Discover Te Anau
Nestled on the shores of New Zealand's second-largest lake, Te Anau is a picturesque town that serves as the perfect base for exploring the magnificent Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Why Visit Te Anau?
Te Anau is more than just a stopover – it's a destination in its own right. With a population of around 2,000 residents, this charming lakeside town offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and warm Kiwi hospitality. Located in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island, Te Anau sits at the edge of one of the world's most spectacular wilderness areas.
The town's name comes from the Māori words "Te Ana-au," meaning "the cave of swirling water," a reference to the famous Te Anau Glowworm Caves. The area has deep cultural significance to the local Māori iwi (tribes), particularly Ngāi Tahu, who have traversed these lands for centuries in search of pounamu (greenstone) and other resources.
Today, Te Anau welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually, drawn by its proximity to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and some of New Zealand's most renowned hiking trails including the Milford Track, Kepler Track, and Routeburn Track.
🏔️ Natural Wonders
- Gateway to Fiordland National Park
- Lake Te Anau - 344 km² of pristine water
- Milford Sound - 8th Wonder of the World
- Ancient rainforests and waterfalls
- Unique glowworm caves
🥾 Adventure Activities
- World-class hiking trails
- Kayaking and boat cruises
- Scenic flights and helicopter tours
- Fishing and hunting
- Mountain biking
🌟 Unique Experiences
- Glowworm cave tours
- Dark sky stargazing
- Wildlife encounters
- Māori cultural experiences
- Photography opportunities
Top Attractions
Milford Sound
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound, often called the "8th Wonder of the World." This stunning fiord features towering peaks, cascading waterfalls including the 155-meter Stirling Falls, and abundant wildlife including seals, dolphins, and penguins.
Learn More →
Glowworm Caves
Journey into the magical Te Anau Glowworm Caves, accessible only by boat across Lake Te Anau. Marvel at thousands of glowworms illuminating the limestone caverns, creating a starry underground sky. These 12,000-year-old caves feature underground waterfalls and unique geological formations.
Learn More →
Kepler Track
Tackle one of New Zealand's Great Walks. The 60km Kepler Track loops through diverse landscapes including beech forests, alpine ridges, and lakeside beaches. Complete it in 3-4 days or enjoy shorter day walks with spectacular views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding mountains.
Learn More →
Doubtful Sound
Explore the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound, three times longer and ten times larger than Milford Sound. This pristine fiord offers unparalleled tranquility, with dense rainforest, dramatic waterfalls, and frequent wildlife sightings including bottlenose dolphins and fur seals.
Learn More →
Lake Te Anau
New Zealand's second-largest lake spans 344 square kilometers with crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains. Enjoy kayaking, fishing for brown and rainbow trout, scenic cruises, or simply relax on the lakefront beaches. The lake reaches depths of 417 meters in places.
Learn More →
Fiordland National Park
Discover 1.2 million hectares of pristine wilderness in New Zealand's largest national park. Home to ancient forests, dramatic fiords, alpine peaks, and rare wildlife including the endangered takahē bird. A UNESCO World Heritage site offering endless exploration opportunities.
Learn More →Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Summer (December - February): Peak season with temperatures ranging from 10-25°C. Longest daylight hours (up to 16 hours) perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Book accommodation well in advance as this is the busiest period.
Autumn (March - May): Fewer crowds and stunning fall colors. Temperatures range from 5-20°C. Excellent for photography with golden beech forests. Some tracks may close in late autumn due to snow.
Winter (June - August): Quietest season with temperatures from 0-12°C. Snow-capped mountains create dramatic scenery. Some activities and accommodations have reduced hours. Great for budget travelers and those seeking solitude.
Spring (September - November): Wildflowers bloom and waterfalls are at their most powerful from snowmelt. Temperatures range from 5-18°C. Good balance of weather and fewer crowds than summer.
Getting to Te Anau
By Car: Te Anau is located 171km south of Queenstown (2.5 hours drive) via State Highway 6 and 94. From Invercargill, it's 157km north (2 hours). The scenic drive offers stunning lake and mountain views. Rental cars are available from major airports.
By Bus: InterCity and other coach services operate daily routes from Queenstown, Invercargill, and Dunedin. Many Milford Sound tour operators offer pickups from Te Anau.
By Air: The nearest airports are Queenstown (171km) and Invercargill (157km). Both offer domestic flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Queenstown also has international connections to Australia.
Essential Information
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD). ATMs available in town center. Most businesses accept credit cards, but carry cash for smaller establishments and DOC huts.
Language: English is the primary language. Māori is also an official language, and you'll encounter many Māori place names throughout Fiordland.
Time Zone: New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), UTC+12. Daylight Saving Time (NZDT) UTC+13 from late September to early April.
Emergency Services: Dial 111 for police, fire, or ambulance. Te Anau Medical Centre is located on Luxmore Drive. Cell phone coverage is limited in Fiordland National Park.