The 21 best things to do with kids in Te Anau

Honestly thought we’d get to see more birds but for a free to the public bird sanctuary this place is pretty great! Got to see the takahae birds, as well as the chattiest most fun parakeets I’ve ever encountered, and different types of ducks. The kaka were on loan for breeding so sadly we didn’t get to see them, and in my opinion the only thing missing to complete the experience was a kiwi bird or 2. Otherwise this was a fun little stop lakeside, across the street from the national park. Worth a stop if you’re in the area.

Tiny little, free sanctuary with some really interesting birds in small enclosures. But the birds really do seem happy and content with their place there. Fun to walk to, easy to get to via a very scenic walking path from town, and it's beautiful even if it's not kept up. The public toilet is a pit toilet, so bring hand sanitizer if you need to use it.

A bargain at twice the price, this (free parking and entry) bird sanctuary seemed in the process of changing management, and a a few of the enclosures seemed empty, but we got great views of these Takahes and a couple others- no kiwis, but we expected that going into it. Nice, relaxed way to spend an hour while visiting Te Anau in early Spring (late Sept/early Oct) after or between bigger adventures

A tremendous surprise to find a Bird Sanctuary that cost nothing to wander around. Saw my first ever Takahē.

Highly recommend stopping by if staying or travelling through Te Anau. Beautiful park, you can tell the bird here are well looked after. Went in the morning and got to see the breeding pair of takahē with their chick foraging up close to the fence. Lots of information on the birds around the park,

Awesome conservation work sheltering and breeding some of NZs rarest birds. The highlight is the Takahe enclosure where we watched a pair with a young one rooting around and digging up roots. There's not many places you'll get to see this remarkable bird that was thought to be extinct until recently.

Punanga Manu o Te Anau / Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts alike. It’s truly amazing to see these beautiful and often rare birds up close in such a peaceful setting. The sanctuary is well-maintained, and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about conservation. Watching the takahē and kākā in their naturalistic enclosures was a highlight—such a special experience. The free entry (with donations encouraged) makes it accessible to everyone, and it’s a great educational stop for families too. A lovely way to connect with New Zealand’s unique wildlife.

Staff are amazing, giving a balanced amount of information and quiet time from the 25 minute smooth boat across the lake, to taking small groups of about 10 into the cave onto a smaller boat. Not sure why there’s no photos in the cave, I understand no flash and once you’re in the pitch black, but not on entry. However, an amazing walk through the water gushing caves and then into the pitch black to see these fascinating creatures. Presentation at the end was great too.

The Te Anau glow worm caves are an absolute must and should not be missed. Super friendly staff, easy trip, fantastic experience. Five hundred thumbs up from me. (my 22 year old son rated this higher than Milford Sound 😮)

These caves are a culturally and ecologically important system of limestone caves on the western shore of Lake Te Anau, in the southwest of New Zealand. It is a major tourist attraction for the area, as the part of the caverns close to the lake shore is home to glow worms. No one is allowed to take photos inside the caves where the glow worms live for personal safety reasons. Very popular place, lots of tourists and locals. We boarded the boat at Te Anau that took us across to the caves about 30 minutes away. Fee charged for the trip and entry. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Inside the caves, head clearances are unpredictable and hence you have to be careful especially as it dark in the caves. The guides use torches but its use is minimal. Part of the journey inside involves travel on small boats that are pulled along a fixed route. The glow worms are amazing to see and it is a wonder of nature. Pity that photography is not allowed.

It was an awesome first time experience to see glow worms in the cave. The journey to the cave was by a boat which itself was amazing. Friendly staff keeping all visitors well informed about the facts and history of the cave. I will certainly recommend others to experience nature and its creation.

Wow, an unforgettable and magical experience that left me in awe. Our guide was wonderful...and then she sang "Hallelujah" in the middle of the cave...I had goosebumps and there might have been something in my eye...I was very moved by her beautiful voice. The trio to the cave was equally as wonderful...the amazing views are truly what makes New Zealand so special. Highly recommend!!!

