mild weather.
From June to August, winter brings cooler temperatures, averaging between 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Snow can fall in higher elevations, making it a great time for those interested in winter sports like skiing. The scenery is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with fewer tourists, allowing for more solitude. Some trails may be closed due to snow.
September to November marks spring in Te Anau, with temperatures gradually rising from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). This season features blooming flowers and new wildlife, highlighting the area's natural beauty. Spring is a great time for hiking and exploring as the weather starts to warm up, but occasional rain can be expected.
Te Anau at Night
Hiking in Te Anau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A famous multi-day hike that starts in Glade Wharf and ends at Milford Sound, featuring stunning alpine scenery, waterfalls, and lush rainforest.
A circular track that offers breathtaking views of Lake Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, and the surrounding mountains, perfect for a multi-day trek.
Although a bit farther away, this track offers a stunning walk through the mountains, with alpine lakes and valleys, linking the Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks.
A leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Te Anau, offering beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
A picturesque area with a variety of short walks and hikes featuring stunning valleys, forests, and rivers, all set against a backdrop of the Fiordland mountains.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Te Anau through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Te Anau by plane.
The nearest major airport to Te Anau, located approximately 90 kilometers away, offering domestic flights and some international connections.
Located about 170 kilometers from Te Anau, this airport serves both domestic and international flights, particularly to Australia.
Situated around 240 kilometers from Te Anau, it provides a variety of domestic and limited international services.
Approximately 485 kilometers away, Christchurch Airport is the largest international airport in the South Island, offering extensive international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Te Anau, primarily of British descent, representing a significant portion of the population.
The indigenous people of New Zealand, making up a notable minority in Te Anau.
A smaller demographic group, including individuals of Chinese and Indian descent, reflecting increasing diversity.
A minority group comprising individuals from various Pacific Island nations.
Includes individuals from various other backgrounds not classified in the major groups, contributing to the town's multicultural fabric.
The Soul of Te Anau
Discover the essence of Te Anau through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Tramping is a popular activity in Te Anau due to its proximity to Fiordland National Park, offering numerous hiking trails and scenic landscapes.
Fishing in the lakes and rivers around Te Anau is a favored pastime, with options for both freshwater and fly fishing.
Kayaking on Lake Te Anau provides opportunities for exploration of the stunning fjords and unique geological features of the region.
Cycling is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, with various trails available that showcase the natural beauty of Fiordland.
During winter, snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding are popular in nearby mountain resorts.
Wildlife watching, including bird watching and viewing unique fauna, is a beloved activity in the diverse ecosystems surrounding Te Anau.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Te Anau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Te Anau is quite accommodating to vegetarians, with many eateries offering creative and flavorful vegetarian options. Look out for dishes featuring locally-grown vegetables and artisanal cheese.
While options may be more limited, several establishments in Te Anau provide thoughtfully-prepared vegan dishes, often showcasing indigenous ingredients and global culinary influences.
Numerous restaurants and cafes in Te Anau cater to gluten-free diners, serving up a variety of delectable gluten-free pastas, pizzas, and desserts, made with care to meet dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Te Anau with these cultural adventures.
