Te Anau Must Do's

Fronting the sparkling blue waters of Lake Te Anau, accommodation and amenities are plentiful. Come nightfall, the starlit sky will knock your socks off.

Explore the Fiords

Te Anau makes an excellent base for your Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound adventure, as well as the main visitor hub for exploring Fiordland’s remarkable landscape.

The Milford Road

It’s a spectacular two-and-a-half hour drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound but you could easily spend all day exploring its beauty. One of the most scenic drives in Aotearoa, it’s steep and windy with no petrol stations en route, so fill up in Te Anau first. Check out the famous Homer Tunnel.

Fiordland Historic Cruises

Enjoy a gentle glide across Lake Te Anau on-board Faith a lovingly restored 1934 motor yacht. Help to hoist the sails, explore the ship’s vintage quarters and alight for ashort bush walk to Hidden Lake.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Take the boat across Lake Te Anau to the waterfall and glowworm grotto.

Miles Better Pies

Gourmet venison pies are the stuff of legends in Te Anau. The seafood and lobster version is pretty special too.

Jet Boat Waiau River

Career down the crystal-clear waters of the Waiau River to Lake Manapōuri with Fiordland Jet. Lord of the Rings’ fans will be delighted to hear this is River Anduin in the film trilogy.

Lake2Lake Cycle Trail

This easy five-hour bike ride journeys along the Lake Te Anau shorefront before following the banks of Waiau River to Lake Manapōuri. Ride there and back in a day or book the return shuttle to Te Anau.

Takahē © Adobe Stock

TE ANAU BIRD SANCTUARY

See Fiordland birds that are difficult to spy in the wild. Join the guides at 10.30am for a tour and chance to feed the resident takahē which was rediscovered in Fiordland. Basic entry is free. Additional close-up encounters with endangered native birds cost from $10pp.

Looking for a place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz