Things to Do in Te Anau

Adventure, Nature & Unforgettable Experiences

Outdoor Adventures

🥾 Hiking & Tramping

Kepler Track (60km, 3-4 days): One of New Zealand's nine Great Walks, the Kepler Track offers a spectacular loop through diverse terrain. Starting from the Kepler Track car park just 5km from Te Anau, the track climbs through beech forest to alpine ridges with panoramic views. Day one covers 13.8km to Luxmore Hut, day two traverses the stunning alpine section (14.6km to Iris Burn Hut), day three descends through forest (16.2km to Moturau Hut), and the final day returns along Lake Te Anau (15.4km). Book huts well in advance during summer ($65-75 NZD per night).

Milford Track (53.5km, 4 days): Often called "the finest walk in the world," this iconic track requires advance booking (up to 9 months ahead for peak season). Starting at Glade Wharf (accessible by boat from Te Anau Downs), the track follows the Clinton River valley, crosses the spectacular Mackinnon Pass (1,154m), and descends past Sutherland Falls (580m - one of the world's tallest waterfalls) to Milford Sound. Independent walkers must book DOC huts ($70-140 NZD per night) or choose guided walks with comfortable lodges.

Routeburn Track (32km, 2-3 days): This alpine adventure connects Fiordland with Mount Aspiring National Park. While the track starts near Glenorchy (accessible from Queenstown), many visitors base themselves in Te Anau for the journey. The track features stunning mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems. Book huts early ($65-75 NZD per night).

Day Walks from Te Anau:

  • Kepler Track Day Walk: Walk the first section to Luxmore Hut and return (5-7 hours, 27.6km return) or just to Brod Bay (2 hours, 9km return)
  • Lake Mistletoe Track: Easy 2-hour return walk through beech forest to a peaceful alpine lake (5km)
  • Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Walks: Short nature walks (30 minutes - 1 hour) perfect for families
  • Mararoa River Track: Gentle riverside walk (1-2 hours) with fishing spots
  • Shallow Bay Track: Easy lakeside walk (1 hour return) with swimming spots

🚣 Water Activities

Kayaking on Lake Te Anau: Paddle the pristine waters of New Zealand's second-largest lake. Rosco's Milford Kayaks and other operators offer guided tours ranging from 2-hour sunset paddles ($95 NZD) to full-day expeditions exploring hidden bays and beaches ($195 NZD). Rentals available for experienced paddlers ($45-65 NZD for 2-4 hours). Best conditions typically in morning before afternoon winds pick up.

Fishing: Lake Te Anau is renowned for brown and rainbow trout fishing. The lake and surrounding rivers offer excellent fly fishing and spin fishing opportunities. Hire a local guide ($600-800 NZD per day for 2 people) or fish independently with a license ($25 NZD day license, $50 NZD week, $140 NZD season from Fish & Game). Best months are October-April. Popular spots include the Eglinton River, Mararoa River, and Whitestone River.

Boat Cruises: Multiple operators offer scenic cruises on Lake Te Anau, ranging from 1-hour scenic tours ($45 NZD) to half-day explorations ($95 NZD). Sunset cruises are particularly popular. Most cruises depart from the Te Anau lakefront.

✈️ Scenic Flights

Helicopter Tours: Experience Fiordland from above with helicopter flights ranging from 20-minute local flights ($250 NZD) to extended tours including Milford and Doubtful Sounds with alpine landings ($650-1,200 NZD). Popular options include flights over the Kepler Track, Milford Sound, and remote glaciers. Operators include Southern Lakes Helicopters and Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters.

Fixed-Wing Scenic Flights: More economical than helicopters, fixed-wing flights offer spectacular aerial views. Options include Milford Sound flights (45 minutes, $299 NZD), Doubtful Sound circuits (1 hour, $349 NZD), and grand Fiordland tours (2 hours, $599 NZD). Wings & Water Te Anau and Air Fiordland operate from Te Anau Airport.

Tours & Experiences

🌟 Te Anau Glowworm Caves

This is Te Anau's signature experience. The 2.5-hour tour ($95 adults, $35 children) begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western shores. Upon arrival, expert guides lead you through the cave system, explaining the unique geology and ecology. The highlight is a silent boat ride through the grotto, where thousands of glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa larvae) create a magical bioluminescent display. The caves are only 12,000 years old (young in geological terms) and feature underground waterfalls and limestone formations. Tours operate year-round with multiple departures daily. Book through Real Journeys. Photography is not permitted in the glowworm grotto to protect the sensitive ecosystem.

🚢 Milford Sound Day Tours

Coach & Cruise: The most popular option combines a scenic coach journey along the Milford Road (one of the world's most beautiful drives) with a 1.5-2 hour cruise on Milford Sound. Full-day tours (12-13 hours, $195-245 NZD) depart Te Anau early morning, travel through Homer Tunnel, and include stops at Mirror Lakes, Monkey Creek, and The Chasm. The cruise passes Mitre Peak (1,692m rising directly from the sea), Stirling Falls, Bowen Falls, and offers wildlife viewing opportunities including seals, dolphins, and penguins. Operators include Real Journeys, Jucy Cruise, and Go Orange.

Fly-Cruise-Fly: For a premium experience, fly to Milford Sound by small aircraft, enjoy a cruise, and fly back ($599-699 NZD). This saves 5 hours of driving and provides spectacular aerial views.

Coach-Cruise-Fly: A popular compromise - coach to Milford, cruise the sound, then fly back ($399-449 NZD). You experience the scenic drive and save time on the return.