Pictures on Google are deceiving - there really aren't that many glow worms in the cave. Most of the tour is the boat ride there or educational filler. If you don't believe me, read some of the other "bad" reviews. That being said, there are a couple of memorable experiences where they take you down a pitch black tunnel on a boat and go right under some gloworms so that's 30cm from your face. While the experience was ok overall I'm really not a fan of the company RealNZ. Booked in a 5:45 session and was cancelled 10 mins right after doing so with a vague reason - no follow up to try and reschedule. When we get to the wharf, there's the 5:45 session coming in and our boat was 30+ mins late. Their other tour (Doubtful Sounds) was again mainly transport and educational filler.

Mixed feelings. On the one hand, you could argue the 30-min boat ride across Lake Te Anau and visit to the caves alone is worth it. Beautiful surroundings and fascinating cave that is impressive to walk through. The experience of pitch black and silence as you glide on the boat to see the glow worms is also unique, surreal and amazing. However, I couldn’t believe how quickly this was over. And the amount of glow worms was minimal compared to the pictures so I did feel slightly misled. Of course they are animals and the amount must vary day to day. I feel it’s a matter of needing more accurate descriptions of what experience you are getting before booking. A disclaimer about glow worms being part of nature and numbers varying would help manage expectations. Also, I knew the whole tour was over 2 hours, so I was disappointed when only about 30 mins of this was actually in the cave with the glow worms. The stuff around it: boat ride, nature walk learning about native plants, and hot drink during presentation, I did appreciate and enjoy, but I didn’t know that’s what I was booking when I booked. It wouldn’t necessarily have put me off, it’s just a matter of managing expectations and accurate advertising to avoid disappointment. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.

Absolutely beautiful and a neat Disc Golf course

Disc golf, walks a lake this place has it all haha

Stunning

So peaceful!

(Translated by Google) Nice place, very quiet. Nice part of a longer walk (Original) Mooie plek, erg rustig. Mooi onderdeel van een langere wandeling

(Translated by Google) The colors of the green, autumn leaves, pond, and clear sky came together beautifully. I was also lucky to find a pretty red mushroom. However, because it is a poisonous mushroom, it is dangerous, so children need parental guidance to prevent them from touching it. (Original) 녹색과 단풍,연못과 맑은 하늘 색이 어우러져 색색이 아름다웠다. 붉은 색의 예쁜 버섯을 발견한 것도 행운이었다. 다만, 독버섯이라 위험하니 아이들이 만지지 않도록 보호자의 지도가 필요하다.

Delightful experience. Super friendly, comfortable seating and you can take your drink from the bar in with you. Excellent film with a personal introduction from our host. Would recommend to anyone visiting Fiordland .

Very comfortable seats. Saw the “Deer Wars” showing, which was so fascinating. Very cool to be able to catch short 30 minute movies about local or New Zealand topics.

Top notch. Laid back. Class and elegance. Professionalism personified in every detail. Every chance. Dinner and drinks at the black dog bar and restaurant. Thank you again!

Beautiful, comfortable cinema with fantastic local films that are just spectacular

A very nice cinema. small and cute. come on tuesday, you got discounts.

bought the Fiordland video (“Ata Whenua“) online after recommendation from a guide; it’s not possible to download the content overseas and they don’t respond to email comms.

Charming theater with a great movie selection! Very comfortable seats and cozy experience - clearly a lot of care and attention has been put into the theater!

A lovely ride between 2 Fiordland Lakes alongside the Waiau River for much of the time. Majestic Fiordland mountains as a backdrop most of the way. Good track surface with a couple of hairpins and steep climbs to keep riders alert. There is a narrow piece of 150m where riders are encouraged to dismount.

A new 2017 walking and cycling trail section Entry Point Takes you to the Wilds of the primal Waiau River Flats to the South and the Ancient Beach Forest of Horseshoe bend to the North.

An awesome track lovely views along the way. Only spoiler was other peoples etiquette. There is enough room for everyone. If there are cyclists coming towards you maybe stay left and allow passing room. I know with the electric bikes you can go faster than my pedal power so please be a little patient. Thank to the respectful people I met along the track.

This is a beautiful track for cycling or walking, easily accessed at many points and with beautiful views of mountains, River, Bush, and plenty of birdlife

Well graded track but lots of scrub, limited views, and not yet complete to Manapouri (Feb 2021). The first 5km or so gives you some glimpses of the river, but you could walk that distance. I wouldn't fork out for a bike rental to do this again.

