28 Best Things To Do In Te Anau

Have you been wondering about the best things to do in Te Anau? I’ve got you covered!

Te Anau is known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park. It’s a great base from which to explore Milford Sound and the more remote Doubtful Sound, but did you know there are plenty of great things to do in Te Anau itself?

We live in New Zealand and have visited Te Anau on more than a few occasions. We’ve discovered first-hand all the best things to do here to make your trip a memorable experience. 

Not only is Te Anau a convenient base for day trips into Fiordland but there are also plenty of fun attractions, incredible walks, adventure activities and a variety of delicious food to sample right here in Te Anau. 

For this reason, I highly recommend spending a few nights here so you have time to experience all that Te Anau and Fiordland has to offer.

Our 28 Top Things To Do in Te Anau

As a traveller, I know the challenge of finding the best things to do when visiting somewhere new to ensure you make the most of the time you have there. It’s important to fill your day with things you’ll enjoy doing and experiences that will leave you with memories for all the right reasons.

That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive list based on our own experiences. There truly is something for everyone whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, with a group of friends or solo travel.

To make it easier, we’ve split the list into categories including what to do at night, things to do for free, not to be missed experiences and so much more! 

 Here are our top picks of things to do in Te Anau, starting with our most budget friendly options.

Free things to do in Te Anau

If you’re travelling on a budget, you’ve come to the right place. One of the best things about Te Anau is the remote and stunning landscapes, and there are plenty of ways to experience the best parts for free. Here’s our list of things to do in Te Anau that won’t break the budget. 

1. Visit Lion’s Lookout

Lion’s Lookout is an elevated spot where you can see beautiful views over the town of Te Anau and the lake. The turnoff to the lookout is off State Highway 94 so it’s an easy stop to do if you are driving from Queenstown. If you don’t have time on the way in, don’t worry, it’s only a 5-minute drive from Te Anau and easy enough to do at a time that suits you. 

The lookout is best to visit on a clear morning, the afternoon sun makes the view and photos harder to see although it’s a magic spot for sunset.

It’s an easy option that won’t take a lot of time and is suitable for the whole family to enjoy. 

We packed some drinks and nibbles and enjoyed watching the sunset over Te Anau from Lion’s Lookout. We were lucky with the weather but do check the conditions before you head off. It’s probably better to skip this one if there is a low hanging cloud or fog since it will obstruct the views.

2. Experience Sunrise or Sunset at Marakura Wharf

Marakura Wharf is a magic spot to watch sunrise or sunset over Lake Te Anau. 

There is a free BBQ for visitors to use and a grassy knoll just behind the wharf to throw down a blanket and enjoy some kai (food). 

Photographers will appreciate the leading lines of the wharf and the various other angles from which to capture the beautiful landscape, and the lake provides a stunning canvas for long-exposure photography. 

It’s an easy 10-minute walk from Te Anau town center to Marakura Wharf. Or, if you drive, there is a large parking lot just in front of the wharf. Easy peasy.

We took some beautiful shots from the wharf at sunset. As a bonus, there was a dance lesson taking place in the little red building just behind the wharf providing us with music for the occasion. 

3. Enjoy a Day Walk 

Did you know there are a ton of great walks to do right in Te Anau? Many of us are familiar with the multi-day Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s popular Great Walks that starts from Te Anau, but there are also several great day walks in Te Anau from easy strolls to advanced hikes.

Here are our top 3:

Lake Te Anau Waterfront Track to Upukerora River: This 9km out-and-back trail is an easy stroll on a well-graded gravel path that starts from the Fiordland i-SITE Visitors Information Centre and takes you along the shores of Lake Te Anau to the mouth of the Upukerora River.

Taking around 2 hours to complete, it’s a great way to experience the stunning landscapes of the area, including views of the Murchison Mountains and Lake Te Anau. 

Te Anau to Brod Bay (Kepler Track day walk): This option is a great way to experience the easier part of the Kepler Track as a day walk. Follow the path from the Fiordland National Park Visitors Centre through the control gates and along the Kepler Track to Dock Bay and then Brod Bay. Dock Bay is a nice spot for a swim on warm summer days and you’ll also find toilet facilities here.

You’ll return via the same track back to Te Anau which will take around 4-5 hours to complete. If you’re short on time, you can drive to the control gates and leave your car in the parking lot which will save you about 1.5 hours of walking time. 

