Town centre and lakefront
EverythingCafés, shops, tour offices and the lake path.
New Zealand city guide
Te Anau Travel Guide
Te Anau is a quiet lakeside town and the gateway to Fiordland, New Zealand's wildest national park. From here, the road runs to Milford Sound, the Kepler Track starts at the edge of town, the Milford Track begins across the lake, and glowworms light the caves on the far shore.
3
Hostels in the city
8.7
Average, from 2,593 reviews
About 2 hours
To Milford Sound
3
Great Walks nearby
From NZ$25
Dorm beds on Hostelworld
Te Anau at a glance
Te Anau sits on the eastern shore of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island, at the edge of Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area.
The town is small and relaxed, with a main street of cafés, outdoor shops and tour offices, and a lakefront path with views across to the mountains.
Most people come for what lies beyond. The Milford Road runs about two hours to Milford Sound (Piopiotahi), the most famous fiord in New Zealand, through mountains, beech forest and the Homer Tunnel. Doubtful Sound, bigger and quieter, is reached from Manapōuri, 20 minutes south.
Te Anau is also the base for three of New Zealand's Great Walks: the Milford Track, the Kepler Track, which starts on the edge of town, and the Routeburn Track, whose western end is on the Milford Road.
Across the lake, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are reached by boat.
Staying in Te Anau rather than Queenstown makes Milford Sound a much shorter day, and the town is quieter and cheaper.
Two or three nights covers Milford Sound and a day walk, and longer if you're doing a Great Walk.
Where to stay in Te Anau
Stay in the town centre or on the lakefront, where everything is walkable. Manapōuri, 20 minutes south, is the base for Doubtful Sound.
Kepler Track start
WalksControl gates at the edge of town.
Manapōuri
Doubtful SoundVillage 20 minutes south, for Doubtful Sound boats.
Milford Sound
The fiordAbout two hours away by road.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 3 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Milford Sound, Great Walks and glowworms
Milford Sound is the highlight. Drive or take a bus along the Milford Road, stopping at the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm and lookouts, then take a cruise on the fiord past Mitre Peak, waterfalls and seal colonies. A cruise costs NZ$80 to NZ$120, and kayaking is another option. Rain makes the waterfalls even more dramatic.
Doubtful Sound, reached by boat and bus from Manapōuri, is larger and wilder, with fewer visitors. Day and overnight cruises run.
The Kepler Track, a Great Walk, starts on the edge of town. The first section along the lakeshore to Brod Bay makes a good day walk, or continue up to Luxmore Hut for alpine views.
The Milford Track, often called the finest walk in the world, starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and takes four days. Huts must be booked months ahead.
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves, across the lake, are reached by boat, with an underground river and glowworm grotto.
The Fiordland Cinema shows a film about the park, and the Department of Conservation visitor centre has track information.
Key Summit, a short climb from the Routeburn trailhead on the Milford Road, gives big views.
Free things
Te Anau for free (or nearly)
Walk the lakefront path and watch the sunset over the mountains.
Walk the first section of the Kepler Track, which is free.
Stop at the Mirror Lakes and the Chasm on the Milford Road, both free.
The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary on the lakefront has native birds, including the takahē.
The DOC visitor centre has free information and displays.
Food and drink
Pies, cafés and hostel cooking
Te Anau has a handful of cafés, a famous pie shop, pubs and restaurants.
The supermarket is the last big one before Milford Sound and the Great Walks, so stock up here.
Hostel kitchens are where most backpackers eat. A pub dinner is NZ$25 to NZ$40.
Tap water is safe to drink.
Nightlife
Quiet nights by the lake
Te Anau is quiet at night: a couple of pubs, the hostel common rooms and early nights before Milford Sound or a hike.
Getting around
Getting to and around Te Anau
Te Anau is about two and a half hours from Queenstown by road. InterCity coaches and shuttles run between them.
Milford Sound is about two hours away on the Milford Road. Buses and tours run daily, and many include the cruise. If driving, check road conditions, as the road can close for avalanche risk in winter, and fill up with fuel in Te Anau.