Great trail for everyone. A few wee hills in there to get the heart rate up. Awesome views, great trail underfoot/tyre

The bike trail is real Te Anau's treasure - great scenery and reasonably easy terrain

As a renaissance man I have dedicated myself to new experiences in unknown locations. I've been everywhere. Australia, New Zealand, other parts of New Zealand, Singapore Airport, Sydney Airport, Christchurch Airport, an Air B&B in Twizel. I've been around. I've also seen much of the world through video games and have seen at least 13 films. Needless to say I've probably seen it all. Due to the breadth of my experience it is somewhat hard to surprise me. It is even harder to satisfy me. Te Anau Trout Observatory let me achieve both those feelings. After using my considerable skills with a computer mouse and notable interwebs talent, I secured information about this much lauded experience of a place. Let me tell you that I believe this place to be New Zealand's crowning achievement. I recently learned that 0.6% of the New Zealand population worked on the production of The Lord of The Rings in some capacity. It would not surprise me if at least that number worked on the conceptualisation, construction and maintenance of this here Trout Observatory. I know first hand how dangerous and crafty trout can be so I can verify with emotionally professional authority that this is a masterpiece of design. Many moons ago my father was murdered by a trout over a political dispute. While that trout ended up on death roe and was eventually executed by Harpoon Squad, I have remained wary of trout and their machinations all my life. To see them so artfully caged and to be granted the power over when and even if those villains are fed (via the handy QR code on one of the containment walls), it gave a feeling of delicious vengeance that I will remain eternally grateful for. I feel no shame in admitting that on my first entry I wept. This place has reignited my passion and vigour. My father's dream that I follow in his footsteps as a political agitator of fish has suddenly become a very real and great possibility. Thank you Te Anau and, indeed, all the great people of New Zealand. What you have done here will no doubt go down in the history books and I will be forever grateful.

I visited the Trout Observatory today and while it has potential, the experience left me a bit disappointed. The entrance fee was $2, which is quite reasonable, but the place felt a bit neglected. The glass inside the observatory, which allows you to view the fish, was not clean — one of the four viewing windows was completely obscured. The lighting inside was dim, and the walls looked run down. A fresh coat of paint and better lighting would really improve the overall atmosphere. I also purchased fish food online for $2.50, expecting it to be dispensed into the tank so I could see the fish feeding. Unfortunately, the food never came out — possibly the machine was empty, but there was no sign or warning. That was disappointing. Overall, it’s a nice idea for a quick stop, but it could really benefit from some maintenance and attention to detail.

I saw a lot of rare sharks. Absolutely stunning moment when I saw a dolphin giving birth. It changed my life. My children’s liked the huge seaturtle most. It must be at least 150 years old.

Wow I don't usually write Google reviews but this was one visit that completely blew me and my wife out of the water and it would be remiss of me not to write something. We came down planning to trek the Fjordlands on our honeymoon, but quickly realised the real crown jewel of the South Island did not lay in the hills, but the Te Anau Trout Observatory. I'm sure you're probably a bit sceptical about the $2 entry fee and whether it really is too good to be true. I can assure you, there's no catch. As one descends the locally sourced handcarved slate staircase and seeks refuge in front of the steel turnstile at the bottom (admittedly a bit worse for wear), one realises that $2 far undersells this exhibit's true glory. See the photo below for reference (drew a quick sketch because my wife lost my camera). Upon entering what can only be described as a stone palace, soon to be UNESCO World Heritage Listed with a panaromic view of Lake Te Anau's beautiful custodian sea fauna, we were surprised by the offering of complimentary salmon sashimi served on Tiffany and Co. dishware by visiting Japanese seafarers. There is something very visceral about enjoying eating what you're viewing and indeed, I discovered the path to veganism is fraught with temptation. After spending close to 2 hours basking in the beauty of the buildings seven unique chambers on separate floors, each representing a different underwater microbiome and requiring an elevator lift to descend to, we happened to stumble across a boutique vintage cinema screening David Attenborough's Blue Planet 2 on loop, exclusively on 70mm print (for those of you that might get lost in the building, look for the red arrows behind the teal potplant on level 6 and follow the corridor down to the end and the cinema should be the 2nd right). It felt absolutely surreal, but you genuinely have to see it to believe it. We were offered a scuba diving expedition in house, but for an extra $10 on top of the entry fee and feeling a bit unsettled by the recent addition of a blue whale (added in early October, 2025), we felt we would take our patronage elsewhere. But to top things off, as the kids began to complain about how fish were boring and wanting to go home to play Roblox, Osamu Shimomura, having just accepted his 2025 Nobel Prize in the Hague a week prior, happened to be visiting during his annual leave and took us on a private tour of the exhibit, free of charge! What are the odds? With over 160 million litres of water, 10,000 unique species of trout and 250 thousand annual visitors, the Te Anau Trout Observatory is an iconic destination not to be missed. PS: get in early, as lines can be long. We would recommend visiting early; ideally before sunrise for the smallest crowds and best visibility.

