Milford Sound
Te Anau is the gateway to beautiful Fiordland, and spring is the perfect time to visit. The days are getting longer and weather is getting warmer. If Te Anau has always been on your list here are our top 10 things to see and do in Te Anau.
1. Take a stroll around the Lake
Lake Te Anau is New Zealand’s second largest lake and the largest in the South Island. A stroll around is the lake is a must do to take in the beautiful scenery. In Spring the trees along the lake will be in bloom while many of the mountains will still be snow-capped. A photographer’s dream!
2. Hike one of the great walks
Te Anau is the starting point for three of The Great Walks including The Routeburn, The Milford Track and The Kepler Track. If hiking is your jam, then Te Anau is the perfect place to base yourself before and after your hike. Opening dates for each track vary so check out the Department of Conservation for more details.
3. Visit Milford Sound
Only 2.5 hours from Te Anau, Milford Sound is a must do. As you are staying in Te Anau and the days are longer you will have more time to explore the Milford Road on your way there and back. Make the most of your time in Milford and join our Milford Sound Discover More Cruise which includes a visit to New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory. If you just couldn’t do another drive, why not jump onboard one of our coaches and let our friendly guides do the hard work, while you sit back, relax and take in the breathtaking scenery on the Milford Road. In Milford Sound you’ll join one of our Nature Cruises for an voyage of discovery around the fiord.
4. Take a fishing charter
Trout fishing in Te Anau is unrivalled, people come here for the backcountry experience, it’s remote and surrounded by stunning scenery. Crystal clear waterways offer exceptional fishing for mountain river brown and rainbow trout. Talk to Fiordland Outdoors Co. to discuss your next fishing charter in Te Anau.
5. Check out a rare takahe at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is an easy walk from the town centre and is open every day by gold coin donation. The open park-like sanctuary is home to many rare and endangered native birds including the takahē, a large, flightless bird with rich blue and green plumage.
6. Visit the Glowworm caves
Te Anau glow worm cave tours depart from Te Anau township and include a boat ride to and from the caves. It’ll only take a couple of hours out of your day, and your guide will explain all about these incredible little grubs along the way.
7. Get off the beaten track and explore Lake Hankinson
Richie and Gemma McCaw said this was an NZ must do. Journey to a hidden lake, Fiordland’s oldest backcountry hut and a tranquil and remote location. Lake Hankinson is accessible only by boat with Fiordland Outdoors Co. and will include a short walk with an expert local guide.
8. Enjoy some thrills on Fiordland Jet
Enjoy the thrills of a jet boat with Fiordland Jet as you speed down the powerful Waiau River with 360 spins. You will stop in some quiet spots to for some trout spotting before arriving on the breath-taking Lake Manapouri. Your trip will include a short walk, through beautiful beach forest with your expert guide. You will learn about local flora and fauna, indigenous Māori culture and the early pioneers of European history in New Zealand.
9. Sail around Lake Te Anau
Take a step back in time and relax aboard Faith, a wooden motor-sailor, built in Scotland in 1935, for a scenic cruise or sail around Lake Te Anau. With three daily departures you can choose a morning, afternoon or evening cruise. Drinks and refreshments are included on all departures. Help the team hoist the sails, visit the engine room and learn about the history of this elegant ship.
10. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants
As the evenings get longer, you can fill your day with activities and still have plenty of time to relax with a beer or wine in the sun at the end of the day. We highly recommend checking out Redcliff Café. It has a reputation for being one of the best restaurants in Te Anau with great food, wine and friendly service. Enjoy happy hour from 5-7pm daily.
