Discover Te Anau – Gateway to Fiordland

Te Anau is a lakeside gem and the welcoming gateway to Fiordland National Park, one of Aotearoa – New Zealand’s most spectacular regions. Nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau, this little town offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re heading to Milford Sound, tackling a Great Walk, or simply soaking up the peaceful views, Discover Te Anau is about slowing down and letting Fiordland’s beauty surround you.

What Makes Te Anau Special?

What sets Te Anau apart is its tranquil lake setting, framed by dramatic mountains that hint at the wild landscapes just beyond. It’s a place where you can take a quiet stroll by the lake in the morning, then be on a boat to Milford Sound or exploring caves filled with glowworms by afternoon. Te Anau isn’t just a stopover — it’s an experience in itself.

Te Anau and Its Māori Name

The name Te Anau comes from the Māori words Te Ana-au, meaning the cave with the swirling water. This directly connects to the famous Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a place of wonder where underground rivers and limestone passages glow with tiny living lights.

Top Things to Do in Te Anau

Te Anau may be a small town, but it’s packed with experiences that highlight the very best of Fiordland. From underground glowworm caves to scenic lake cruises and world-famous walking tracks, there’s plenty here to keep travellers busy while still holding onto that peaceful lakeside charm. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation or a taste of local culture, these are some of the top things to do when you Discover Te Anau.

• Glowworm Caves – Take a boat across Lake Te Anau to explore twisting caves lit by thousands of glowworms.
• Lake Te Anau Cruise – Relax on the water and take in Fiordland’s vast, untouched scenery.
• Fiordland Cinema – Watch Ata Whenua – Shadowland, a breathtaking film showcasing the remote wilderness of Fiordland.
• Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre – Get maps, local knowledge and inspiration before heading into the wild.

Food & Flavour in Te Anau

If you know us, you know we love our pies — and Miles Better Pies in Te Anau makes some of the best. Their classic Mince and Cheese never disappoints and it’s the perfect bite before heading out on an adventure.

For a small town, Te Anau has a warm and welcoming food scene. From local cafés serving fresh baking to cosy restaurants with lake views, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. Many spots feature Southland lamb, venison, and fresh seafood, giving you an authentic taste of the south.

• Miles Better Pies (Takeaway) – A Te Anau icon, famous for hearty pies packed with local venison, lamb and other fillings. Perfect for grabbing on the go before a hike or cruise.
• Sandfly Café (Café) – A laid-back local favourite serving great coffee, hearty breakfasts, and cabinet treats. A perfect spot to relax and soak up the small-town vibe.
• Redcliff Café (Restaurant) – A warm and rustic restaurant known for using Southland produce like lamb and venison, paired with excellent Central Otago wines. A popular choice for a memorable sit-down dinner.

Walks & Trails Near Te Anau

Te Anau is the gateway to three of New Zealand’s Great Walks: the Kepler Track, Milford Track and Routeburn Track. Even if you’re not tackling the full multi-day treks, you can enjoy shorter day walks:

• Kepler Track – Lakeside Section
  • The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, but you don’t need to tackle the full 60 km loop to enjoy it. From Te Anau township, you can walk an easy lakeside section that follows the shoreline of Lake Te Anau through beech forest and open glades. This gentle return walk is about 1–2 hours (up to 5 km depending on how far you go) and gives you a taste of Fiordland’s scenery without the commitment of a multi-day tramp. With birdsong overhead and mountain views across the water, it’s the perfect short stroll straight from town.
• Lake2Lake Trail
  • The Lake2Lake Trail is a purpose-built cycling and walking track linking Lake Te Anau with Lake Manapōuri. Following the Waiau River, the track winds for 28 km one way (around 3–4 hours by bike or a full day on foot). The path is mostly flat with a well-formed gravel surface, making it accessible for families and casual riders. Along the way, you’ll find picnic spots, suspension bridges and serene views of Fiordland’s waterways. If you don’t want to do the whole length, shorter sections can be enjoyed for a relaxed hour or two.

Before you hit the trail, it’s always a good idea to check the DOC (Department of Conservation) website. You’ll find important updates on track conditions, weather alerts and any closures or hazards. It’s also where you can book huts or campsites on popular multi-day hikes. Checking in first helps you stay safe, pack what you need and enjoy your adventure with confidence especially in Aotearoa’s wild and changeable backcountry.

Final Thoughts

To Discover Te Anau is to find the calm before adventure. Whether you’re cruising the lake, venturing underground into glowworm caves or setting off into Fiordland’s legendary tracks, Te Anau is a place to breathe, reset and connect with the wild spirit of the south.

👉 Discover Te Anau with tours and activities Here

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.