🌊 Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises

For a more remote and intimate fiord experience, Doubtful Sound overnight cruises offer unparalleled wilderness immersion. The journey begins with a coach ride to Manapouri, a boat cruise across Lake Manapouri to West Arm, a coach journey over Wilmot Pass (671m), and finally boarding your overnight vessel in Deep Cove. The overnight cruise ($499-699 NZD) includes all meals, comfortable cabin accommodation, kayaking opportunities, and wildlife viewing. Wake to the sounds of native birds and waterfalls in one of New Zealand's most remote locations. Doubtful Sound receives 7 meters of rainfall annually, creating hundreds of temporary waterfalls. Real Journeys operates these cruises year-round.

🚴 Mountain Biking

Te Anau offers excellent mountain biking opportunities for all skill levels. The Kepler Track is open to mountain bikes from early May to late November (outside the Great Walk season) on certain sections. Popular rides include:

  • Kepler Water Taxi & Bike: Take a water taxi to Brod Bay, bike back to Te Anau (3-4 hours, moderate)
  • Te Anau-Manapouri Road: Sealed road with stunning lake views (20km one way, easy)
  • Borland Road: Gravel road through pristine forest to Lake Monowai (47km one way, moderate-difficult)
  • Mararoa River Track: Easy riverside trail suitable for families (various distances)

Bike rentals available from Outside Sports ($45-75 NZD per day depending on bike type).

Wildlife & Nature

🦜 Bird Watching

Fiordland is home to many rare and endangered bird species. Te Anau and surrounding areas offer excellent birding opportunities:

  • Takahē: Visit the Takahē Valley (accessible via guided tours) to see these rare flightless birds. Once thought extinct, only about 500 exist today. Te Anau Wildlife Centre has a small captive population you can view for free.
  • Kea: New Zealand's cheeky alpine parrot can often be spotted along the Milford Road, particularly at Homer Tunnel and The Chasm. These intelligent birds are endangered with only 3,000-7,000 remaining.
  • Kākāpō: While you won't see these critically endangered nocturnal parrots in the wild (only 252 exist), learn about conservation efforts at the DOC Visitor Centre.
  • Mohua (Yellowhead): Listen for these small yellow birds in beech forests along hiking tracks.
  • Tūī, Bellbird, Fantail: Common native birds easily spotted around Te Anau and on forest walks.

🌲 Nature Photography

Te Anau and Fiordland offer world-class photography opportunities. Best locations include:

  • Te Anau Lakefront: Sunrise and sunset shots with mountain reflections
  • Mirror Lakes: Perfect reflections of Earl Mountains (best in calm morning conditions)
  • Key Summit: 360-degree alpine views (3-hour return hike from Milford Road)
  • The Chasm: Dramatic rock formations carved by water
  • Milford Sound: Iconic Mitre Peak and waterfalls

Photography workshops and guided tours available through local operators ($250-450 NZD per day).

⭐ Stargazing

Te Anau's location away from major cities provides excellent dark sky viewing. Fiordland is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve region. On clear nights, see the Milky Way, Southern Cross, and Magellanic Clouds with the naked eye. Best viewing from lakefront areas away from town lights. Guided stargazing tours available ($75-95 NZD) with telescopes and expert commentary. Best months are April-September when nights are longest.

Family-Friendly Activities

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Activities for Kids

  • Te Anau Wildlife Centre: Free entry. See takahē, native ducks, and learn about conservation. Open daily 24/7 with best viewing morning and evening. Located near the DOC Visitor Centre.
  • Lakefront Playground: Modern playground with lake views, perfect for young children. Adjacent to cafes and public toilets.
  • Short Nature Walks: Easy walks suitable for children include Wildlife Centre Loop (20 minutes), Upukerora River Walk (30 minutes), and Dock Bay Walk (1 hour).
  • Lake Swimming: Several beaches around Te Anau suitable for swimming in summer (December-February). Water temperature reaches 15-18°C. Popular spots include Shallow Bay and beaches near the Kepler Track start.
  • Mini Golf: Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park has mini golf facilities ($10 NZD per person).
  • Glowworm Caves: Suitable for children 3+ years. Younger children free but must be carried in cave sections.

Seasonal Activities

☀️ Summer (December-February)

  • All hiking tracks open and in best condition
  • Lake swimming and water sports
  • Extended daylight hours (sunrise 5:30am, sunset 9:30pm)
  • Peak season for Milford and Doubtful Sound cruises
  • Fly fishing at its best

🍂 Autumn (March-May)

  • Stunning fall colors in beech forests (late March-April)
  • Fewer crowds on popular tracks
  • Excellent photography conditions
  • Hunting season opens (April)
  • Some tracks may close in late May due to snow

❄️ Winter (June-August)

  • Snow-capped mountain scenery
  • Dramatic waterfalls from rainfall
  • Best stargazing conditions (longest nights)
  • Kepler Track open to mountain biking
  • Quietest season - great for solitude seekers
  • Some tours operate reduced schedules

🌸 Spring (September-November)

  • Wildflowers blooming
  • Waterfalls at maximum flow from snowmelt
  • Bird nesting season - excellent for wildlife viewing
  • Warming weather, fewer crowds than summer
  • Great Walks season opens (late October)

Booking Tips

  • Book Early: Great Walk huts and popular tours fill up 6-9 months in advance for peak season (December-February)
  • Weather Flexibility: Fiordland weather is unpredictable. Build flexibility into your itinerary for weather-dependent activities
  • Combination Deals: Many operators offer package deals combining multiple activities at discounted rates
  • DOC Visitor Centre: Stop here first for current track conditions, weather forecasts, and activity recommendations
  • Local Knowledge: Chat with locals and accommodation hosts for insider tips on hidden gems and current conditions