Things to do in Te Anau and Fiordland
A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire
At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time here in New Zealand. Whether you’re a local exploring a new area or you’re visiting from overseas, who wouldn’t benefit from a little insider information, right?
With branches in 22 locations around New Zealand, our team of staff are all passionate about their own “home” towns. Whether they’re born and bred or new to the area, our team are your local guides when it comes to exploring new destinations throughout the country. We also like to lean on our wonderful customers to find out what they have loved about New Zealand so we can add their top tips to all our travel guides.
For those exploring the South Island, Milford Sound is a “must-do” activity, and the gateway to Milford Sound and the Fiordland area is Te Anau. Don’t let this fool you, however. Te Anau itself is an absolutely stunning destination in its own right, and whilst it is definitely a stopping off point for many on the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound, those who choose to explore this town and the surrounding area will not be disappointed. Situated on the edge of a lake, Te Anau is absolutely stunning and provides a great place to base yourself for exploring the Fiordland National Park as well as being a good base for taking on some of New Zealand’s great walks in the area, including the Milford Track, Routeburn Track or Kepler Track. There is plenty to see and do in Te Anau and in this guide, we will talk you through some of the best activities and sights to see.
As one of New Zealand’s best-known car rental companies, we’ve got some great deals available on car hire in Te Anau, so make sure you check out our latest deals and great prices. Our Te Anau branch is conveniently located right in the heart of town and is the only car rental option in Te Anau so booking in advance is advised as we are a popular choice for locals and tourists alike, especially during the peak season from January to March.
Te Anau Activities
For many visitors to the South Island, Queenstown is the big draw card, however, Te Anau is a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered by those who make the trip further south. Whilst it is often a stop off point or even a base for exploring Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park, those who choose to stay for longer are rewarded with a host of activities and sights to see. Our team down in Te Anau are the experts when it comes to knowing what to do in and around town, so we asked them for their top five tips for things to do in Te Anau, and they didn’t disappoint.
Here are five of the best things to do in Te Anau:
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
New Zealand has quite a lot of opportunities to witness glowworms and the caves in Te Anau are up there with the best spots to see them. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves offer a magical underground experience where visitors can marvel at bioluminescent glowworms in a 12,000-year-old limestone cave system. The tour includes a scenic boat ride across Lake Te Anau and a guided exploration of the caves. It's a must-see for its uniqueness and accessibility.
Milford Sound
Whilst this guide is all about Te Anau, we also know that the town is the gateway to Milford Sound, and a day trip should definitely be on your agenda if you are based down in Te Anau. It’s also a great chance to give your RaD rental car a run out. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound will take around 1h 45m, however, we recommend leaving more time as there is plenty to see and do along the way. A visit to Milford Sound is a quintessential Fiordland experience. Known for its dramatic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife sightings, this natural wonder is accessible via a scenic drive or organised tours from Te Anau. It's perfect for those seeking breathtaking landscapes and adventure.
Kepler Track
The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand's 11 Great Walks and offers stunning views of Fiordland's landscapes. Whether you choose to hike a section or complete the multi-day trek, you'll enjoy lush forests, alpine vistas, and serene lakes. It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Te Anau is a great place to base yourself to explore the Kepler Track and there are lots of great one day walks available that will take you out onto the track or you can complete the multi-day walk and start or finish your adventure in Te Anau which is the perfect place to rest up and relax either before or after you complete the track.
Punanga Manu o Te Anau / Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is home to some of New Zealand's rarest native birds, including the flightless takahē. This free attraction is family-friendly and provides insight into local conservation efforts. It's an excellent spot for wildlife lovers and those traveling with kids.
Wings & Water (Te Anau)
If you are looking for a bit of a splurge, then Wings & Water offers seaplane tours over Lake Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. This aerial perspective provides unparalleled views of the region's stunning landscapes, making it a memorable experience for photographers and adventurers alike. This is a real premium experience and well worth it if you have the budget for something like this.
Te Anau Places to Eat
Whilst Te Anau is relatively small, it is not short on places to eat out that cater to all budgets and all tastes. No matter whether you’re looking for a cosy meal out for two or something for a big group, Te Anau has got you covered. There are also some great budget options if you are travelling on a shoestring, making Te Anau a great place to base yourself, no matter how you are travelling. Once again, we reached out to our team in Te Anau to get their top tips on places to eat out in town, and they have come up trumps with some great suggestions.
Here are five of the best places to eat out in Te Anau:
Ditto
· Location: Te Anau
· Cuisine: Pan-Asian Fusion
· Budget: Affordable ($)
· Features: Kicking off our list with something for the budget-conscious traveller. Ditto is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and pan-Asian fusion street food, and is a popular spot for its bao buns and sushi bowls. It offers great value for money and is perfect for a quick, delicious meal. This place is a favourite with locals and tourists alike and is busy all day long as it is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Redcliff Cafe
· Location: Te Anau
· Cuisine: New Zealand Contemporary
· Budget: Mid-Range to Luxury ($$$)
· Features: Set in a charming early settler's cottage, Redcliff Cafe offers a cosy atmosphere with live music and stunning views of Lake Te Anau. The menu features local produce, including New Zealand beef and lamb, making it ideal for those seeking high-quality Kiwi cuisine. This is a popular spot to celebrate big events for locals and is also popular with tourists looking for something “fancy” when dining out in Te Anau. For those who have completed one of the Great Walks in the region, this is a great way to treat yourself once you have finished.