Brod Bay to Luxmore Hut: For a more challenging but rewarding walk on the Kepler Track, carry on from Brod Bay to Luxmore Hut. It’s a full day’s hike from the control gates taking around 10-12 hours to complete. This section of the track is a steady uphill climb to Mount Luxmore summit, the highest point of the track offering spectacular views. There is a short side trip to the Luxmore Caves that is worth doing (bring a flashlight).

4. Have a picnic at Ivon Wilson Park

The Ivon Wilson Recreation Reserve is a 35 ha reserve filled with native and exotic trees and beautiful views of the Fiordland mountains. It’s a short walk from Te Anau town center and the perfect spot for a picnic. 

After lunch, you can follow the loop trail around Lake Henry for an easy and scenic stroll. Not only that, there is a mountain bike track located in the reserve for a little extra adventure. 

Alternatively, the shores of Lake Te Anau is another good option for a picnic. It’s such a pretty location and there are grassy areas to sit and soak in the scenery. Being super close to town, we recommend grabbing a pizza from Pizzeria Paradiso or bao buns from Ditto as take out to enjoy by the lake. 

5. Lake2Lake Cycle Trail

The Lake2Lake Cycle Trail is a 30km shared path that connects Te Anau to Lake Manapouri. You can run, walk or cycle along the Lake Te Anau and the Waiau Rivers all the way to Manapouri. 

The trail provides beautiful views of the lake and mountains taking you through a variety of terrain from forest to wetlands. Keep an eye out for smaller trails that branch off the main path near Manapouri including a small boardwalk that leads to the beach.

The best thing is, you can customise your day to be as long or short as you’d like. The trail is rated as easy with options to turn it into a loop via Golf Course Road, or extending it for an even longer 41-kilometer ride by returning to town via the Te Anau-Mossburn Highway.

Bike Fiordland in Te Anau can sort you out with bike rentals. Also, the path is exposed in some parts so be sure to wear plenty of sun protection. 

Must-Do Te Anau Activities

Te Anau is full of adventurous activities where you can immerse yourself in the wild landscapes, take to the air and dash through the rivers. Here are the top Te Anau activities for an unforgettable experience.

6. Take a Scenic Cruise on Lake Te Anau

Cruising along Lake Te Anau on a historic sailing yacht is one of the most peaceful and underrated things to do in Te Anau. It’s a must-do on a sunny day.

This 3-Hour Boat Cruise with Guided Walk offers a nice mix of sailing along the lake and a guided walking tour through the less-explored Hidden Lakes, while learning about the native flora and fauna in the area. And the kids will love exploring the engine room, they may even get a chance to steer the boat! 

You can choose from a morning or afternoon cruise, each includes drinks and snacks during the journey. Both are good options, the morning cruise leaves plenty of time for more activities afterward, and the afternoon cruise might end with the sun setting over the lake (depending on the time of year you are visiting). 

Be sure to bring your camera and wear comfortable walking shoes. 

7. Try Your Hand at Trout Fishing

The South Island of New Zealand is said to be one of the best places in the world for fly fishing, and Fiordland offers some of the best spots for Brown and Rainbow trout. 

If you have all your gear, the Eglington River is one of the best fly-fishing spots in Fiordland. 

Another option is go on a guided fly fishing tour with one of the locals. They’ll set you up with all the gear and take you to the best spots. They cater to all levels, even offering guidance for those new to fly-fishing. 

It’s not just about the fishing though, the landscape and scenery is absolutely stunning with water so pure you can fill up your water bottle right from the source in some locations.

You’ll just need to grab a fishing licence from Fish & Game New Zealand and you’re all set.

8. Explore the beautiful landscape on horseback

Horse lovers won’t want to miss a trail ride along the beautiful Waiau River for an incredible trekking experience in stunning landscapes. 

There are a few operators in Te Anau offering horse treks. Kepler Oaks offers trail rides with a great variety. Starting out along Fiordland National Park, you’ll follow along the Waiau River, near famous Lord of the Rings filming locations and then to Lake Te Anau for a paddle. 

They even have accommodation and trekking packages where you can stay in their self-contained chalets right on site. Or, their Pony & Farmlet Lifestyle Experience is a great option for kids. They’ll have a visit with all the farm animals, help groom a pony and then take a ride around the pen.