I thought I’d only been there for three minutes… but when I finally emerged, 180 days had passed. My family had assumed the worst. Turns out, I was simply under the spell of the Trout King. To witness him glide from one end of the tank to the other is nothing short of transcendent. He showed me things, taught me truths that I can never unlearn. From this day forward, I dedicate my life to the sacred teachings of the Trout King and his philosophy, “Glub, Glub, Glub.” Also worth noting: fish feed is available for purchase online upon arrival for $2.50.

I’ve visited a few fish sanctuaries in my time — from the elegant koi ponds of Japan to the grand aquariums of Europe — places where fish glide about like underwater celebrities. But nothing, nothing, prepared me for the Te Anau Trout Observatory. Forget fancy tanks and dramatic lighting — this is where trout live their best lives, framed by the kind of scenery that makes other fish sanctuaries weep into their algae. While most aquariums rely on mood lighting, Te Anau relies on the actual Alps as its backdrop. Subtle flex. The trout themselves? Pure supermodels of the freshwater world. They shimmer, they glide, they stare at you with that silent judgment only fish can muster. And thanks to the QR code feeding system, you get to decide when the banquet begins — a power trip rivalled only by Zeus himself (if Zeus were into salmonids). It’s less “fish tank” and more “aquatic enlightenment retreat.” The views are so spectacular you’ll start to wonder if the trout even realise how lucky they are. Honestly, if I were a fish, I’d be filing a relocation request to Te Anau immediately. In short: Te Anau’s Trout Observatory doesn’t just raise the bar — it hurls it into the lake and invites the trout to swim over it. 🐟 🐠

Forget Milford Sound for a second — the true crown jewel of Te Anau lies quietly below ground at the Trout Observatory. For the grand price of $2, you can embark on what feels like a cross between a nature documentary and a mildly eerie adventure film. The entrance is delightfully unassuming, blink and you’ll miss it, but once you duck inside and head down the steps, the world transforms into a cool, dimly lit cavern where the trout reign supreme. It’s got that old-school Kiwi charm, part DIY science project, part local legend, and it’s impossible not to fall a little bit in love with its oddball authenticity. Don’t miss the wee crayfish companion in his personal tank, he’s small, mighty, and absolutely the star of the show. For $2, it’s pure gold; weird, wonderful, and utterly unforgettable. We’re calling it: 15/10, Te Anau’s best subterranean surprise.

The Fiordland Vintage Machinery Museum in Te Anau is a great spot for history and engineering enthusiasts. It features a fascinating collection of tractors, early road graders, motorbikes, and even a fully operational blacksmith shop. The exhibits are well-maintained, and the museum also showcases Te Anau’s first school building and the first telephone exchange, adding to its historical appeal. The dedication of the museum’s team is evident in their restoration efforts and commitment to preserving local history. It’s a great stop for anyone traveling between Queenstown and Milford Sound. Whether you're a machinery enthusiast or just curious about the past, this museum is well worth a visit.

Here's a collection of revived, restored and yet to be done machines and collectibles. Each section you step into has a story to tell from Homer tunnel to the time line of tractors. Generous curators enthuisiastcly impart both thier local knowledge along with endless stories of each item displayed. ( make sure you have loads of time ) A great value visit for ten bucks 👍

Super interesting place with all sorts of old machinery and tools taken care of by old entusiats it seemed. Also you can se the old 1938 school. Entrance fee is a modest $5 donation pp. Definetaly a stop worth e.g. on the way to Milford Sound. They have toilets.

