Te Anau
Travel Guide
Home of New Zealand's Great Walks
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and a base for exploring some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness. Situated beside the country’s second-largest lake, it offers access to the Milford and Doubtful Sounds, renowned walking tracks, and unique glowworm caves. Its tranquil setting appeals to nature lovers.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Accessible by a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau, these remarkable limestone caves feature underground waterfalls and thousands of glowing glowworms. Guided tours reveal a magical subterranean world found only in New Zealand.
Lake Te Anau
The South Island's largest lake is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and Fiordland wilderness. Enjoy lakeside walks, kayaking, scenic cruises, or simply relax while taking in the peaceful beauty of this pristine alpine setting.
Milford Sound Day Trip
Te Anau is the perfect gateway to world-famous Milford Sound. Journey through Fiordland National Park to experience towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking fiords on a memorable scenic cruise or guided day tour.
Weather
Te Anau Weather
Te Anau has a cool temperate climate with warm summers and crisp winters. As the gateway to Fiordland National Park, it offers spectacular scenery year-round, from tranquil lake views to snow-capped mountains and native rainforest.
Summer
18°C - 24°C
December - February
Warm, long days are ideal for hiking the Kepler Track, lake cruises, kayaking, and exploring Fiordland National Park.
Autumn
9°C - 19°C
March - May
Golden autumn colours and mild temperatures make this a fantastic time for scenic walks, photography, and peaceful lake experiences.
Winter
1°C - 12°C
June - August
Cool, crisp weather brings snow-dusted mountains, quiet walking trails, and beautiful Fiordland landscapes.
Spring
6°C - 17°C
September - November
Blooming native vegetation, flowing waterfalls, and warming temperatures make spring an excellent season for hiking and sightseeing.
Things to Do
Top Activities in Te Anau
As part of making the tour zero-stress, your guide will handle the bookings of all of your activities for you whilst on the road, so all you have to do is decide what to tick off your bucket list first. You don't have to make any activity bookings in advance.
Where to Eat
Best Local Eats in Te Anau
1. Local Favourite - Miles Better Pies
2. Best Cafe - Sandfly Café
3. Signature Dining - The Fat Duck
4. Must-Try Treat - Kea Cafe
Reviews
What Travellers Say
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Te Anau
Te Anau is famous as the gateway to Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and several of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Set beside Lake Te Anau, the town is known for mountain scenery, glowworm caves, lake cruises, hiking, wildlife, and easy access to some of the South Island’s most spectacular wilderness.
The best things to do in Te Anau include visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, walking beside Lake Te Anau, taking a cruise on the lake, exploring Fiordland National Park, visiting the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, walking part of the Kepler Track, and using Te Anau as a base for trips to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
Yes, Te Anau is worth visiting for travellers who enjoy lakes, mountains, hiking, wildlife, and quieter South Island scenery. It is a practical and scenic base for exploring Fiordland, especially for visitors planning to visit Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, the Kepler Track, Routeburn Track, or Milford Track.
Te Anau can be visited year-round. Summer, from December to February, is best for hiking, lake activities, and long daylight hours, while spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. Winter is quieter and can be ideal for crisp lake views, snowy mountain landscapes, and a more peaceful Fiordland experience.
Explore More
Other Locations
Nearby destinations on the same island, worth pairing with this trip.