Track transport and water taxis run to the Great Walk trailheads.
Manapōuri, for Doubtful Sound, is 20 minutes south.
The town is small and walkable.
Costs
What Te Anau costs
Te Anau is cheaper than Queenstown. Hostelworld lists dorm beds from about NZ$25 at Possum Lodge, near Manapōuri, and NZ$43 at Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers.
A Milford Sound cruise costs NZ$80 to NZ$120, and Doubtful Sound more.
Great Walk huts must be booked and paid in advance.
The lakefront, the Kepler Track and the Milford Road stops are free.
Allow around NZ$80 to NZ$120 a day, before cruises.
Safety
Staying safe in Te Anau
Te Anau is safe, but Fiordland's environment needs respect.
Weather in Fiordland changes fast, and it's one of the wettest places on earth. Carry rain gear and warm layers, and check forecasts.
On the Milford Road, watch for keas, ice in winter and avalanche closures. Fill up with fuel before leaving town.
On Great Walks, book huts, register intentions with DOC and carry the right gear.
Sandflies are fierce, so bring insect repellent.
Day trips from Te Anau
Te Anau is the base for Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Fiordland's walks.
Milford Sound
Fiord cruise past Mitre Peak and waterfalls.
Doubtful Sound
Larger, quieter fiord.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Underground river and glowworm grotto.
Key Summit
Alpine views over Fiordland.
What's on
What's on in Te Anau
Te Anau's calendar follows the Great Walks season.
Staff pick
13–14 November
Te Anau Motorama
Te Anau Motorama is a celebrated annual gathering in Te Anau, New Zealand, drawing car and motorcycle enthusiasts from across the region. Hosted at…
22–24 October
Manapouri Fishing Classic
Held every Labour Weekend, this fishing competition draws anglers to the waters around Te Anau and Manapouri, surrounded by the dramatic scenery of Fiordland.…
3 Aug – 29 Jan
Pickleball
Pickleball has found a home in Te Anau, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels every Monday evening. No experience or gear required…
5 Aug – 28 Oct
Good Yarns
A casual gathering where people come together over knitting, crochet, or even lego while chatting and making new connections. Bring whatever project you have…
Hostels
Hostels in Te Anau
Te Anau has a couple of hostels on Hostelworld, on the lakefront and near Manapōuri.
On the lake
Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers
Rated 8.8 from 1,961 reviews, on the lakefront in town, with dorms from about NZ$43.
Cheapest dorms
Possum Lodge
Rated 8.2 from 102 reviews, near Manapōuri, about 20 minutes south, with dorms from about NZ$25.
When to go to Te Anau
Te Anau is cool, with highs from 5°C in winter to 18°C in summer. November to April is the Great Walks season. Milford Sound is spectacular in rain, and winter brings snow on the peaks.
Jan
Great Walks season
Feb
Peak season
Mar
Late summer
Apr
Great Walks season ends
May
Quiet
Jun
Winter; snow on peaks
Jul
Cold; avalanche risk
Aug
Cold
Sep
Spring
Oct
Wet spring
Nov
Great Walks season begins
Dec
Summer
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Temperatures are averages from weather2travel's Milford Sound climate data, the nearest station they cover. Te Anau is slightly drier. Crowd levels are our rough guide.
How much does Te Anau cost per day?
Pick a style and a number of nights for a rough total. Per day, for one person, in New Zealand dollars.
Estimates. Beds are based on Hostelworld prices in October 2026, converted from US dollars. Cruises and Great Walk huts sit outside these figures.
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Te Anau FAQs
Prices and timetables change. Check before you travel.
Should I visit Milford Sound from Te Anau or Queenstown?
Te Anau is about two hours away, against four or more from Queenstown, so it makes a much shorter day.
Do I need to book the Milford Track?
Yes. Huts must be booked through DOC, often months in advance for the summer season.
Is Doubtful Sound better than Milford Sound?
It's bigger, quieter and wilder, but harder to reach. Milford is more dramatic and accessible.
When is the Great Walks season?
From late October to April.
How many days do you need in Te Anau?
Two to three nights, or more for a Great Walk.
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