Is Te Anau expensive to visit?
Te Anau is a popular town that draws numerous visitors, each showcasing different travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Te Anau has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $51 (NZ$86) per day, mid-range travelers spend $117 (NZ$199) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $248 (NZ$420) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Te Anau.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Te Anau is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Lake Tekapo, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Fraser Island.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Te Anau Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Te Anau?
The average Te Anau trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Te Anau travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Te Anau cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Te Anau. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
Te Anau on a Shoestring Budget?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $51 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Te Anau is home to plenty of hostels, including Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers, Possum Lodge, and Bob & Maxine's Backpackers. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited. For many travelers to Te Anau, food is a key attraction, yet budget-conscious visitors often stick to street food or hostel cooking, missing out on the delicious local dining experiences.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Those traveling to Te Anau often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $117 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Te Anau. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Lakeside Motel & Apartments is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Te Anau here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $248 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the town, prepare for a luxury price tag.
Accommodation Budget in Te Anau
Hotel prices in Te Anau can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $100 up to around $187. From $59 for budget options to $368 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Te Anau for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $89 (NZ$147). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $44 (NZ$74) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Te Anau? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Te Anau include:
- Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments starting at $128
- Te Anau Lodge starting at $106
- Arran Motel starting at $68
- Lakefront Lodge starting at $107
- Birchwood Cottages starting at $80
Te Anau is a very family-friendly place, and when traveling with children, it's important to find accommodations with extra space.
Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Despite its popularity with tourists, Te Anau is on the smaller side, so hotels may book up early. If you're visiting during summer, be sure to book ahead of time.
Transportation Budget in Te Anau
Te Anau lacks an efficient public transit system. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.
It's unfortunate that most of the town isn't very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $27 (NZ$46) per person, per day, on local transportation in Te Anau. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Te Anau is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$27
NZ$46
The nearest major airport is Queenstown International Airport, located 2-3 hours (166 km) from Te Anau depending on transportation. The route from Queenstown follows State Highway 6 to New Zealand State Highway 94/State Highway 94. Visitors can arrange for a car rental, or take a bus from the airport. Buses are also available between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Ensure that your hotel has easy parking arrangements if you're planning to drive.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Lake Marian Guided Hike with Transfers, Lunch & Morning Tea for $192 details
- Kepler Water Taxi Transfer across Lake Te Anau for $18 details
How much does it cost to go to Te Anau? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Te Anau will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Te Anau
Food in Te Anau is outstanding, and it's essential to make time to indulge in all the unique local flavors. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Te Anau can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Te Anau is $47 (NZ$78) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$47
NZ$78
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Te Anau is around $46 (NZ$78) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $105. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Te Anau are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $18
- Dinner: $14 to $32
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
For stocking up on groceries, Fresh Choice is the go-to. Te Anau also has a pizzeria and a couple of popular cafes like the The Sandfly Cafe best known for its breakfast or Miles Better Pies and more which has a range of fresh pies, sandwiches, and coffee. For dinner and/or drinks, the favorites include The Ranch Bar & Grill (casual, young crowd), The Moose Bar & Restaurant (casual pub), and Redcliff Cafe (more upscale with New Zealand mains and wines, live music). Native New Zealand food is derived from the Maori people. Today, popular dishes include a boil-up of local pork, potatoes, kumara (sweet potato), and dumplings, as well as another dish called pork and puha (an herb called sow thistle).
When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
By making a picnic, you can save money and take in the views. Locate a nearby grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or scenic location for your meal.
Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Te Anau
Tourists can't resist Te Anau, especially for its well-known hiking, family-friendly activities, romance, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Te Anau typically cost an average of $48 (NZ$80) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$48
NZ$80
Many visit Te Anau as a waypoint on the way to see the nearby areas of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. The national park covers over 1.2 million hectares in size, encompassing mountain, lake, fiord, and rainforest environments. A beech forest trail on the sandy Milford shore offers views of towering Mitre Peak, one of the most iconic in the country for its pointed shape. Its location near Milford Sound also draws attention, adding to the spectacular view of the well-known fiord. Nearby, the rugged Earl Mountains are reflected in the glassy surface of Mirror Lakes, where visitors can also catch sight of waterfowl amidst wetland plants. On the Cleddau River, the Chasm Walk passes over two foot bridges with views of powerful waterfalls that have sculpted shapes and basins in the rock. The Doubtful Sound is another well-frequented feature, with a more enclosed feel than the Milford Sound rich in flora and fauna like New Zealand Fur Seals and Fiordland Crested Penguins. And, of course, there are the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where interesting rock formations and flowing water make the cavernous home for the entrancing glowing creatures (only accessible via guided tour). As a whole the national park and its features are a part of an UNESCO World Heritage Site called Te Wahipounamu, which encompasses a total of four national parks: Aoraki/Mt Cook, Fiordland, Mt Aspiring, and Westland.
There are many programs, day-trips, and events around Te Anau tailored for exploring the unique features of the region's wildlife and scenery. The road to Milford Sound is just as scenic as the fiord itself, and many local coach and cruise operators are available for those hoping to learn more about those highlights. Cruises often travel the length of the fiord to open ocean and return on one of the many cruise options available in 1.5 to 2 hours cruising time. Lake cruises are also available on Lake Manapouri or Lake Te Anau, as are scenic flights via fixed wing, helicopter, float plane, or vintage biplane. There are even off-road tours dedicated to the daring adventurers, as well as photo tours which take visitors to some of the best photographing locations in the park.
Additional activities are available at the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre, which houses exhibits dedicated to the unique features of the fiords. There is also the Fiordland Cinema which has a wine bar and shows both local and mainstream movies, a golf course with views of the beautiful lakes and mountains, and a spa for a day of rest and relaxation. Other activities within the park include cycling and bike hire, guided and independent hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, scuba diving, jet boating, and kayaking.
Hiking:
The hiking scene in Te Anau is truly remarkable. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.
A nice way to explore destinations in Te Anau is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau for $90 details
- Guided Private Milford Sound Day Tour from Te Anau(Cruise Included) for $216 details
- Champagne Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Te Anau for $90 details
Te Anau, New Zealand
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.