Things to do in Te Anau
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Top 10 attractions in Te Anau
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
The word "Te Anau" in Maori means "cave with whirlpool rapids", which refers to Te Anau caves where glowworms live and is considered "one of the most unusual limestone cave tours in the world" , if you go to the South Island Fiordland region, don't miss it. In the 1940s, the local explorer Lawson Burrows, who was fascinated by the ancient legends of Maori, spent three years exploring various caves in the South Island, and finally found this unique Maori legend on the west bank of Lake Te Anau. Caves that appear in. Brauss crawled into the crevice of the rock and through the entrance, the glow of the countless glowworms in the cave caught his eye. The cave has since become a fascinating spot on the shores of Lake Te Anau. In fact, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are just the lower layer of an extremely large cave that extends down to Milford Sound, tens of kilometers north of it. The depths of the cave can only be reached by boat, passing large and small waterfalls and whirlpools along the way, and finally reaching the glittering glowworm cave. After a detailed explanation by the guide, the visitors were divided into several groups and entered the cave by boat. The fireflies emit a little blue light, like a sky full of stars, you will feel like you are in an illusion.Te Anau · 589m from downtown
Lake Te Anau
Lake Te Anau is adjacent to Fiordland National Park and has a vast surface area, second only to Lake Taupo on the North Island in New Zealand. This body of water was shaped by glacial movement, with three fiord-like arms extending from the west side: the North Fiord, Middle Fiord, and South Fiord. Flanked by cliffs and deep waterways, taking a boat into them offers a direct view of the traces left by glacial erosion on the land. The eastern shore of the lake is flat, where the lakeside town of Te Anau is located, with pastures and farmland spreading out, while the western shore merges into the pristine forests of Fiordland National Park. There are activities to enjoy here all year round, with trout fishing, kayaking, and lake cruises being popular; you can also take a boat from the wharf to visit the spectacular glowworm caves on the western shore. Hiking enthusiasts might consider using the lakeside as a base. The Kepler Track is one of the more popular hiking trails, starting near the control gates at the southern end of the lake and winding along the lakeside forests. This is also the gateway to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and Doubtful Sound / Patea, and many travelers use the lakeside town as a base to combine exploring the lake with a fiord tour.Te Anau · 22.5km from downtown
Doubtful Sound / Patea
Doubtful Sound, also known as "Silent Fiord", is a relatively long (421m) and longer (40km) fjord in the South Island. It shows the ingenious workmanship of nature, which is quiet and pleasant, mysterious and wonderful, and has not been influenced by modern society. 1. The name of the fjord comes from Captain Cook. Because the fjord is relatively narrow and the boat is very dangerous, Captain James Cook did not enter the port at that time. When they got there later, whale and seal hunters called it Doubtful Sound. Like other fjords in the region, Doubtful Sound's waters are divided into two distinct layers. A few meters above is fresh water flowing down from the surrounding mountains, and below is salt water from the sea. Due to the different refractive indices of freshwater and seawater, it is difficult for light to penetrate. As a result, many deep-sea species, such as black coral, grow in relatively shallow places. 2. The natural landscape is beautiful and the wildlife is abundant. There are several waterfalls in the Doubtful Fjord, which are especially spectacular in the rainy season. Brown Falls in Hall Bay is 619 meters long; Helena Falls in Deep Bay is 220 meters long. Wonderful wildlife is another reason the fjord attracts tourists, with rare bottlenose dolphins, seals and penguins all haunting the area.Te Anau · 57.6km from downtown
Kepler Track
Located in Te Anau, New Zealand, the Kepler Trail is 67 kilometers long and is a scenic loop. On the trail, visitors can enjoy numerous scenic views, such as Lake Te Anau, Mount Luxmore, Mount Kepler, Alice Bain Valley and more.Te Anau · 3.8km from downtown
Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Parklocated at the southwestern tip of New Zealand's South Island and covering approximately 12,000 square kilometers, it ranks among the largest of the country's national parks. Successive glacial movements have carved more than a dozen deep fjords into the coastal mountains, with Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound being the most notable examples. About two-thirds of the park is covered by native beech and podocarp forests, while the landscape is dotted with towering peaks, alpine lakes, and moss-covered valleys. The area was designated a World Heritage Site in 1990. An extensive network of walking trails allows visitors to explore this pristine wilderness of mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and moss-clad valleys.Southland District · 28km from Te Anau
RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise
Known as the "Princess on the Lake", the TSS Earnslaw steamship (TSSEarnslaw) was born in 1912 - a golden age in the history of steamships including the world-famous cruise ship "Titanic" . Today, as a coal-fired ferry, she has sailed for 100 years and is a fascinating sight on Lake Wakatipu, transporting you back in time and enjoying the gorgeous European style of the early 20th century. During the voyage, you can lean on the railings on the deck and overlook the beautiful lakes and mountains of Queenstown. You can also climb the watchtower to steal the superb steering skills of the captain. You can also sneak into the steam boiler room to understand the operation principle of the steam engine. △ Take a steamer ride on Lake Wakatipu, where you can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and the serenity of the lake △ On board, visit the engine room, sailor's cabin art gallery, and listen to songs accompanied by a piano for a taste of turn-of-the-century elegance △ Upon arrival at Walter Peak Highlands Ranch, you can see and feed the farm animals up close, participate in a sheep shearing show and a working sheepdog showQueenstown · 84.9km from Te Anau
Milford Sound Scenic Cruises
