It's Te Anau Time - Visit Fiordland

Take time off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Time off from the daily routine.
Instead, take time off for getting a little bit lost. Time off for experiencing something new.
Time off, in Te Anau.

Home to New Zealand's largest national park and the entrance to a world heritage site, Te Anau is the perfect basecamp to explore the best that New Zealand can offer.

Time off for hitting the trails

Even though Fiordland is a rugged, mountainous area, nearby Te Anau and Manapouri offer kilometres of excellent biking trails. Hire a bike in town then hit the Lake2Lake Cycle Trail, gentle lakefront tracks or the bike park with the kids.

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Time off for cruising

Piopiotahi Milford Sound cruises, Patea Doubtful Sound cruises and stunning lake cruises. With expert commentary and various options from short, overnight or multi-day cruises, a boat trip is the easiest way to see more of Fiordland.

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Time off for getting grounded

Enjoy the comfort of a private lodge and the benefit of a guide’s vast knowledge with a guided walk option. An unforgettable way to experience Fiordland’s hiking options whether you are after day or multi-day walks.

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Time off for soaking it up

Discover an incredible range of accommodation in Te Anau and around Fiordland. Whatever your style and whatever your budget, you’ll find the perfect place to rest up after a day of adventures.

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Time off for Fishing

Fiordland is internationally recognised as one of the best trout fishing regions in the world. Get out into the wilderness with some of the most knowledgeable fishing guides in the country. Gin-clear waterways are home to abundant stocks of brown and rainbow trout making it an ideal activity for serious anglers or those wanting to have a go.

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Take time off for something new

Whether it's thrill seeking or slowing down, dipping your toes in or soaking it up, take time to experience all that Te Anau has to offer.

Soak up the vast panoramic views of the glacial - carved fiords, wander through lush unspoiled rainforests, reach the unreachable by flight or cruise and cycle your way through spectacular terrain. By the end of your stay you'll wish you had taken more time off here.

10 Things to do when you’re on Te Anau Time

1 - Take in the extra daylight and warmer weather with a leisurely stroll after dinner to watch the sun go down.
2 - Sit down for an all-day breakfast and soak up the views.
3 - Meet up for an outdoor 'happy two hours' at Redcliff Cafe and Bar between 5-7pm.
4 - A sunset sail onboard the Faith with a complimentary glass of bubbly and delectable canapes?
5 - Reconnect with nature, longer days are ideal for enjoying Lake Te Anau. Hop on a paddleboard or take a swim out to the pontoon.
6 - Take time to stargaze, with little light pollution Te Anau is a night sky delight.
7 - Step back in time and check out the once thought to be extinct Takahē.
8 - Grab some street food or takeaways and head down to the lake for some al fresco dining.
9 - Relax! Enjoy the extra daylight anyway you choose!
10 - Do something new, Te Anau Time is the perfect time to, do something new.

ACTIVITIES IN TE ANAU, FIORDLAND AND BEYOND

The proximity of three of New Zealand's ten Great Walks places Te Anau firmly on the map as New Zealand’s walking capital. Here, you can set off on the Milford Track, Kepler Track, Routeburn Track, or the Humpridge Track which is set to become a great walk next year. There are many other epic multi day hikes and day hikes not to be missed.

Te Anau is the point to begin your self-drive or coach and cruise tour to Piopiotahi / Milford Sound. Trips to Patea/Doubtful Sound depart from Manapouri with tour operators offering coach and cruise/kayak options from Te Anau.

Fiordland is a giant playground and the ultimate family destination where lifelong memories are created. The majority of Te Anau’s activities are focused around the stunning lake and easy access to Fiordland National Park. Activities include:

Find a full list of activities in Te Anau here.

Te Anau’s accommodation options range from backpacker, lakefront motels, right through to luxury lodges. During the peak summer season, it is advisable to book well in advance as demand is high. Manapouri offers a small selection of accommodation options, but travellers will find everything from motels and private home rentals to a luxury lodge also.

The famous local wharf jump - credit Kate Norris

GETTING HERE

Access to Te Anau is via State Highway 6 and State Highway 94 from Queenstown, State Highways 1 and 94 from Dunedin or via the Southern Scenic Route from Invercargill. All roads leading to Te Anau travel through diverse terrain and interesting scenery - don’t rush it!

For information on getting to Piopiotahi / Milford Sound from Te Anau, read about the Milford Road here.

Distances

Te Anau to Milford Sound 120 kms (74.5 miles) allow 2 hours driving

Queenstown to Te Anau 170 kms (105.5 miles) allow 2 hours driving

Invercargill to Te Anau 152 kms (94.5 miles) allow 2 hours driving

Dunedin to Te Anau 290 kms (180 miles) allow 4 hours driving

Manapouri to Te Anau 20 kms (12.5 miles) allow 20 mins driving

Christchurch to Te Anau 652 kms (405 miles) allow 8 hours driving