Amazing little place, off on the industrial area of Te Anau. Fantastic collection of vintage machinery and tools, plenty of vintage car, motorcycles and tractors. Very interesting place to visit for cheap! Can even visit the old Te Anau school house and a blacksmiths forge

Come visit and see vintage tractors, trucks, cars and motorcycles. We were passionately hosted by Stu, and educated on decades of New Zealand farming, mechanical and cultural history. Truly a highlight of our Te Anau stay!

Great place to visit and check out the old gear! Even some Canadian products. Lots of history and cool things to keep you busy.

By chance we called in to have a look at what was on offer at this Vintage Machinery Museum. It was a $10 donation entrance which was well worth it. The chap there was very friendly and showed us around the various antiques that had been collected over the years as well as providing some insight into the local history of Te Anau and surrounding areas. Would recommend a visit if you are looking for something to fill in an hour or so and have an interest in some vintage machinery and tools.

We had a rather frustrating and unpleasant experience here. We visited to attempt to gather some information on tramping tracks conditions in the area (not necessarily about Great Walks). We had specific questions to which the information was not available online on the DOC website. The employee was not only unhelpful (had barely any constructive information for us), but also was condescending and annoyed in many of her responses, as if trying to dissuade us from “harder” tracks (ie not Great Walks) without actually ascertaining our experience and capabilities. Most of the information she regurgitated was available on the DOC website already. I understand that many people come here wildly unprepared and attempt tracks that are way over their head, sometimes even needing to be rescued, but projecting that frustration on people simply asking questions about current trail conditions, snow pack, and the snow line is uncalled for. I’m not sure this visitor center will be much help for any trip planning you have, assuming you’ve already read the information on the DOC website, as they seem better suited to provide the generic regional advisories (weather, avalanche, pest control, etc) over specific trail condition information.

Great place to visit, amazing back story.

Great spot with helpful staff. We did the Routeburn and the Kepler with a night's rest in-between. After getting our first walk booking confirmation stamped, a staff member asked us to come back between walks to get the stamp for the next walk. I thought it was a bit strange to ask us to return again just to get a stamp, so we asked to get it there and then and it was fine. No dramas. No hut in New Zealand has ever asked to see a stamped booking from us, so it seems a bit silly that we'd have to revisit the DOC centre, especially when the old legs are aching. The addition of getting a stamped booking confirmation while carrying a print out of an online booking confirmation seems a bit silly, especially if you arrived in town after the visitor centre closes. I can imagine some people could get worried in that situation. Perhaps a stamp isn't required and we were told incorrect info from our bus driver - apologies if that's the case. That said, DOC are amazing and set the global standard for conservation and tramping. What a great set up with amazing people. Thank you for the unforgettable experiences. We are very grateful.

Great experience, beautiful scenery. We took a scenic cruise with lunch picnic and visit to the underwater observatory. Nice choice of snacks, sandwiches and fruit, even cookies and chocolate. Observatory was educational. Interesting lectures by staff, would not have liked to miss that. Will sure be back with friends and family.

Do visit the tourist centre to find out more information before you go for the hike. Nice walking pathway to the first shelter. Took me 1.45hrs one way, a lot of sandflies so be prepared. Our target was to reach the first shelter and return after that.

Absolutely stunning National Park. The landscape is spectacular. Get onto some of the walking tracks or take a cruise on one of the fiords to see it at its best.

A nice information centre that tells you important things that you need to know for the surrounding area. The centre also sells essential camping and hiking gear should you go on a multi day tramp at the nearby trails.

There is a nice walking path along the lake. It is usually a pretty popular place in the area, but doesn’t feel crowded. There are benches along the route which are a good place to enjoy a snack and relax. Nice lake to visit if you’re in the area.

Beautiful lake with neat beaches. There is a walking track as well near the lack. Many activities around this area. Also gift shops and cafes around. If you are driving to Milford sound, this is good place for a breakfast stop.