Take in Milford Sound on a modern and spacious Milford Sound Cruise, with unobstructed views outside the boat from any area of the interior cabin. The boat features a comfortable indoor lounge and large panoramic picture windows, allowing you to see waterfalls and wildlife up close from the bow. From the spacious upper outdoor deck, you can look directly down on the water, and the captain will provide informative commentary, and the cruise will play commentary in other languages at certain times.Milford Sound · 84.6km from Te Anau
NZONE Skydive Queenstown
Gold tier trial period: October to April of the following year NZONE Skydive Queenstown in New Zealand 1. Tandem skydiving origin experience: New Zealand tandem skydiving started in Queenstown in 1990. Complete the challenge at this legendary starting point. 2. New Zealand tourism awards certification: A skydiving brand awarded by the New Zealand tourism awards, ensuring both safety and experience with double authority. 3. Queenstown core view aerial perspective: Free fall to enjoy the "S"-shaped bay of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range and the panoramic view of Queenstown. 4. 360° unobstructed "God's-eye view": Aerial panoramic vision, far surpassing cable cars and viewing platforms, truly seeing all the highlights of Queenstown at once. 5. Multiple height options suitable for all ages: Offers various skydiving height choices, available for ages 6 and up. 6. Tandem skydiving for beginners: Professional instructors provide one-on-one guidance throughout the experience, no prior skydiving experience required. 7. Complies with New Zealand safety standards: equipment, processes, and instructor qualifications have all met the high standards of New Zealand's aviation and safety regulatory system certification. 8. Scenic flight + free fall + dual gliding experience: First enjoy a scenic fixed-wing flight in Queenstown, followed by the thrill of high-speed free fall, then glide smoothly under the parachute to admire the scenery. 9. Free shuttle service in Queenstown downtown: Located in the heart of Queenstown, offering complimentary transfers year-round (weather permitting) for more flexible itinerary arrangements.Queenstown · 85.2km from Te Anau
Skyline Queenstown
The Skyline sits on top of Bobt's Peak in Queenstown, a location overlooking downtown Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the city to the cable car ride point, and take the cable car in the southern hemisphere to the top of the mountain. The sightseeing corridor on the second floor offers a 270-degree panoramic view of the town, and the scenery at sunset is even more intoxicating. The Sky Cable Car is a highly comprehensive attraction. In addition to the view, there is also a very famous restaurant, Stratosfare Restaurant, which was once rated as "the best restaurant in the world" by the ABC. △ Take the cable car to enjoy stunning scenery △ Marvel at the 270-degree view of the mountain and lake △ Explore more exciting experiencesQueenstown · 85.1km from Te Anau
Glow Worm Caves
Te Anau · 13.3km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Te Anau
Featured Cultural experiences in Te Anau
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From€ 172.88
From€ 170.35
From€ 425.88
![Queenstown Glenorchy half-day tour [Lord of the Rings filming location/Paradise Valley/Red Boat Shed]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351p12000etyvcvu56C1_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
From€ 105.64
![[Popular activity, recommended to book at least one month in advance] [Lord of the Rings filming location, experience Middle-earth charm] Queenstown Glenorchy Horse Riding Tour (self-guided)](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352f12000iuqndqn4E82_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
![Queenstown Glenorchy horse riding experience [Explore the Lord of the rings filming location in depth + suitable for beginners]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0353l12000sqfcsm70801_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
From€ 170.03
Featured Food & drink in Te Anau
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 66 bookedFrom€ 96.99
![Queenstown Skyline mountaintop view restaurant Stratosfare buffet | Window seat with view includes round-trip cable car [Luge ride available for purchase]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0356412000sotjs1m0D18_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
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From€ 86.51
Featured Spa & wellness in Te Anau
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From€ 38.60
5.0/5
· 18 reviewsFree cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
From€ 31.05€ 32.69
![Queenstown watershed water sauna [optional single experience or exclusive private booking]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351u12000t57vwklFD78_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
From€ 50.58
Featured Day tours in Te Anau
View all Day tours![1-day tour to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi with Southern Discoveries in New Zealand [Round-trip from Queenstown/Te Anau]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351t12000t9k8yyhD45B_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
4.7/5
· 3 reviews· 41 bookedFree cancellation
From€ 114.58
![New Zealand Milford Sound / Piopiotahi 1-day tour GS bus [Queenstown/Te Anau round-trip]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0355112000tmqms3y781B_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
5.0/5
· 1 reviewFree cancellation
From€ 111.53
4.9/5
· 77 reviews· 1.2k bookedFree cancellation
96.1% of travelers recommend
From€ 130.43
4.4/5
· 38 reviews· 968 booked507 travellers saved
From€ 121.23
4.7/5
· 363 reviewsFree cancellation
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93.7% of travelers recommend
From€ 203.60
From€ 137.75
![[16-person Mercedes group] 1-day tour to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi in New Zealand [Round-trip from Queenstown + lunch]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0355612000t88gblaE1BF_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
5.0/5
· 23 reviews· 766 bookedBook now for tomorrow
23 consecutive positive reviews
From€ 160.47
Free things to do in Te Anau
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau · 589m from downtownImmediate access, Book now for todayLake Te Anau
Te Anau · 22.5km from downtownDoubtful Sound / Patea
Te Anau · 57.6km from downtownKepler Track
Te Anau · 3.8km from downtownFiordland National Park
Southland District · 28km from Te AnauRealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise
Queenstown · 84.9km from Te AnauBook now for tomorrowMilford Sound Scenic Cruises
Milford Sound · 84.6km from Te AnauImmediate access, Book now for todayNZONE Skydive Queenstown
Queenstown · 85.2km from Te AnauBook now for tomorrowSkyline Queenstown
Queenstown · 85.1km from Te AnauGlow Worm Caves
Te Anau · 13.3km from downtown
