Should You Visit Te Anau?

Is Te Anau worth visiting?

Te Anau is worth visiting for one to three days so that you can explore everything that the town has to offer. 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.

Te Anau, New Zealand

Reasons to Visit Te Anau

Hiking
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.

Food
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.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Te Anau

Museums: Te Anau isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

Nightlife: Most people don't associate Te Anau with a lively nightlife scene. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Shopping: Te Anau isn't exactly a shopper's destination. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Te Anau might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Te Anau here or see if Te Anau is expensive here.

Related

What is Te Anau most famous for?

Te Anau is most famous for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. People visit this impressive town for its great hiking. It's also known for food. It is often described as pristine, breathtaking, and stunning.

What is the most famous sight in Te Anau?

The most popular sight in Te Anau is Te Anau Glowworm Caves. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Te Anau on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Te Anau Glowworm Caves and other attractions here.

How touristy is Te Anau? Is it a popular town to visit?

Te Anau is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Afternoon Te Anau Cruise on Historic Motor Yacht: $88
• Guided Private Milford Sound Day Tour from Te Anau(Cruise Included): $212
• Morning Tea Cruise on Historic Motor Yacht from Te Anau: $88
• Champagne Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Te Anau: $88
• Milford Sound Full Day Tour from Te Anau with Cruise: $151
• Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau: $151
• Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau: $148
• Milford Sound Coach, Cruise and Underwater Observatory with lunch ex Te Anau: $154

How long should I spend in Te Anau?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Te Anau is one to three days. Since Te Anau has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Te Anau? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Te Anau?.