Te Anau - Discovering New Zealand

Travelling to Te Anau

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Te Anau, a pretty good destination in New Zealand (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Te Anau and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Te Anau, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through New Zealand, here's everything to know about Te Anau for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Te Anau

Te Anau is a small town located in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island. It is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Te Anau, which is the largest lake on the South Island and the second-largest freshwater lake in New Zealand. Te Anau is known as the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for tourists. The town has a population of around 2,000 people and offers various accommodations, restaurants, and outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and scenic flights over the Fiordland area.

What to visit in Te Anau

Sure, here are some popular tourist attractions in Te Anau, New Zealand: 1. Milford Sound: Milford Sound is a breathtakingly beautiful fjord that attracts tourists from around the world. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of waterfalls, mountains, and forests while taking a boat tour or kayaking. The Sound is located around 119 km from Te Anau.
2. Kepler Track: The Kepler Track is a 60km hiking trail that winds through the Fiordland National Park. It offers visitors stunning views of mountains, lakes, and forests as they hike along the track. Visitors can choose to complete the whole track or do sections of it as day hikes.
3. Te Anau Glowworm Caves: The Glowworm Caves in Te Anau are a popular attraction that offers visitors a chance to see thousands of glowworms twinkling in the dark. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caves to experience the beauty of the luminescent worms up close.
4. Doubtful Sound: Doubtful Sound is another fjord located in the Fiordland National Park, around 27 km from Te Anau. It is less visited than Milford Sound but equally as beautiful, with waterfalls, towering mountains, and wildlife to be seen. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the Sound.
5. Lake Te Anau: Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island of New Zealand. It offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great spot for fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the lake to experience its beauty up close.
I hope this helps!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in New Zealand, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Te Anau.

When to go on holiday to Te Anau

The best time to visit Te Anau, New Zealand is between November and March, which is the summer season in this part of the world. During this time, the weather is mild and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). This is also the peak tourist season in Te Anau and the surrounding areas, so accommodation and tours can be more expensive and crowded. However, the natural beauty of the region is at its finest during this season, with vibrant flowers, clear skies, and the opportunity to explore the fiords and lakes. If you prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather, the autumn months (April and May) and spring months (September and October) can also be good times to visit.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Te Anau

Te Anau is a town in the South Island of New Zealand. By Air: The nearest major airport to Te Anau is Queenstown Airport (ZQN) which is about 2.5 hours drive from Te Anau. From Queenstown Airport, there are regular shuttles, buses, private transfers or car rental options available to reach Te Anau.
By Bus: Several bus companies operate daily services from Queenstown, Invercargill, Dunedin and other South Island destinations to Te Anau. By Car: Te Anau is located on State Highway 94 which runs between Te Anau and Milford Sound. It is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Queenstown and 3 hours’ drive from Invercargill.
By Train: There is no direct train service to Te Anau, but visitors can catch a train to Dunedin and then take a bus or drive for about 3 hours to reach Te Anau.
Overall, the most convenient way to reach Te Anau is by flying to Queenstown and then taking a shuttle service or renting a car to reach Te Anau.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Te Anau, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Te Anau

1. Fiordland crayfish - A type of lobster that is found only in the deep, cold waters of New Zealand's Fiordland region. It is usually served grilled or boiled, and its sweet, succulent meat is a delicacy.
2. Venison - A type of game meat that is commonly found in Te Anau due to the surrounding wild deer population. It is often used in stews, sausages, and jerky.
3. Whitebait - Tiny freshwater fish that are unique to New Zealand rivers. Whitebait fritters are a popular dish in Te Anau, made by mixing the fish with egg and pan-frying it.
4. Kiwifruit - A small, fuzzy fruit that is native to New Zealand. It is often used in desserts, salads, and smoothies due to its bright green color and sweet-tart flavor.
5. Pavlova - A meringue-based dessert that is a beloved Kiwi classic. It is light and airy with a crisp crust and a soft, marshmallowy center, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
6. Manuka honey - A type of honey that is collected from bees that pollinate the native manuka bush. It is known for its unique flavor and health benefits, and is often used in teas, on toast, or as a natural sweetener.
7. Muttonbird - A seabird that is caught and harvested for its meat and oil. It has a strong, gamey flavor that is an acquired taste for some, but is considered a delicacy by many New Zealanders.
You can find general info about typical foods in New Zealand here.