Good place to stop by if you are in the way to Milford sound. Few good restaurants at the place plus a large convenience store to get your drinks and other stuff. Small town with wonderful people. There are petrol pumps at the place and do stop by at few good photo taking spots while in the way to Milford sound from this place. Plan your lunch stop here if not staying at the place. We stayed two nights here to explore the place plus as our stopping place while visiting Milford sound. There is one birds sanctuary here to visit too and learn more about a rare species of bird.

This is a must see lake, which is easy when you are in Te Anau. There are boat trips and seaplane rides on the lake. These would be great on a nice clear day. The lake is about 400 m deep. The bottom is about 200 m below the sea level and the surface is about 200 m above sea level. With have a look at the lake by day and dusk.

Two very good pie shops. 😄

Absolutely beautiful windswept & wild lake which happens to be the largest southern glacial lake. The walk on the foreshore in front of the small town of Te Anau is a must do. Lots of birdlife around now due to the vigilant trapping of predators. Then there is the small bird sanctuary about a km out of town which houses the beautiful & almost extinct takahe.

Lake Te Anau is a beautiful spot. Lovely lake, running tracks, activities to do on the lake, gateway to Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound. Stunning area of NZ

A beautiful lake where you can chill out with your family. I would suggest to stay here for 2 days, and make a day trip to Milford sound from here. Nice to have a morning walk or jog around the lake. Nearby are supermarket and restaurants where you can get your necessity and meals. There are cheap & good motels around this place, and you can spend quality time with your friends and family

Well a true gem hidden down south of Queenstown, only two hours on the bus. You must visit Doubtful Sound, while you're in Te Anau. It is mesmerizing, enchantment with every blink of your eyes. Dress warm, turn aeroplane mode on so your cell battery doesn't deplete cruising around the breathtaking Doubtful Sounds.

Amazing view,good for family walk,friends meet up,evening and morning dog walk,good for children play,also it has good amount of facilities near where you can eat and also go for cruise.Go for boating.

We used Lake Te Anau as an overnight stop so that we could visit the Sounds. We left Queenstown early in the morning and arrived at Te Anau before lunch. It was a rainy day, so we decided to drive down to Milford Sound - even though it was torrential rain, it was worth the drive as the scenery was spectacular. We didn't get to see much of Milford itself though, as the weather prevented it. The next day was an amazing day trip to Doubtful Sound - well worth the trip.

Magnificent

Simply beautiful

Deep Nature

We had the privilege of waiting almost an hour from ordering to finally getting our food — only to be informed, after a lengthy wait, that they had completely forgotten our order. P.S. We were actually among the very first customers through the door that day. Impressive, right? As for the food… let’s just say it was as unforgettable as the service — in the most ordinary way possible. Definitely not worth the price. Unless you’re feeling particularly generous with your time and money, I’d suggest you spend both elsewhere. To be fair, the staff were polite enough — but when it comes to their attitude and management, it’s honestly a masterclass in how not to run a restaurant. Btw, until I have finished this review. We are still waiting for our pizza coming.

Helpful friendly staff. Big portions and delicious food. Highly recommended! I ordered the traditional spaghetti meat sauce and enjoyed the depth of flavour, my family enjoyed the pizzas.

We visited La Toscana Pizzeria while on a family holiday with our two kids and had a wonderful experience. The service was warm, friendly, and prompt. The pizzas were simple and absolutely delicious — thin, crispy bases with a great crust that hit the spot. We also enjoyed a lovely glass of wine. It was the perfect meal to round out our trip. We won’t be back only because we don’t live nearby — but we’ll definitely remember it fondly!

We were a little disappointed they ran out of pasta but not a bother. The pizza was absolutely delicious! And good value for money. The service was great even though they were busy with tables and takeaways. All the girls were so sweet - you’re all doing a great job 🤩

The food absolutely lives up to the hype, it’s incredibly delicious💖 The sauce is unique, the ingredients are thoughtfully chosen, and the staff are very friendly. I love this place 🧡✨

Pizza was okay Large is a decent size- had some for leftovers the next day which was solid. But medium size would be way too small. Only had a 15 minute wait for our takeaway pizza- had a little walk around the town as we waited.

