As the scenic base camp for the South Island’s southernmost fjords and mountains, the town of Te Anau revolves around outdoor exploring. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound’s soaring landscapes are within day-tripping distance, as are three of New Zealand’s famed Great Walks: the Milford Track, the Routeburn Track, and the Kepler Track. Things to do in Te Anau reflect that adventurous spirit, from guided tours of underground glowworm caves to cruises on waters home to bottlenose dolphins, seals, and two penguin species.
Even weather is larger-than-life in this awe-inspiring region, where towering waterfalls are powered by serious rainfall that can arrive any month of the year. Things stay (relatively) calm during the October–April trekking season, with the warmest weather in the summer months of December, January, and February. Bundling up for the June–August winter pays off, however: colder days also bring blue skies and uncrowded sites.
Distances are deceptive in the vast Fiordlands, where winding roads make travel slow. Coach trips link Te Anau with destinations across the south, but some travelers opt for scenic flights by plane or helicopter that cut time on the road (and reveal soaring vistas of the Southern Alps). The journey to remote Doubtful Sound from Te Anau starts with a boat trip across Lake Manapouri to meet an ongoing coach—guided tours are a convenient option as they generally bundle boat and coach travel.
You don’t have to go far to see New Zealand’s famed wildlife. The by-donation Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is walking distance from the town center, and home to some of the region’s rarest avian species, including takahē, kākā, and endangered brown teals. Many Milford Sound cruises include onboard naturalists, too; these experts can help you spot everything from elusive penguins to dolphins and seals.
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Yes, Te Anau is worth visiting. It’s the closest town to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the southernmost mountains in New Zealand. You may even find yourself sticking around longer than expected, as Te Anau has a gorgeous lakeside setting and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
...MoreYou’ll need around three days to explore Te Anau and the surrounding Fiordland region. Distances can be deceiving here: jaunts by coach and boat to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound generally take a full day. If your time is more limited, consider booking a scenic flight to the coast, instead.
...MoreKiwis are living in the Te Anau area, but you’ll be lucky to spot New Zealand’s flightless birds in the wild—they’re famously shy. Still, some visitors catch sight of the birds while hiking the Kepler Track or Milford Track; there are also kiwis on some Lake Te Anau islands.
...MoreGet ready for a winding ride. The road from Te Anau to Milford Sound twists and turns through gorgeous scenery, and generally takes a minimum of two hours. There are no shops or gas stations, and very little cell coverage. Public toilets are located at Knobs Flat and The Divide.
...MoreOptions for staying in Milford Sound are minimal—you can stay at Milford Sound Lodge or camp at Knobs Flat. That’s why most travelers sleep in the lakeside town of Te Anau, which has more than a dozen hotels, restaurants, shops, and ample services catering to visitors.
...MoreYou can’t drive directly from Te Anau to Doubtful Sound. The first step is a 15-minute drive from Te Anau to Manapouri, where passenger boats depart for the trip across Lake Manapouri to West Arm. From there, coaches bring travelers over Wilmot Pass to meet tour boats at Deep Cove.
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