Manapouri, the start of the Doubtful Sound journey, is 25 minutes away.
Two of the Department of Conservation's great walks start here. The Kepler Track begins on the road to Manapouri. The Milford Track starts at Te Anau Downs, with a boat transfer to Glade Wharf before the walking begins.
Te Anau is the gateway to the Fiordland National Park and the closest town to Milford Sound. Located on the shores of Lake Te Anau and bordering Fiordland National Park, Te Anau township is an attractive town that is a destination in its own right as well as a base for trampers and visitors to the fiords. Two and a half hours drive from Queenstown, the Milford Road begins in the centre of Te Anau.
Aerial View of Lake Te Anau
In Te Anau, you can visit the amazing Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Described by the Sydney Morning Herald as “one of the most unusual limestone cave experiences on the planet”, a visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves should be part of any visit to this wonderful region.
For a taste of one of the world’s greatest walks, the Milford Track, spend a day on a guided day walk.
Created by the gouging of a massive glacier, Lake Te Anau is New Zealand’s second-largest lake and the largest in the South Island by area. By freshwater volume, it is the largest in Australasia.
The town of Te Anau located on the lake’s eastern shores has a small resident population which swells 10 times or more during the height of the summer season when people come to visit the fiords but also to holiday in the town itself. It’s a popular tourism destination throughout the year with a wide range of things to do and places to eat and stay.
If you’re here to explore Fiordland, it’s a great place to be based, but be sure to not miss the town’s own attractions such as the Te Anau Glowworm Caves – a rare example of a living, still forming cave system.
Getting There
Te Anau is about a 2.5 hour drive from Queenstown and around 5 hours from Dunedin. If self-driving to Milford Sound, most people prefer to overnight in Te Anau. This break makes the drive into/out of Milford easier and more enjoyable.
Weather
The eastern shoreline of Lake Te Anau, where the town is located is in the rain shadow of the great mountains of Fiordland receiving around 75cms annual rainfall. Across the lake on the western side, the densely forested mountains are fed by more than 250cms of rain each year.
History
Prior to European settlement, Maori would travel and stay in this area in search of Pounamu (Greenstone) and food. The Milford Track of today (which begins at the northern end of Lake Te Anau) is an old Maori Pounamu trail rediscovered in 1888 by Quinton McKinnon.
Early European settlers came for the vast tracts of land to run sheep and there are many tales of pioneers who arrived for gold prospecting and other ventures. Since then, people have come to establish businesses in deer recovery, farming and most importantly for the town’s development, tourism.
Originally named Te Ana-au, Maori for 'The cave of swirling water’, the region’s name provided a clue for caver Lawson Burrows who discovered the underground network of caves in 1948 after a 3 year search. After squeezing through a place where a stream emerged from under rocks on Lake Te Anau’s western shores, he surfaced into a cavern shimmering with glowworms.
The settlement at Te Anau was first surveyed in 1893 shortly after the Milford Track opened. The opening of the Homer Tunnel in 1953 completed road access to Milford Sound leading to the development of Te Anau as a town and a tourism boom. In 1954, RealNZ was established by local couple Les and Olive Hutchins.
Original power station plans required Lake Manapouri be raised up 30m, it would have devastated much of the area’s beauty.
Almost 10% of NZ’s population signed the 'Save Manapouri' petition. Two of the leaders of this protest movement were ReaNZ's owners, Les and Olive Hutchins.
Yes, Te Anau is absolutely worth visiting on your South Island adventure. This picturesque lakeside town is the gateway to Fiordland, offering stunning views and easy access to Milford and Doubtful Sound. Te Anau is not only a perfect stopover for accommodation, fuel, and a supermarket spot, but has plenty of activities, like day hikes, boat rides, and the famous Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
How do you spend a day in Te Anau?
To spend a perfect day in Te Anau, start with a walk around the stunning lake. Visit the famous glowworm caves for a unique experience, and explore the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to see rare native birds. Enjoy a lake cruise and consider a scenic drive out to Lake Manapouri. These activities make for a memorable and nature-filled day out in Te Anau.
Is it better to stay at Te Anau or Milford Sound?
For those travelling by car to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, it is better to stay in Te Anau the night before to break up the journey. Te Anau offers a variety of hotels, hostels, campsites and restaurants, while Milford Sound has limited accommodation and food options due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How long is it from Milford Sound to Te Anau?
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound takes approximately 2 hours without stops, covering 120 km (74.5 miles) via State Highway 94. However, to fully enjoy the stunning scenery and short walks along the way, it is advisable to allow about 2.5 hours for the journey.
How many days do you need in Te Anau?
To make the most of your time in Te Anau, plan for a stay of two nights and three days. Use Te Anau as your base for exploring the surrounding areas. Spend one day embarking on a memorable day trip to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, renowned for their breathtaking scenery. On the other days, head out into a variety of outdoor activities and walks along the lakeshore.
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Our ultimate guide will give you all the tips you need to plan that special holiday in the south island including Queenstown, Te Anau, Stewart Island and Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
