19 Best Things To Do In Te Anau | Milford Sound & More

Te Anau is the gateway to majestic Fiordland National Park, known for its dramatic fiords, towering peaks, pristine lakes, lush, fern-filled rainforest, and cascading waterfalls. It sits on Te Anau Lake, the largest lake in the South Island, about a 2 hour drive from Queenstown and a 2 hour drive from Milford Sound. And while most people visit, or pass through, only to see Milford Sound, this area is definitely worth a stay with many other incredible things to see and do. This post covers the best things to do in Te Anau.

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Te Anau

Te Anau is a small town, with a population less than 3,000. It’s full of natural beauty and has a very friendly, laid-back atmosphere. If you love the outdoors, you will love Te Anau.

You can use it as a base to visit Milford Sound, so beautiful it’s sometimes called the 8th wonder of the world, as well as lesser-known Doubtful Sound. This area is so beautiful, 3 of New Zealand’s 10 “Great Walks” are here: the Milford Track, the Routeburn Track, and the Kepler Track. Plus there are many other beautiful treks and walks, picturesque photo stops, and much more.

I think it’s best to stay at least 3 days in Te Anau to see its highlights, but ideally, even longer. I stayed here for 4 nights, but wished I had more time.

Best Things To Do In Te Anau

Milford Sound

Taking a cruise in Milford Sound is one of the most popular things to do in Te Anau (scenic flights are another option); renowned for its stunning beauty. There are miles of serene peaks and lush landscapes to cruise around in; elegantly carved by ancient glaciers.

This fiord (it’s really a fiord and not a sound) has many faces depending on the weather. On rainy days (which happen often) the peaks are shrouded in mist, the waterfalls multiply, and the atmosphere becomes thick and mysterious. While on a sunny day, it offers a very different enchantment. The stark peaks and puffy clouds become mirrored in the glass-like sea, the waterfalls pulse down their slopes and the birds are singing.

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Milford Sound twice and have experienced both. Each beautiful in their own way. Unless you spend many days here and pick the best one for a cruise, or get super lucky, chances are it will be raining when you are here. You just need to be prepared for this possibility.

There are several cruise companies to choose from, but most offer very similar experiences, cruising the 9 plus miles (15 km) from the dock at the Milford Sound Visitor Center to the end of the fiord at the Tasman Sea and back. Most cruises last 2 hours, unless you choose the cruise that includes the Underwater Observstory. These cruises last 3 hours.

Cruises are offered by RealNZ (this is the company I cruised with), Southern Discoveries, Cruise Milford, Mitre Peak Cruises, and Pure Milford. Helicopter rides are a more intimate, luxurious option.

To learn more about Milford Sound, how to get here, cruise options, more details, and tips for visiting, see my post Best Way To Visit Milford Sound | Ultimate Guide & Tips.

Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound is not as popular as Milford Sound, but another great option for a cruise or flight. Especially if you prefer something less traveled and more remote. It’s located west of Te Anau, near the Tasman Sea, southwest of Milford Sound.

It was originally named “Doubtful Harbor” by Captain Cook in the 18th century as he did not think it could be navigated. It was later changed to Doubtful Sound, although, like Milford Sound, it’s a fiord, and not a sound. Fiords are carved by glaciers, like these two area were thousands of years ago.

Doubtful Sound also can be very different on a rainy day versus a sunny one. And it also gets about 200 days a year with rain, but when it does rain, it does not rain with the same intensity.

I did not get a chance to visit Doubtful Sound when I was here, so I can’t compare it personally, but it gets good reviews.

You can only visit Doubtful Sound via a tour or flight as there are no access roads. Viator offers several tour options, boats by boat and helicopter, that look amazing.

Hike Milford Track

Milford Track is one of the most renowned of the 10 “Great Walks” in New Zealand; known as the finest walk in the world. The one-way hike here is over 33 miles (53 km) with 6,430’ of elevation gain and is considered moderately challenging. Hikers are limited to 40 people a day starting the trail and bookings sell out in record time each season.

To start the trail, you must arrange a water taxi pick up at Te Anau Downs to get to Glade Wharf; the official start of the Milford Track. The trail winds through Clinton Valley, and up over the Mackinnon pass before descending to Sandfly Point at Milford Sound. From the end of the trial, you take another water taxi to get to Milford Sound.

There are 3 huts. Book them at doc.dovt.nz well in advance. It’s best to make your calendar when booking opens for the season and try to book immediately. This is usually in June or July to hike from November to April.

Do A Day Hike On Milford Track

If you can’t get a booking for Milford Track, you can also book transportation for a day hike here. Water taxis can be booked from Te Anau Downs to Wharf Glade, the official starting point. From there you hike to Clinton Hut, where you can have lunch, and back. This day hike is about 6 miles (10 km). Note that you need to bring your own lunch and water with you if you’re only booking transportation to and from the trail.

