Things To Do In Te Anau

A spectacular little lake-side community (of just 3,000 long-term locals), Te Anau is a breath of fresh air.

It maximizes its incredible natural attributes, whilst managing to stay clear of the pressure of neighbouring Queenstown.

Te Anau rests right on the boundary of the Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, so it’s really not surprising that this area is honored with a few of one of the most sensational landscapes in all of New Zealand.

Whether you’re heading to Fiordland to loosen up, get energetic or simply admire Aotearoa’s natural appeal, Te Anau has it all. It is the ideal portal to all that Fiordland needs to supply.

Fiords, waterfalls, native bush, looming hills, magnificent lakes … actually, what are you waiting on? Delve into this list of the greatest points to do in Te Anau! Having travelled to the region half a dozen times, we’ve experienced the very best of the region and also delight in to report back …

Having directly visited half a dozen times, I can guarantee you that it is worth the moment as well as initiative to get there.

Whether you strike it lucky with a still day (which will certainly result in incredible photos of the fiords assessing the water) or a regular Fiordland rainy day (waterfalls galore), this part of New Zealand is world-renowned completely reason.

With the near-vertical wall surfaces of the fiords plunging straight right into the water listed below, Milford Noise is a view to look at.

1. Drive the Milford Audio Road

If there is one roadway that you definitely have to drive in New Zealand, this is it.

The trip starts with a very easy drive alongside Lake Te Anau, before slowly climbing right into the Fiordland National Forest.

With towers cliffs and also mountains and also crystal-clear rivers, the drive into Milford Noise actually is exceptional.

The drive itself takes a minimum of 1.5 hours but we suggest allowing 2 simply to be secure– specifically if you’re dealing with Fiordland’s timeless dodgy weather condition.

There are numerous beneficial stops on the way via, consisting of the Chasm, Lake Marian as well as the Mirror Lakes.

At the end of your drive, you’ll want to ensure you also have time to finish the little loophole track near the dock– it does not take long however is the excellent stop for pictures.

With many photo quits, viewpoints as well as little walks, it deserves providing on your own a lot more time to finish this trip.

Pro Idea: Though we discovered the road to be perfectly great to self-drive in July, it’s not for everybody. If you’re not positive driving on New Zealand’s roads, find yourself in the area in snowy conditions or just intend to unwind and relax (whilst somebody else bothers with getting you there), we extremely advise scheduling a trip with Saucy Kiwi Traveling. They offer great small-group scenic tours, total with lots of notorious Kiwi friendliness as well as depart from both Queenstown as well as Te Anau. Utilize the coupon code SORTED15 to conserve 15% on every one of their tours.

2. Cruise Ship Milford Audio

No trip to Te Anau is full without a see to Milford Noise, and also no visit to Milford Noise is full without a picturesque cruise out on the water!

Known as the 8th marvel of the environment, Milford Sound actually does need to be seen from within. With giant mountains cut into Fiords, waterfalls as well as a lot of native wild animals, it’s an enchanting place.

Though a variety of firms travel the Milford Sound, we unreservedly suggest Cruise Milford.

They’ve obtained a big, comfy watercraft that they intentionally under-sell to ensure there’s lots of room for everyone to stir. The discourse throughout is involving and also there are additional personnel available to respond to any particular inquiry you’ll have.

If there’s only one point you do in Te Anau, it really does need to be a cruise into the sounds (together with the drive in, obviously).

3. Kayak Milford Noise

If you’re keen to obtain active in the Milford Sound, there’s no far better method to do it than by kayak.

A variety of firms run led kayak journeys through Milford Audio (and Doubtful too) so you can see the sounds from the water.

Sitting short on the water, the fiords towering above you, the range of the scenery all around actually enters emphasis.

4. Take a look at the Undersea Observatory

The Milford Noise Exploration Centre as well as Underwater Observatory offer visitors an appearance below the surface of Milford.

This is the only drifting underwater observatory in New Zealand.

Without splashing, you’ll have the ability to check out the sea life up close and also individual. Simply 10 metres listed below the surface area, the variety of fish and also reefs is amazing.

5. Take to the Water as well as go Scuba Diving

Though the waters of Fiordland are cold, they use lots of benefits to those keen to take on the cold.

Kitted out in a thick wetsuit, you’ll have the chance to see a part of Fiordland that lots of people lose out on. In the process, you’ll be having a look at one of the leading 10 areas to dive in the globe (according to Jacques Cousteau).

With unique marine life, diving in this region differs anywhere else in New Zealand.

They have the biggest concentration of black reefs trees throughout the globe. This coral reefs (which is unusually enough white in colour) is usually located 100m or two listed below the surface area yet is much closer to sea level in Fiordland because of the huge amount of rains they receive and the shadowy fiords.

In addition, you’ll additionally see a choice of various other white and also red corals along with many various other soft reefs.

If you’re lucky, you might spot some of the resident dolphins and seals in this world heritage marine book as well.

Scuba diving is readily available in Milford Sound as well as Doubtful Audio.

Tasks Right in the Heart of Te Anau

Conveniently located right in town, these tasks are ideal even if you don’t have your own transportation.

They’re likewise terrific alternatives to squeeze in between even more weather-dependent activities.

6. Enjoy Lake Te Anau on a Timeless Boat

Adoringly brought back, Faith in Fiordland takes passengers back to a lost age.

This beauty was integrated in 1935 as well as having lived through a number of historical occasions, it now organizes site visitors in among one of the most gorgeous put on planet.

Not only will you rate aboard this sensational electric motor luxury yacht (where you can be as hands-on as you like in cruising her), but you’ll also be dealt with to delicious canapés, have a good chin-wag with your hosts (Adam and George) and head off on an attractive little vagrant to discover the Hidden Lakes.

A trip out dogmatic in Fiordland is the ideal mix of true-blue Kiwi hospitality, amazing surroundings and also living background.

7. Take In Lake Te Anau’s Sights

Whatever you select to do on or near Lake Te Anau, you’ll wish to extra yourself a little time to loosen up and take pleasure in the community’s gorgeous background.

You’ll locate the largest lake in the South Island precisely the edge of Te Anau so it’s the ideal location to take an outing lunch (or takeaway pie) and also relax in between activities.

8. Have a look at the Glowworm Caves

Called among the best areas to see glowworms in New Zealand, the Te Anau glowworm caverns need to be top of your checklist when checking out the region.

Boat trips leave from the lake (right in the area) several times a day. From there, you’ll cross Lake Te Anau and head right into the glowworm caves.

This journey is commonly considered as one of the most effective things to do in Te Anau.

Did you understand? Although the caverns aren’t as weather-dependent as some of the various other activities on this listing, rainfall can still be a factor. When we checked out, the caverns were flooded due to high rain overnight.

9. Zip Around on an Interesting Jet watercraft Flight

Fiordland Jet is an additional task that departs from the lakeside.

Starting on Lake Te Anau, it won’t be long until you’re whizing down the Waiau River (likewise called River Anduin for our Lord of the Rings fans), gone to the lovely Lake Manapouri.

Jet boats were developed in New Zealand and there truly is no better place to ride in one than on the rivers of the South Island.

Hang on limited however, this is anything yet a relaxing float down the river (in the very best of means!).

10. Try Your Hand at Trout Fishing.

There are a few areas in New Zealand that are known for impressive trout fishing– Te Anau is among them!

With remote rivers and also deep trout-filled lakes, there are plenty of opportunities to attempt your hand at trout fishing.

Whether you select to fish Lake Te Anau, Lake Manapouri or the Waiau River, you’ll discover a variety of guides and also equipment rental opportunities around.

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