Is Te Anau an expensive destination for tourists?

Te Anau can be considered a moderately expensive destination for tourists. Accommodation prices tend to be higher compared to other destinations in New Zealand, as it is the gateway to the iconic Fiordland National Park. However, there are a variety of budget-friendly options available like hostels and camping grounds.
Food and drink prices can also be slightly higher due to the remote location of the town, but there are still many affordable dining options available. In terms of activities, many of the outdoor adventures in Te Anau such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife cruises are actually quite affordable or even free.
Overall, it really depends on your travel budget and spending habits, but it is possible to have an affordable and enjoyable trip in Te Anau.

Where to find accomodation in Te Anau

The best areas to find accommodation to visit Te Anau in New Zealand are: 1. Te Anau town center - It is the most popular area to stay, with various options like hotels, motels, and lodges. 2. Lakefront - It offers beautiful views of Lake Te Anau and is closer to the Te Anau lakefront, restaurants, and shops.
3. Fiordland National Park - It is an ideal area for those who love hiking and nature walks. There are a few lodges, holiday parks and campsites available in this area.
4. Manapouri - A small town located just 20 minutes from Te Anau, it offers a quieter and more relaxing stay with stunning views of Lake Manapouri. There are holiday parks and lodges available in this area.
All these areas offer excellent options for accommodation, depending on your preference and budget.
You can check hotel prices at Te Anau here:
Booking.com

Is Te Anau a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Te Anau is generally considered a very safe place for tourists. New Zealand in general is known for its low crime rates, and Te Anau is no exception. However, it's always a good idea to take basic safety precautions, such as locking your doors and windows if you're staying in a hotel or rental accommodation, avoiding walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and being aware of your surroundings. Additionally, if you plan to go hiking or participate in other outdoor activities, be sure to stay on designated trails and follow safety guidelines.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in New Zealand here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Te Anau.

What type of travelers will enjoy Te Anau the most?

Te Anau, New Zealand is an ideal destination for all types of travelers, including couples, young people looking for fun, and families. Couples will love the romantic atmosphere of this quiet town and its stunning natural scenery, including the beautiful Fiordland National Park. There are also plenty of outdoor activities for couples to participate in, such as hikes, cruises, and scenic drives.
Young people looking for fun will appreciate the excitement of Te Anau's adventure activities, such as bungee jumping, kayaking, and jet boating. The town also has a lively nightlife scene, with several restaurants and bars to choose from.
Families will love the variety of activities available in Te Anau, including kid-friendly hikes and nature walks, boat tours, and wildlife watching. The town also has a playground and several parks for children to play in, as well as a movie theater and a bowling alley.
Overall, Te Anau is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor adventures of New Zealand.

How to get around Te Anau

Te Anau is a small town in New Zealand, and one of the best ways to move around the town is on foot as most of the places are within walking distance. However, if you prefer other means of transportation, there are hired e-bikes, motorbikes, and cars available in the town. Additionally, there are local buses and taxis as well. If you plan to do some outdoor activities or explore the surrounding areas, you can also hire a boat or a kayak to explore the lakes in the region.

What to see around Te Anau

Surely! Here are some nice places that you can visit in a day trip from Te Anau: 1. Milford Sound - Take a drive or a day tour to Milford Sound, which is a breathtakingly beautiful fjord located in Fiordland National Park.
2. Doubtful Sound - Take a boat tour to Doubtful Sound, which is a stunning Fiord with beautiful wildlife and scenery.
3. Kepler Track - Spend a day hiking or walking on Kepler Track, which is a beautiful trail that loops around the Kepler Mountains.
4. Lake Manapouri - Take a scenic drive or a boat tour to Lake Manapouri, which is the second deepest lake in New Zealand and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests.
5. Eglinton Valley - Drive along the Eglinton Valley, which is a beautiful landscape with surrounding mountains, rivers, and valleys.
6. The Divide Routeburn Track - Go on a guided hike on The Divide Routeburn Track, which is one of New Zealand's most famous hikes and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
7. Te Anau Glowworm Caves - Take a boat tour to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, which are underground caves with stunning rock formations and millions of glowworms that light up the cave ceiling.
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