It’s a great way to get off the beaten path and explore rural Te Anau. 

9. Jet Boating on the Waiau River

Looking for adventure? How about an exhilarating jet boat ride down the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri at speeds of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour!

A must-do for adrenaline and thrill-seekers alike. Plus, LOTR fans will get to cruise down what was know as the Anduin River in the Lord of the Rings films.

The Fiordland Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience lasts for 2 hours with stretches of high speed and heart stopping 180-degree spins mixed with scenic stops along the river to explore the native bush.  At Lake Manapouri you’ll get to hop off for a guided walk in the remote landscapes and stunning scenery of Fiordland before heading back to Te Anau.

10. Take a scenic flight on a Floatplane

For a truly unique experience, catch a flight over Lake Te Anau and beyond in Te Anau’s only floatplane. 

There are a few different options to choose ranging from a one-hour flight along the length of Lake Te Anau and past Sutherland Falls landing in Milford Sound to a 15-minute flight over the hidden lakes of Fiordland. 

You can even choose a flight over Doubtful Sound and the less accessible Dusky Sound. It’s an incredible area to view from above and the landings are in some of the most remote and pristine places in New Zealand. Highly recommend!

11. Tackle a Multi-Day Hike

A multi-day hike along alpine lakes, past cascading waterfalls, through mountain ranges and glacier carved valleys is an incredible way to experience Fiordland National Park. 

In fact, three Great Walks start in or near Te Anau, the Kepler Track being the closest to town center. The Routeburn and Milford Tracks also start nearby along the road to Milford Sound. 

The Great Walks season runs from October to April and they are very popular so you’ll need to book your campsites and huts well in advance. 

The Kepler Track is a 3-4 day loop track, while the Routeburn and Milford Tracks take 3-4 days and 4-5 days respectively and are one way, so you’ll need to arrange transport at the other end for those. 

The Hollyford and Tuatapere Hump Ridge Tracks are both challenging multi-day hikes that also start near Te Anau. They are less popular than The Great Walks so a bit easier to book, but not for the faint hearted!

12. Heli-Hike the Kepler Track

One to add to the bucket-list! 

With the Kepler Heli-Hike you can fly by helicopter to the Kepler mountain tops and then hike back down on the Kepler Track. It’s a great way to see the best parts of the Kepler Track and not a freeze dried meal in site!

After touching down at Luxmore Hut, you’ll begin the 8.3km (5-mile) descent to Brod Bay on one of most scenic sections of the Kepler Track. You’ll get to see incredible views from above the tree line at the top, then walk past interesting limestone bluffs on the way down the mountains through silver beech forest. 

At Brod Bay you can either take a water Taxi across the lake back to Te Anau town center, or carry on walking past Brod Bay to the control gates and past the Bird Sanctuary back to town.

 It’s an incredible experience with the opportunity to see the area you’ll be walking through from above…truly breathtaking!

Top Te Anau Attractions

Te Anau is home to some unique experiences that you won’t find in many other places, from glowing insects to rare birds and special landmarks, here are the top attractions in Te Anau.

13. Experience the Glowworm Caves

Glowworms are a particular species of bioluminescent insect found in certain parts of New Zealand and Australia. 

Mainly found in dark damp areas, the 12,000-year-old Te Anau caves is one of the best places in New Zealand to see glowworms. 

This Glowworm Caves Guided Tour is the most popular way to see this unique attraction.

After a boat ride across Lake Te Anau, you’ll be guided through the cave system by a small boat and taken into a hidden cavern where hundreds of glowworms glitter like stars all around you. It’s a truly unique experience and easily one of the best things to do in Te Anau.

The tour lasts for 2 hours 15 minutes and departs from town center multiple times a day, so it’s pretty convenient and flexible enough to fit into the itinerary.

14. Visit the Bird Sanctuary

The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is worth a visit to see the beautiful and rare birds of Fiordland. It’s one of the few places where you can see the takahē, a unique flightless bird indigenous to New Zealand with a remaining population of just over 400. 

You can walk around the beautiful grounds and visit the various birds in aviaries and pens, while free-flying birds enjoy the trees planted nearby. 

It’s a pleasant 20-minute walk from town center. From the Fiordland National Park Visitors Centre you’ll follow a well-formed track around the shore of Lake Te Anau and past the yacht club until you reach the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. Or if you’re short on time, it’s a 2-minute drive from town and there is plenty of parking. 