You can also hike the opposite end of the trail by getting a water taxi from Milford Sound to Sandfly Point. From here you can walk to Giant Gate Falls and back. Giant Gate Falls is one of the highlights of the track and one of the best waterfalls in Milford.

Both of these sections of track are relatively flat, so the walking is easy and gives you a taste of this track. If you’re confused why these two section are easy while the overall track is challenging, it’s because the bulk of the elevation is in between these two sides.

Hike the Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track is another of the 10 “Great Walks” in New Zealand. It overlaps both the Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. You’ll see spectacular, snowcapped mountain peaks, solemn beech forest, crystal clear rivers, brilliant lakes, and grassy valleys. I did this hike, staying at 3 huts and loved every minute of it!

This track starts at the Routeburn Shelter and car park near Glenorchy and finishes at the Divide Shelter and car park on Milford Road (although this trail can be hiked in either direction). It’s 20 miles (32 km) with 4,878’ of elevation gain and is also considered moderately challenging.

There are 3 huts and 2 campsites which can be booked at doc.govt.nz. The trail is considered moderately challenging. You can read more about the Routeburn Track in my post Hiking The Routeburn Track.

Do A Day Hike On The Routeburn Track

There are several ways to do day hikes on the Routeburn Track. You can drive and park at either end of the trail and hike in and return, but since this post is about the best things to do in Te Anau, the Divide car park is closest, about 52 miles (84 km) from Te Anau.

There is an optional trail on Routeburn that is perfect as a day hike from the Divide: Key Summit Track. I highly recommend it! It’s 4.8 miles (7.7 km) round trip with 1,384’ (421 m) of elevation gain. The hike takes 2-3 hours, depending on your fitness level and offers panoramic views of the Humboldt and Darren mountains and Hollyford Valley.

I did this hike after my cruise in Milford Sound, on the way back to my room in Te Anau. You can read more about this hike at Key Summit Track | One Of The Fiordland’s Best Day Hikes.

You can also hike to Lake Howden from the Divide, which is a scenic lake on the trail. This option is just over 4 miles with 1,220’ of elevation gain, so slightly easier (but not as scenic).

Hike the Kepler Track

Kepler Track is yet another one of New Zealand’s 10 “Great Walks”. The trail head starts near the Kepler Track car park before heading along the lakefront, up through the rainforest, past some remarkable limestone bluffs, and summiting to a tussocked grassy plateau with a scenic view. After this, the trail continues along a razor-like ridge before heading down and around back to Te Anau.

The trail is a loop trail 37 miles (60 km) long with 3 huts and 2 campsites (book through doc.govt.nz). It is usually hiked in 3-4 days and is also considered moderately challenging. I have not completed the full track here, but I did the Kepler Track day hike noted below.

Do A Day Hike On the Kepler Track

You can also just do a day hike on the Kepler Track. The section of trail from Brod Bay up to Luxmore Hut is perfect for this. It features some of the most beautiful parts of the Kepler Track and can be completed in a few hours.

You can either start at the Kepler Track car park, or take a water taxi from Te Anau to Brod Bay to start your hike. The latter saves about 3.7 miles (6 km) of flat trail. This is what I did and really enjoyed it. It’s not often you take a water taxi to hike to a summit!

The Fiordland Water Taxi leaves from Lakefront Drive at 8:30 and 9:30 AM, but it’s best to connect with them in advance. Especially during peak season. See my post on Kepler Track Day Hike | Brod Bay To Luxmore Hut for full details.

Mistletoe Track

If you want a walk that’s easier and more family friendly, go to Mistletoe Track. This track is about 17 miles (28 km) from Te Anau (on the way to Milford Sound). It has very little elevation gain and is fairly well groomed, so even classified as wheelchair accessible.

It’s a 1 mile (1.6 km) loop trail to the Mistletoe Lake and back. You walk through forest, open meadows, and near the lake. I think this is not heavily visited, so it’s a nice peaceful walk (I was the only one here when I visited). If you have time, bring a packed lunch and sit at the picnic table by the lake.

Mirror Lakes

Mirror Lakes offers a beautiful view of the Earl Mountains reflected from in the lakes here. This is a photo stop just off the side of the road, about 35 miles (57 km) from Te Anau. This photo stop is so convenient, and so pretty, it’s usually pretty busy.

It’s also classified as wheelchair friendly, with a boardwalk with viewpoints along the lake.

Lake Gunn

Another gentle, family friendly walk is the loop at Gunn Lake. It’s less than a mile (1.4 km) through beech forest. The trees are heavily covered with moss. It heads out to the lake and surrounding mountains.

The website says this walk is 45 minutes, but like most New Zealand walking estimates is probably very generous. I did not stop here, but photos if this area look incredible.

This stop is about 47 miles (77 km) from Te Anau at Cascade Creek. To learn more, see the details for Gunn Lake on the doc.govt.nz website.

Monkey Creek

Monkey Creek is 58 miles (94 km) from Te Anau, just past Homer Tunnel. This pretty little photo stop features a glacier-fed stream with stunning peaks as a backdrop.

