Lake Te Anau

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 cave

    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.

  • Woman on the wharf at Lake Te Anau

    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 Cruise

    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

Pies in the oven

1. Local Favourite - Miles Better Pies

Eggs and hash browns at Sandfly Café

2. Best Cafe - Sandfly Café

Beef main course at The Fat Duck

3. Signature Dining - The Fat Duck

Ice cream sundaes

4. Must-Try Treat - Kea Cafe

Reviews

What Travellers Say

Customer Reviews by
based on 616 reviews

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Te Anau

What is Te Anau famous for?
What are the best things to do in Te Anau?
Is Te Anau worth visiting?
What is the best time to visit Te Anau?
Contact us
  • B Corp Logo
  • Qualmark Logo
  • ETOA logo
  • TIA Sustainability Logo
  • TIA Member Logo