It’s actually a little further along from the Ivon Wilson Recreation Reserve so you can easily combine the two in a single trip.

The park is open from dusk until dawn and they have daily tours at 10.30am which is a great opportunity to learn more about these unique birds. 

15. Visit Rainbow Reach Swing Bridge

Rainbow Reach swing bridge is a significant landmark in Te Anau because it provides access to the famous Kepler Track. It’s also an incredibly picturesque and easy part of the track that takes you along the river and through beech forest. 

From the Kepler Track carpark, follow the track until you reach a swing bridge that crosses the Waiau River and takes you to Rainbow Reach on the other side. It’s a great spot for photos and just taking in the beautiful scenery.

It should take around 2.5 hours to walk the 9.5km (6 miles) from the car park to Rainbow Reach. From the bridge you can continue on for an extended walk or retrace your steps back to the parking lot. 

What to do in Te Anau when it rains

Fiordland is known as one of the wettest places in the world so there’s a pretty good chance of rain whatever time of year you’ll be visiting. Mostly, that’s a good thing because it brings the waterfalls to life and nurtures the lush landscapes the region is known for.

Luckily, you can still do a lot of activities when it’s raining, but if you’re keen to escape the wet for a bit here are some great indoor things to do in Te Anau.

16. Go to the Cinema

Did you know Te Anau has it’s very own cinema. Yep, and they even run a collection of locally produced short films in addition to mainstream feature films.  

The local films are usually a shorter duration and tickets cost less. Ata Whenua – Shadowland has daily screenings and showcases the most incredible landscapes with a mix of narration and music. It’s a great way to unwind at the end of the day with a spectacular visual experience. 

17. Sample the local restaurants

For a small town, there are quite a few good restaurants to choose from. 

In fact, one of our favorites, Paradiso Pizzeria, is located next to the cinema. We highly recommend trying one of their wood fired pizzas and delicious salads. The sticky date pudding was pretty good too. 

The Ranch Bar & Grill is one of Te Anau’s most popular places to eat. This family-owned restaurant offers hearty meals and an epic desert menu in a cozy atmosphere. It’s a popular spot so we recommend making a reservation. 

The Sandfly Cafe is our go to place for great coffee and Southland cheese rolls, a simple dish unique to the Southland region. It’s one of the foods you must-try when visiting this part of New Zealand and the Sandfly Cafe is said to have some of the best!

These are just some of our favorites. You can find more great options in our article on the best restaurants to try in Te Anau. 

18. Visit the Vintage Machinery Museum

If you are interested in tractors and old machinery, you may like to stop in at Te Anau’s very own Vintage Machinery Museum. It’s run by passionate club members and there is even a fully operational Blacksmith Shop on site.

Here you can explore the 60+ tractors, motor bikes and early machinery along with informative displays where you can learn about the history of Te Anau. 

19. Challenge Yourself at Fiordland Escapes

Escape rooms are a fun challenge where you are locked in a room and have to crack puzzles and codes to ‘escape’. 

We’ve done a few escape rooms in various cities throughout New Zealand and Fiordland Escapes tops the list. There are two Fiordland-themed games to choose from. The rooms are so well decorated and the owner has the best sense of humor, offering just the right amount of clues to help out if needed. 

Games are available throughout the day and take about an hour to complete. It’s a fun challenge for families and couples alike, perfect for taking the adventure indoors.

What to do in Te Anau at night

Given Te Anau is a small rural town, it’s a common question to ask what is there to do in Te Anau at night. You may be surprised to learn that there are several great things to do here at night. Let’s take a look.

20. Hit the Pub

Mingle with the locals and enjoy live music at one of Te Anau’s popular bars. 

The Fat Duck is a gastro pub with live music on Saturday nights. It’s a top choice for a social atmosphere, the bar area can get pretty lively! 

The Redcliff Bar is another good option. Located in an early settler’s cottage, it offers a quaint and cosy atmosphere with an extensive wine and beer list and live music on certain nights of the week. 

21. Go Stargazing

You don’t have to go far from town to experience the dark sky region and hundreds of twinkling stars on a clear night. Bring a blanket and gaze at the stars from the shores of Lake Te Anau.

If you’re lucky, you may even be able to capture the famous Southern Lights, Aurora Australis or Milky Way core with your camera depending on the time of year.