It was named after William Henry Homer’s dog, ‘Monkey’. Homer Tunnel, which is not far from here, was William Homer’s vision, although it was not complete until after his death.

Lake Marian Track

Lake Marian Track can be either an easy hike to Marian Falls, or a longer, more challenging hike to Marian Lake, which is a stunning setting with a mountain backdrop.

The trail is about .6 miles (1 km) down a small road 55 miles (89 km) from Te Anau. It’s about a 10-minute walk to Marian Falls and about 1.5 hours beyond that to Marian Lake. (both one way estimates).

I did not have a chance to hike this either. I drove here, but it was pouring down rain, so I drove back to Te Anau. To learn more, see the details at Lake Marian Track on the doc.govt.nz website.

Visit The Glow Worm Caves

Te Anau has a Glow Worm Cave, similar to the popular caves in Waitomo farther north. I visited the caves in Waitomo, so did not stop at the ones in Te Anau. They get similarly good reviews though.

For these caves, you take a boat ride across Te Anau Lake to get to them. Along the way you are given information on the bioluminescent glow worms and the limestone caves. The tour is a little on the pricey side though; 119 NZ dollars as of March 2024 ($73).

Wings & Water Te Anau

Wings & Water is Te Anau’s only seaplane. They offer scenic flights through Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and more of the Te Anau and Lake Manapouri area.

You’ll probably see the seaplane parked in the lake near town. It’s on Lakefront Drive near the center of Te Anau.

Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

At the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary you can see the flightless Takahē with their red beaks, the Kākā, a forest parrot, Pateke, parakeets, and more. Birds that are hard to see in the forests here.

This bird sanctuary is free for self-guided tours, although donations are accepted.

Cycle Trail From Te Anau To Manapouri

If you want to do some cycling in the area, try the Lake2Lake Trail between Te Anau and Manapouri.

This “easy” cycle trail is a 41 km loop. It starts at the Fiordland National Park visitor center, heads pas the yacht club and bird sanctuary, before continuing on past the Kepler Track car park, Rainbow Reach, and more, all the way to Manapouri.

Note that some sections of the trail are along Te Anau Highway 95. I read they are still working on it.

Lions Lookout Point

Lions Lookout Point is only a 5-minute drive away (towards Queenstown). Look for the small side road called Ramparts Road. Follow it up briefly to a lookout at the plateau of the hill.

The panoramic view of the Southern Alps and lake in the distance is stunning. The metal disk on the stone column is etched with the names of mountains and lakes here.

For more details on Lions Point, see my post: Drive From Queenstown To Te Anau | Best Stops & Detours.

Wilderness Lookout Walk

The Wilderness Lookout Walk offers beautiful views of Fiordland National Park 13 miles (21 km) from Te Anau (towards Queenstown).

You’ll notice the mountains before you see the turn off. There’s a small dirt parking area off the side of the road. The photo below does not do this area justice.

Best Time To Visit Te Anau

The best time to visit Te Anau is when temperatures are warm in the summer.

Where To Stay In Te Anau

Budget

• I stayed at Te Anau LakeView Holiday Park & Motels. This is a great place for solo travelers, families, and those looking for a place to camp of park their camper. There’s a shared kitchen and laundry facilities. The staff is also very friendly and helpful.
• Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers sits across from the lake and is a 5-minute walk to town. They offer dorms and private rooms, some with lake views. They also have a movie room, a BBQ, and laundry facilities.

Affordable

• Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments sits on the lake a short walk from town. They offer studies and apartments with lake and Mountain View’s, as well as disability access rooms.
• Lakefront Lodge sits right on the lake, a 5-minute walk to town. They offer Studios and Apartments with kitchenettes, a shared BBQ, laundry facilities and rooms with partial lake views.

Moderate

• Radfords On The Lake also sits on the lake and offers studios and suites with mountain and lake views a 3-minute walk to town. They also offer disability access rooms.

Want More Of New Zealand?

To fully experience the gems and detours on the drive to Te Anau and Milford Sound, see my posts on the drive from Queenstown To Te Anau and Te Anau To Milford Sound. These drives are part of the journey itself, full of beautiful lakes, mountains, walks, photo stops, and more.

For other great hikes in New Zealand, see my posts on The Tongariro Alpine Circuit vs The Crossing, Routeburn Track, Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Cape Brett Walkway, Key Summit Track, A Day Hike on Kepler Track, Ben Lomond Track, and Queenstown Hill Walkway. Tongariro, Routeburn, Kepler Track and Abel Tasman are 4 of New Zealand’s 10 “Great Walks”, yet all these hikes are amazing!

Other top spots on the South Island, include stunning Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, Franz Josef Glacier, and Wānaka, which is another one of my favorite places here.

For wine lovers, stop in Marlborough to taste some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world. There are many great wineries to stop at and enjoy great food and wine.

Many also now offer beer as well. To help plan your trip, see my New Zealand Travel Guide. It covers the top destinations above, how to get around, when to visit, safety tips, and more.