South Island · Explorer’s field notes

How to Te Anau

Fiordland's lakeside gateway: ancient forest, deep-water caves and a good base for the journey to Milford Sound.

Te Anau videos from the Hôtel du Van founders are coming soon to the Stay Scene channel.

AVOID · Te Anau

What to avoid in Te Anau

Driving the Milford Road after dark or in poor weather without checking official road advisories.
Leaving your Milford day too late; the drive is longer and slower than it looks.
Feeding native birds or walking off marked conservation tracks.

The top ten

Places to explore, eat and stock up along the way.

1See & do
Milford Sound / Piopiotahi cruise
Cruise beneath waterfalls and Mitre Peak; allow a full day from Te Anau and check road conditions.
Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound 9679
2See & do
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
A boat crossing to a limestone cave illuminated by glowworms.
RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9600
3See & do
Kepler Track
Choose a lakeside day section through beech forest; the full circuit takes days.
Kepler Track car park, Control Gates, Te Anau 9679
4See & do
Lakefront walk
A gentle shoreline wander with Fiordland peaks on the horizon.
Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9600
5See & do
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
A chance to learn about protected native birds, including takahē.
Ivon Wilson Park, Manapouri-Te Anau Highway, Te Anau 9600
6See & do
Mirror Lakes
A short boardwalk stop on the Milford road for mountain reflections on a still day.
Milford Road, State Highway 94, Fiordland National Park 9679
7Eat
Redcliff Restaurant & Bar
A warm dining room for regional food after a long Fiordland day.
12 Mokonui Street, Te Anau 9600
8Eat
The Fat Duck
An easy-going town-centre dinner; reserve in busy season.
124 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600
9Coffee
Sandfly Cafe
Coffee and breakfast before the early start for Milford.
9 The Lane, Te Anau 9600
10See & do
Lake Te Anau
Pause at the edge of New Zealand's largest South Island lake.
Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9600

Do not make these mistakes!

1. Racing to Milford and back
Allow a full day, take breaks and check road and weather updates before setting off.
2. Forgetting to book the caves
Boat departures can sell out in busy periods; reserve ahead.
3. Relying on mobile signal
Coverage can be patchy on the Milford Road; plan offline navigation and fuel in Te Anau.

Continue the voyage

Photos are AI-generated illustrations. Opening hours and rules change — check before you go.