The Best Things to Do in Te Anau that Should Be on Your Bucket List
David Harris
| Last Updated: August 2024 - Explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- Hike the Kepler track
- Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
- Take a cruise on Lake Te Anau
- Hike to Luxmore Hut
- Explore the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
- Go to the Te Anau Trout Observatory
- Try your hand at fly fishing with Dean Bell Fly Fishing
- Go kayaking on Lake Te Anau with Doubtful Sound Kayak
- Explore around Lake Hankinson
- Go on a float plane ride with Wings & Water
- Take a heli-hike tour with Te Anau Helicopter Services
- Go to Rainbow Reach swing bridge
They say that the journey is half the adventure, but try telling that to someone who’s just spent five hours lost on one of Te Anau’s lesser-known hiking trails.
It’s safe to say my first foray into Te Anau didn’t go exactly as planned. I spent most of the time navigating trails that seemed far more straightforward on paper.
And while I came home with blistered feet and a grudge against outdated maps, the experience taught me one thing: Te Anau is a place that begs for a bit of know-how. And so I made it a mission to really get to know Te Anau and made a few more trips and research about it.
If you’re planning a trip to Te Anau and need some help curating the perfect itinerary, here are some of the top things to do in Te Anau.
1. Explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves
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Address: 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9679, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Phone: +6432496000
Prices: From 59 NZD per person
If you’re a nature enthusiast or planning a family trip, exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves is an absolute must.
Start your adventure with a scenic boat ride across the beautiful Lake Te Anau—the views alone are worth it. Once you reach the caves, a guided walk takes you inside, where you’ll be amazed by the stunning limestone formations and underground waterfalls.
The real highlight, though, is the glowworm grotto. Thousands of these little creatures light up the dark caves like a starry night sky.
Pro Tip: Do a day tour. The sunlight that filters through the cave entrance adds an extra layer of magic, making the glowworms shine even brighter.
2. Hike the Kepler track
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Price: Free
If you love diving into the great outdoors, then hiking the Kepler Track should definitely be on your list when visiting Te Anau. This 60-kilometre loop will lead you through the jaw-dropping beauty of Fiordland National Park.
Majestic mountains, thundering waterfalls, and stunning glacial valleys—all in one hike!
The track is well-kept and great for hikers, regardless of experience. Plus, there are cosy huts and campsites for your overnight stays.
Pro Tip: Try to visit during spring or autumn to dodge the crowds and enjoy the nice weather.
3. Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
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Address: RD 162 Manapouri Te Anau Highway, Te Anau 9679, New Zealand
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +6432490200
Price: Free
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is perfect for anyone interested in rare and endangered native birds. You’ll find some amazing birds here, like the takahe and the kaka, in a setting that feels just like their natural home.
The paths are easy to walk, and as you wander, you’ll hear beautiful birdsong all around you. You’ll also get to learn about all the work that goes into protecting these special birds.
Plus, it’s just a short walk from the town centre, so it’s super convenient.
Pro Tip: Go in the early morning or late afternoon. The birds are feeding and the most active during those times.
4. Take a cruise on Lake Te Anau
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Address: 65 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +64274325029
Prices: From 65 NZD per person
If you’re a nature lover or just in need of a break, you absolutely have to try cruising Lake Te Anau with Cruise Te Anau. I’ve done it myself, and it’s one of the most calming and beautiful experiences you can have in New Zealand.
There are a few different cruise options you can pick from. The Discovery Cruise includes a cool guided walk to some hidden lakes, while the Bay Cruise gives you sweeping views.
My favourite would be the Cruise and Fly option. It mixes a boat ride with a jaw-dropping seaplane flight.
Pro Tip: For the best experience, book an afternoon cruise. Trust me, there’s nothing like watching the light and shadows on the mountains as the sun begins to set.
5. Hike to Luxmore Hut
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Price: Free
If you’re into the great outdoors and want to experience New Zealand’s beautiful backcountry, hiking to Luxmore Hut is a great idea. This round-trip hike takes you through stunning beech forests, expansive grasslands, and up to the rugged alpine tops.
The views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding mountains are absolutely breathtaking. Although you’ll need to brace yourself for some steep bits, the path is well-kept and doable for many fitness levels.
About halfway through, you’ll find the Luxmore Hut—a perfect place to catch your breath and take in the spectacular scenery.
Pro Tip: Aim to go in the spring or autumn for milder weather and fewer crowds.
6. Explore the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
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Address: Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9640, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 12 PM & 1 PM to 4 PM
Phone: +6432497924
Price: Free
Nature lovers and families will really enjoy a trip to the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau. The centre is packed with cool and interactive displays that dive into the park’s different ecosystems, amazing geological features, and rich Māori history.
You’ll get to learn about the area’s unique plants and animals, like the rare takahē bird. The exhibits also tell the incredible stories of how the fiords were formed.
The centre is also the go-to place for info on hiking trails, boat trips, and other activities in Fiordland. You might end up discovering some more activities for your adventures here!
