Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Te Anau?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Te Anau?
Most people spend one to three days in Te Anau during their visit. The breathtaking town offers amazing highlights such as the hiking, the small town charm, the gorgeous scenery, and the cuisine.
Te Anau sits on the edge of Fiordland National Park and serves as a basecamp for the park and surrounding natural areas. Visitors love the small town charm and stunning beauty that the are offers. Nearby you'll find caves, waterfalls, beech forests, and glacial valleys.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Te Anau? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Te Anau?
Three days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Te Anau at your own pace to experience the hiking, the small town charm, the gorgeous scenery, and the cuisine. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing out to nearby mountain towns, hiking trails, or scenic viewpoints. There are also many exciting day trip options.
How to spend 3 days in Te Anau
Known for it's hiking, Te Anau sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.
Te Anau is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, world class national parks, and spectacular views.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Fiordland Jet Boat and Biking Combo from Te Anau ($138)
- Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness ($114)
The small-town atmosphere of Te Anau is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. It's a charming small town that makes a great base for exploring the area's natural beauty and outdoor wonders.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. 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.
Don't miss Te Anau Glowworm Caves during your trip to Te Anau, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Te Anau.
Is 4 days enough time in Te Anau?
With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Te Anau has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel, spend more time hiking, or use Te Anau as a base for day trips to nearby mountain towns. You'll be able to relax while enjoying the hiking, the small town charm, and the gorgeous scenery at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
Te Anau, New Zealand
How to spend 4 days in Te Anau
Having 4 days in Te Anau will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.
After you've explored most of Te Anau, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Te Anau.
Is 5 days enough time in Te Anau?
Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Te Anau, giving you the freedom to set your own pace while you explore the town and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the chance to go hiking, explore the small town, take in the beautiful scenery, and dine out at amazing restaurants on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel, take on some extra hikes, or use Te Anau as a hub for some nice day trips to nearby towns.
How to spend 5 days in Te Anau
With 5 days in Te Anau, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
You'll probably want to spend even more time exploring the town of Te Anau for it's charm and atmosphere. With another day, you can just relax while browsing the shops, restaurants, and local attractions at your own pace.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Te Anau.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Te Anau, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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