Things to do in Te Anau, South Island: The Best Nature & Parks

February 2, 2022 Darwin Bolte

A gateway to Fjordland National Park, the quaint and peaceful township of Te Anau is nestled on the edge of a lake of the same name—the perfect site for jetboating or fishing. Embark on one of many day-long or multi-day hiking or walking tracks, then return to town to restore your body with a soak or massage at a spa and a delicious café meal. Nature lovers will marvel at the Te Anau glowworm caves, the Wildlife Park and Ivon Wilson Park, where rare Takahe birds flutter freely.
Restaurants in Te Anau

1. Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand +64 27 245 9709 [email protected] http://www.fiordlandcharters.co.nz
Excellent
88%
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1%
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5.0 based on 658 reviews

Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Reviewed By 67arda - North Shore, New Zealand

we did both kepler and routeburn tracks = such a gem of an area and so pristine - lovely to meet full of like minded folk along the way who equally enjoyed taking the time to fully breathe in the environs ....tip - take your time and keep camera charged !

2. Doubtful Sound

Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
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1%
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5.0 based on 2,296 reviews

Doubtful Sound

Reviewed By Nalacoops1950

Go Orange provide a very professional, organised service and meet their promise of a trip with small numbers on a comfortable boat. Travis and Karina were the guide and.captain for the day, both being amusing, knowledgeable and enthusiastic in making it enjoyable for all, The trip across lake Manapouri is a great start to the day, followed by an interesting bus ride to the harbour. Karina made a few stops showing interesting place on the way. The 3 hours sailing the Sound is full of spectacular mountains, waterfalls and scenery all around. Time passed quickly and at the end you have the pleasure of reversing the bus journey and Manapouri lake crossing to look forward to. It is not a cheap trip but does provide the small personal tour promised in a comfortable boat with enough personal space to view the Sound. We would certainly do the trip again and would recommend it to others. Thanks for a superb and memorable day

3. Luxmore Hut Track

Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand +64 3-249 7924 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/7b58932a9f974092b0fc7a1c0777d28c.aspx
Excellent
88%
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Luxmore Hut Track

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.

Reviewed By nzp0ppy - Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand

We took the kepler water taxi to Brod bay and then did a day walk up to Luxmore Hut and Mt Luxmore and back down. Its a pleasure to walk. the gradiant is great for walking. stunning beech forest, fern gullies, limestone bluffs, then above the bushline stunning views of lake and mountains. Luxmore hut is very comfortable with great views

4. Milford Sound

Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand +64 3-441 1137 http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/destinations/milford-sound
Excellent
80%
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4.5 based on 5,688 reviews

Milford Sound

Reviewed By EugenioA193 - Singapore, Singapore

The tour we take starts from Queenstown to milford Sound national park, ee contract our tour with #southerndiscoveries and starting wit our guide and driver Greg, we feel safe with Greg due to the weather conditions on the road, slippery road with snow and Etc, the trip Magic all the information along the road Greg gave us, we arrive on time and the service incredible all the logistics without a mistake, we arrive the ship and start the trip beautiful sights and all incredible until we returned to Queenstown Safe and Happy, magic experience is a must on the south Island in New Zealand

5. Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Excellent
56%
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4.5 based on 2,476 reviews

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves - an underground network of limestone caves lit by hundreds of glowworms. In the darkness they produce a glittering display. Carved out by the force of the river, the underground world is surprisingly beautiful with whirlpools and roaring waterfalls. Begin with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau and then our nature guides will take you in groups through the caves and then in a small boat into the grotto. Departs Te Anau.

Reviewed By 554michaelr554 - Umina Beach, Australia

I know there are many sites around the world you can see glowworms but this tour is so different. Harry (Potter) our guide was full of very interesting information on all things glowworm and also provided a lot of information on the formation of the underground caves,. After a short walk through the cave we reached an underground jetty where we stepped into a small dinghy and in complete darkness Harry used a wall mounted chain to pull us along a section filled with glowworms. What an absolutely marvellous experience. Once back at the kiosk we were given a short slideshow lecture on the life and times of the glowworm, overall a fantastic experience. I should add that the boat ride to the glowworms was also interesting with informative information on Lake Te Anau as well as a slight detour along the way to highlight some of the more picturesque aspects of Lake Te Anau

6. Gertrude Saddle

Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/gertrude-saddle-route
Excellent
76%
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4.5 based on 49 reviews

Gertrude Saddle

Reviewed By KazSydAustralia - Sydney, Australia

This is no ordinary NZ tramp. Tough because it does not have a normal track. Mostly rocks, streams, snow and everything in between. Best not to take young children because of the terrain. Just make sure you are fit and properly equipped. Good boots, nordic walking sticks, snacks, water bottle etc. Extraordinarily beautiful views along the way and right at the top, provided the weather is good on the day. So please check forecast before starting. So good luck.

7. Lake Te Anau

Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Excellent
62%
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32%
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4.5 based on 1,092 reviews

Lake Te Anau

Reviewed By 151Sunseeker67 - Tauranga, New Zealand

So peaceful and beautiful, a must see on a south island trip and a peaceful contrast to the hussle and bussle of Queenstown. Plenty of places to stay and quite a few options for food as well as a good supermarket.

8. Kepler Track

Golf Course Road Eastern Fiordland, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand +64 3-249 7924 http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/f7da33e050a643e2b25365e2a5cd3413.aspx
Excellent
80%
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4.5 based on 502 reviews

Kepler Track

Reviewed By k-fairbrother-nz - Upper Hutt, New Zealand

A multi day walk not for the faint-hearted or unfit but in saying this i managed to complete this walk after having broken my ankle a few months prior and then needing surgery and a moon boot which was removed 4 weeks before the trip. I was way out of shape and found this much harder for not having had enough time to build my fitness back up. Absolutely loved it though and would do it all again with the same barriers which is mostly down to my own stubborness and determination. Would definitely prefer to be fitter though! Kea on the top of Luxmore, South Island Robins and Whio along the Iris Burn section, well equipped huts and knowledgeable rangers, stunning scenery including mountain peaks, clear rivers, diverse bush/forest, amazing views, beautiful lake. All in all this was an incredible tramp and highly recommended.

9. The Chasm Walk

Milford Road State Highway 94 , Fiordland National Park, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand +64 3-249 7924 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/9cfe7802ddb64952b746f2e17ebb9d98.aspx
Excellent
63%
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 619 reviews

The Chasm Walk

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By ksufan88 - Wichita, United States

This is a very easy loop walk (slightly uphill for the first half) from the parking area that affords excellent views of a dramatic waterfall with several interesting rock formations. One of my wife’s personal favorites was the holes that have been created in the rocks by pebbles. There are ferns and other plants to observe along the walk. Total time to walk round trip is 20-30 minutes.

10. Ivan Wilson Park

Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9600 New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/visitor-centre-to-ivon-wilson-recreation-reserve-walk/
Excellent
67%
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4.5 based on 24 reviews

Ivan Wilson Park

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