Having travelled to many places around the world, I’ve never seen a night sky as impressive as the South Island of New Zealand, especially here in Fiordland and in Mt Cook.

22. Catch Sunset in an Outdoor Hot Tub

Fiordland Lodge is a five star luxury resort, located a short drive from Te Anau town center, with an amazing outdoor hot tub overlooking the lake. You may be wondering how this relates to this post, but get this…

On our last visit to Te Anau, we discovered you don’t need to be a guest to use the hot tub!

That’s right, you can just get in touch with Fiordland Lodge and ask to book a session in the hot tub, provided it’s available. Imagine watching the sun set over the lake and then gaze at the stars while enveloped in the warm bubbly water with a glass of wine in hand…pure bliss!

Additional Day Trips from Te Anau

Te Anau is the ideal base from which to explore all the gems of Fiordland as day trips including the pristinely beautiful Doubtful Sound and the wildly dramatic Milford Sound. Here are some of our top day trips that are easily accessible from Te Anau.

And, if you don’t have a car to drive yourself, most tours offer transport from Te Anau.

Te Anau to Manapouri

The drive from Te Anau to Manapouri takes less than 20 minutes along State Highway 95. It’s an easy day trip from Te Anau with fewer crowds than popular Milford Sound, definitely worth a visit.

23. Cruise Doubtful Sound

I have been to Doubtful Sound on two occasions, via a large cruise ship from the Tasman Sea and with a small tour group from Manapouri, the nearest inhabited town to Doubtful Sound, and a 20-minute drive from Te Anau. 

Both were incredible experiences, but if you’re not travelling to New Zealand on a large cruise ship, the most popular way to see Doubtful Sound is by going on the RealNZ Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri which is 7 hours or the Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise, where you can spend a night in the fiord.

Throughout the journey, an expert nature guide will point out significant landmarks and share the fascinating history and geography of the area. Plus, you’ll get to travel on New Zealand’s most remote (and expensive) road to get there.

If you’re lucky, you may even encounter wildlife such as dolphins, fur seals, sea birds and maybe even a whale!

Not sure if you should do Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound? Do both if you can, but if you only have time for one, our Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound guide may help you decide which is the best option for you.

24. Things to do in Manapouri

Whether you have journeyed to Manapouri for the Doubtful Sound cruise, via the Lake2Lake cycle way or a day trip on its own, its a great little town to explore. 

Take a walk to Frasers Beach and keep an eye out for hidden paths to explore along the way. 

Have a drink at The Church, a pub set in an old Presbyterian Church built in the late 1800s. You’ll see characteristics of the original building in the shape of the windows and doors but inside is a rustic and cozy pub with open fires, plenty of seating and rock music playing. Or, the beer garden is the perfect place for a pint on a warm summers day.

Visit Kepler Mountain View Alpacas, a must-do for animal lovers of all ages. The lovely hosts will take you on a tour to meet and feed the beautiful alpacas and learn all about them along the way. Afterward, be sure to stop into Wild Wool Gallery and check out the handmade alpaca wool items. Perfect for souvenirs!

25. Explore the Hidden Manapouri Hiking Trails

Another great ‘off the beaten path’ experience is the walking tracks in the Back Valley area of Manapouri that you could easily spend the day exploring. You’ll need to take a water taxi, which runs from September to May, across the Waiau River to access the start of these remote trails. 

The Manapouri Circle Track is considered a moderately challenging 8.7km (5.4-mile) loop through the forest with beautiful views from the highest point. The trail can be muddy at times with fallen trees to navigate and streams to cross so expect to get dirty. 

From the Circle Track, you can continue on to Hope Arm Hut or Back Valley Hut for an extended walk. There is even a side trail between the Hope Arm Hut and Back Valley Hut so you can combine the walks into one big loop which should take around 8-9 hours, or you can return to the wharf via the same way you came. 

For an out and back walk, we really enjoyed the trail to Hope Arm Hut. There is a nice beach at the end point, perfect spot for a swim!

Te Anau to Milford Sound

The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is 118km (73 miles) along State Highway 94 and generally takes under 2 hours without any stops. However we recommend leaving at least 3-4 hours so you have to enjoy the best stops along the way. Or, more time if you plan on doing any of the short hikes along Milford Road.

26. Drive the Scenic Road to Milford Sound

The road to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic road trips in New Zealand with plenty of incredible stops along the way.