Pro Tip: Make sure you watch the short film that shows off the stunning beauty of Fiordland National Park. It’s a great sneak peek of the awesome landscapes you’ll see while exploring.
7. Go to the Te Anau Trout Observatory
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Address: 2A Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +64274414443
Price: 2 NZD per person
Families and those travelling on a budget should definitely check out the Te Anau Trout Observatory. I had the chance to visit, and it was fascinating.
You don’t need to spend a lot to have a good time here. You’ll get to see rainbow and brown trout. You’ll also catch a glimpse of native freshwater crayfishes, known locally as Kōura, right in their natural setting.
This spot, which has been around since the 1970s, really gives you a sense of the local trout fishing history and the delicate balance of the nearby waterways. The observatory is underground, adding a cool and unique touch to the visit.
Pro Tip: Carry some coins for the fish food dispenser. Feeding the trout and seeing them come right up to you is an experience you won’t want to miss.
8. Try your hand at fly fishing with Dean Bell Fly Fishing
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Address: 10 Tawera Place, Te Anau 9679, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +64275388897
Fly fishing in Te Anau is a must-do for anyone who loves the sport, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been fishing for years. Te Anau is a true heaven on earth for anglers, with its clean rivers and lakes full of brown and rainbow trout.
To make the most of it, I’d recommend checking out Dean Bell Guided Fly Fishing. He’s a top-notch guide with years of experience and knows Fiordland’s waters like the back of his hand.
With high-quality gear and personalised tips, Dean ensures you have the best chance of landing an impressive catch.
Pro Tip: If you can, go on one of Dean’s multi-day trips into the backcountry. You’ll get to fish in untouched spots.
9. Go kayaking on Lake Te Anau with Doubtful Sound Kayak
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Address: 77 Manapouri Te Anau Highway, Te Anau 9679, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM
Phone:+6432497777
Price: 399 NZD per person
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a nature lover, you’ve got to check out kayaking on Lake Te Anau with Doubtful Sound Kayak. This spot in Fiordland National Park is absolutely stunning and perfect if you’re looking for a unique way to explore the area.
The best part? They run small-group tours, so it feels really personal and intimate.
The guides are fantastic too, filling you in on the region’s cool history and diverse ecosystem.
Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled—you might spot a Fiordland crested penguin or some playful New Zealand fur seals.
10. Explore around Lake Hankinson
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Price: Free
If you’re someone who loves photography, Lake Hankinson near Te Anau, is the perfect spot for you.
You’ll find loads of walking tracks winding through native bush and wetlands, making it a top spot for birdwatching and snapping some amazing pictures. The lake’s calm waters mirror the nearby mountains, creating stunning scenes you’ll want to capture.
Pro Tip: For the best experience, pack a picnic lunch. Enjoy your meal by the lakeshore while soaking up the peaceful vibes and jaw-dropping views.
11. Go on a float plane ride with Wings & Water
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Address: 65 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +6432497405
Prices: From 300 NZD per person
If you’re an adventure junkie, you’ve got to check out the scenic float plane rides with Wings & Water. Honestly, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
This local company offers a chance to see Fiordland National Park from the sky, and the views are mind-blowing. You’ll fly over huge mountains, sparkling lakes, and incredible waterfalls.
It’s the best way to see spots like Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, and Milford Sound.
They’ve got different flight options, so there’s something for everyone’s interests and budget.
Pro Tip: Go for the “mystery flight” if you can. It includes a surprise destination and an extra water landing, making the adventure even more exciting.
12. Take a heli-hike tour with Te Anau Helicopter Services
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Address: Te Anau Airport 42 Aviation Drive, Manapouri 9679, New Zealand
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +64800234890
Price: From 345 NZD per person
For outdoor enthusiasts, the heli-hike tour with Te Anau Helicopter Services should be at the top of your to-do list. Their Kepler Track Heli Hike is worth every dollar.
You’ll be flown to remote sections of the Kepler Track that you can’t get to on foot. You’ll have time to photograph all those jaw-dropping views of alpine landscapes, glacial valleys, and crystal-clear lakes.
The hike is a bit of a workout, but trust me, the scenery makes it all worth it.
Pro Tip: They can pick you up from the Kepler Track car park near the control gates, or you can stretch your legs a bit more by taking the lakeside walking track back to Te Anau. They can also sort out a water taxi from Brod Bay back to the main wharf in Te Anau for you.
13. Go to Rainbow Reach swing bridge
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Address: Kepler Track, Te Anau 9640, New Zealand
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +6432497924
Price: Free
If you have kids in tow, visiting the Rainbow Reach swing bridge is a must. Just a quick drive from town, the walk takes you through the beautiful beech forest along the Waiau River.
The main attraction is Rainbow Reach’s big suspension bridge, which offers awesome views of the river and the mountains surrounding it. It’s perfect for a picnic or just chilling out and soaking in the peaceful vibes.
Pro Tip: Go in the early morning or late afternoon for the best photos. The light filtering through the trees is just magical and makes the whole experience even better.