The Fat Duck
· Location: Te Anau
· Cuisine: Gastropub
· Budget: Mid-Range ($$)
· Features: This vibrant gastropub offers a varied menu with fresh local produce, including steaks, burgers, and vegan options. It's a great spot for families or groups, with live music on certain nights and a cosy outdoor patio. This is a spot where you head if you are looking for a big feed following a big day exploring the area. The atmosphere is always lively and the portions will not leave you disappointed.
Sandfly Cafe
· Location: Te Anau
· Cuisine: Cafe
· Budget: Budget-Friendly ($)
· Features: Famous for its superb coffee and all-day breakfast menu, Sandfly Cafe is a local favourite. It offers a sunny outdoor seating area and a variety of dishes, including vegetarian options, making it perfect for a casual meal. This is a popular spot all day long, and you will find bus loads of people calling in throughout the day as they make their way from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Another budget-friendly option in Te Anau.
Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso Da Toni
· Location: Te Anau
· Cuisine: Italian
· Budget: Mid-Range ($$)
· Features: Who doesn’t love a good Italian right? Whether you love pasta, pizza or a tasty steak, Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso Da Toni has all the answers. This Italian restaurant offers traditional pizzas and pasta dishes, providing a cosy dining experience with a focus on local ingredients. It's a great choice for those craving authentic Italian flavours in a relaxed setting.
Te Anau Accommodation
As the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, it’s no surprise to find that Te Anau has a lot of accommodation options to suit all budgets. From hotels and motels to backpacker hostels, you’ve got a range of options when it comes to places to stay in Te Anau. Of course, there are also Airbnb options as well so Te Anau is well covered when it comes to accommodation options. In this guide, however, we are focusing on the more traditional accommodation options to give you an idea of some of the best places to stay in Te Anau.
Here are five top tips for accommodation in Te Anau:
Radfords on the Lake
· Location: Te Anau
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: If you are looking for luxury, then it’s hard to look past Radfords on the Lake. This is a five-star lakefront retreat offering stunning views of Lake Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. Guests enjoy spacious, tastefully furnished apartments with kitchenettes, Sky TV, and complimentary mountain bike use. Perfect for those seeking a premium experience.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau
· Location: Town Centre, Te Anau
· Budget: Mid-Range ($$$)
· Features: You will find Distinction hotels located throughout New Zealand, and they deliver an extremely consistent experience no matter where you are. In Te Anau, this casual hotel offers modest rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, and a cafe/bar. Its central location makes it ideal for travellers wanting convenience and comfort without breaking the bank.
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels
· Location: Lakefront Drive, Te Anau
· Budget: Affordable ($)
· Features: Holiday parks are a New Zealand staple when it comes to accommodation options, and this is a great option in Te Anau. A family-friendly holiday park with options ranging from budget cabins to motel units. It boasts lake views and facilities like a communal kitchen and BBQ area, making it great for families or budget-conscious travellers.
Amber Court Motel
· Location: Te Anau
· Budget: Budget-Friendly ($)
· Features: There are plenty of motel options in Te Anau and Amber Court always seems to score well with customers who rent a car from RaD. Amber Court offers modern accommodation in a quiet location, just a short walk from Lake Te Anau. All units include kitchenette facilities, satellite TV, and electric blankets, providing a comfortable stay at an affordable price.
Barnyard Backpackers Te Anau
· Location: 10 minutes outside Te Anau
· Budget: Budget-Friendly ($)
· Features: If you are looking for something a bit different from the usual accommodation options, then Barnyard Backpackers is a great choice. Set on a 50-acre deer farm, this hostel provides stunning 360-degree views of Fiordland mountains. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travellers who don’t mind being slightly out of town and enjoy a rustic setting with farm animals.
Te Anau Sights
As well as some amazing activities in and around Te Anau, there are also some pretty amazing sights to see, most of which are free to enjoy. Te Anau enjoys such a stunning location, surrounded by mountains and lakes, making it a pretty spectacular place to wake up every day. We asked our team down in Te Anau for some of their favourite places to go for a little day trip out when they just want to explore nature, maybe head for a walk or check out a spectacular viewpoint.
Here are five of the best sights to see in and around Te Anau, according to our team:
Lake Te Anau Foreshore
· Location: Te Anau
· Features: This scenic walk offers stunning views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding Murchison Mountains. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnics, or simply enjoying the serene alpine landscape. The foreshore is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Te Anau Lions Lookout
· Location: Ramparts Road, Te Anau
· Features: This viewpoint provides a 360-degree panorama of Lake Te Anau, the town, and the Southern Alps. It's a great spot for sunrise views and offers a picturesque setting for photography.
Te Anau Downs Scenic Lookout
· Location: Te Anau Milford Highway
· Features: Located within Fiordland National Park, this lookout offers breathtaking views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding mountains. It's an ideal spot for photography and enjoying the tranquillity of the area.
Lake Te Anau Jetty
· Location: Te Anau Wharf
· Features: The picturesque jetty is perfect for capturing stunning sunrise and sunset photos. The calm waters reflect the vibrant colours of the sky, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
Kepler Track - Dock Bay
· Location: Kepler Track, Te Anau
· Features: While the full Kepler Track is a multi-day hike, the section leading to Dock Bay offers serene views of Lake Te Anau and is accessible for a free day walk. It's a great spot for a picnic or a refreshing swim during summer.
Renting a Car in Te Anau
If you’re looking to rent a car in Te Anau, look no further than RaD Car Hire. With super competitive prices, a great selection of cars from compact to 4x4, and a promise of great customer service, then RaD is a great choice for all travellers.
For those already located in Te Anau looking for a rental car to take them on an exciting adventure somewhere on the South Island, make sure you check out our cheap car rental deals from our Te Anau branch.