We’ve written a comprehensive post on all the best places to stop on the Milford Road including some lesser known hidden gems. Here are a few favorites.

Mirror Lakes: Mirror Lakes is a quick and easy stop suitable for the whole family. You can pull into the wide bay on the side of Milford Highway then follow the 400-meter (1,312 feet) stretch of boardwalk alongside the picturesque Mirror Lakes. Information boards provide interesting insights about the area. 

Lake Marian: You have two options for the Lake Marian Track. An easy family friendly 30-minute return walk to the falls or the more advanced 3-hour hike to Lake Marian. Both offer incredible scenery within the Fiordland rainforest. You’ll find the start of the track on Hollyford Road, just off the Milford Highway.

Hollyford Valley Lookout (Pop’s View): A super quick and easy stop with spectacular views over Hollyford Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. You may even encounter a cheeky Kea here so hold onto your keys. These cheeky alpine parrots like to steal things!

Christie Falls: A quick stop featuring a waterfall on the side of road with the most beautiful glacial blue water and a pedestrian bridge to walk along for a closer view. What many people don’t know is that the path to the left of the falls will take you to a hidden gem. The full Falls Creek Route track is a challenging 2-hour trek through the backcountry, but there is a beautiful waterfall a 10-minute walk from the start of the track. Just be careful, as it’s a steep climb over tree roots and slippery rocks. 

27. Cruise Milford Sound

A trip to Milford Sound wouldn’t be complete without a boat cruise along the full length of the fiord showcasing the jagged cliff faces, towering waterfalls and adorable wildlife. 

Cruises depart throughout the day and there are a few different cruises to choose from. A classic nature cruise is 2 hours long so it’s pretty easy to fit into the schedule. 

If you have more time we highly recommend the cruise and kayak tour. Kayaking is easily one of the best things to do in Milford Sound. Being so close to the inky water with the towering cliffs all around is an incredible experience. 

You can even spend the night on Milford Sound by booking an overnight cruise, complete with a private cabain and 3-course meal. 

28. Explore Milford Sound by Land

A cruise isn’t the only thing to do in Milford Sound. You could easily spend the day exploring the area by land. It was during my own visits that I realised just how much there is to do here. 

The Foreshore walk is a must-do. It’s an easy loop track that takes you around the sandy foreshore of Milford Sound with incredible views of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. It’s also where you’ll find the secret swing. 

The Giant Gate Falls Walk is a great way to get a taste of the Milford Track without the four-day commitment required to do the full 53.5 kilometres (33 miles) Great Walk. This Milford Track day walk starts from the Deepwater Basin boat ramp and takes around 3 hours to walk to Giant Gate Falls and back. You’ll need to book this walk, for return transport on the water taxi to Sandfly Point.

The Milford Sound Lookout is a lesser-known walk offering views of Milford Sound from a higher-up vantage point. The views over Mitre Peak are stunning from up here! It’s a short walk with a few stairs to climb and starts from behind the café at Milford Sound. 

Where to Stay in Te Anau

For a small town, there are a ton of accommodation options in Te Anau to suit a range of budgets. Here are our most recommended places to stay in Te Anau. 

Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments: Great value for the price. Nice affordable luxury motel across from the lake » Read reviews on Trip Advisor 

Fiordland Lodge: 5-star luxury accommodation located on the lake just outside of town center. The ultimate in Luxury with the comforts of a cozy cabin experience » Read reviews on Trip Advisor 

Blue Ridge Studios and Bed & Breakfast: A charming cottage set amongst a beautiful garden. Ideal for those who enjoy the personal touches of a B&B but also like some privacy » Read reviews on Trip Advisor

Aden Motel: Good budget option. Peaceful location just outside town centre with on-site playground. Great for families » Read reviews on Trip Advisor

FAQs About The Best Things To Do in Te Anau

Final Thoughts: Te Anau Activities

As you can see, there are a variety of fun things to do in Te Anau to suit a range of budgets and travel styles. It’s worth spending an extra night or two in this beautiful town so you have plenty of time to discover everything Fiordland has to offer. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip!

After Te Anau, why not head to Queenstown and check out our ultimate guide for where stay, best places to eat, fun things to do and so much more!

Or, if you’re heading to Invercargill you won’t want to miss these awesome stops along the Southern Scenic Route.

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