Alchimia Pizza was very delicious. It was a busy hour when we visited. So had to go for Takeaway. Would love to visit again for Dine in. Lastly, The staff here is very courteous. Way to go. 🎖️

Such a nice place. The staff is really lovely and it has a very cosy atmosphere. The food was amazing!!! We had the burger, wild venison and soup of the day, we could really taste the menu was well thought trough and that they are using fresh produce. Cannot wait to go again.

I had the venison here tonight. I ordered it medium, and it was seasoned and cooked perfectly. The venison simply melted in my mouth and the red wine redux sauce was sublime. The meat was balanced by a big heap of mixed fresh vegetables which was equally delicious.

We had a very busy night in Te Anau, trying multiple restaurants before finally finding a spot at Bailey’s. We were so glad we did! The booths were spacious and comfortable, perfect for our family of four, with plenty of room for extra adults or children if needed. The staff were warm and welcoming, and the menu had something for everyone. Our children enjoyed classics like chicken nuggets and chips, while another went for the spaghetti bolognese. We tried the lamb shanks—which were well priced, with the option of ordering one or two—and they were delicious. The steak was tender and served with a great variety of vegetables. The wine list was also impressive, with plenty of local options. We loved it so much we came back the next day for breakfast. Once again we sat in a booth and were greeted by the same friendly service. The breakfast menu was excellent, with a wide range of choices—our kids were especially thrilled with the waffles. Overall, Bailey’s is a gem that deserves far more reviews than it currently has. We highly recommend giving it a go—you won’t be disappointed!

Well presented Reserve ribeye meal but sadly the best thing about this was the vegetables and not the steak. The steak was chewy and hard to cut. No one comes to ask how your meal is, they only ask when you pay. Told them it was very average and the wait staff shrugged. Would not recommend as it was a waste of $49.

I was a little nervous to try Bailiez given the 4.1 staff rating, but it's perfect for what it is: an unpretentious, gastropub style bistro attached to a hotel. The young service team seemed understaffed and overworked but were nonetheless cheerful and friendly. Service is remarkably fast and efficient given how busy it is (the neighbouring hotel is packed daily with tour buses to/from Milford Sound). Lamb shank appears to be the most popular order, but I recommend the grilled salmon (having tried and rated salmon all over Australia, Europe and North America, I would highlight that grilled NZ salmon is the freshest and tastiest I've had anywhere, with the ideal skin and fat content for grilling).

Pretty casual place, but great food. The staff were nice, but definitely more low-key. I would recommend any fish, but especially the salmon, it was soooo good! They also have some pretty interesting wines. The interior is rustic and pub-like, also pretty casual. Great experience overall!

Had a great dinner at Bailiez Café & Bar in Te Anau, just near the lake. Plenty of parking made it super convenient. We ordered the mushroom ravioli, prawn linguini, South Island Kiwi steak, and free-range chicken breast — all dishes were warm, generous in size, and absolutely delicious. A big thanks to the team for offering halal options like chicken, steak, and lamb shanks — really appreciated! Definitely recommend if you're in Te Anau and looking for a good meal in a relaxed setting.

There are three vegan food options including fries. We recommend the Crispy Tofu Sushi bowl as the Toufie Bao Bun with lettuce is not worth the money. This was our best and most fresh vegan meal option in Te Anau! We were also grateful for the hours (open for the full day) and ambience.

🤩HIGHLY RECOMMEND🤩 Food was FRESH & absolutely DELICIOUS. Must try! The restaurant was spotless including the restrooms. Bao buns are a MUST TRY & the topped loaded fries we ate way too eagerly 😂 Don’t over think it, just dine here and be blown away! 😋

Absolutely delicious food! I came on a weekday during lunchtime. I ordered the tuna poke bowl - this was surprisingly the nicest poker bowl I've ever had. The flavours just paired so well. The tuna was fresh and didn't taste metallic or fishy. I really liked how the veggies all blended perfectly. The pork adobo was also delicious, very well seasoned and tender. The place is clearly run by a family or people who love what they do and it shows. An absolute must visit

Best food we had in Te Anau! Everything was super tasty and cooked to perfection. We had the bao bun Bambi (the best of the dishes we got), the bao bun with tofu (a solid combo) and Vietnamese loaded fries with chicken and tofu chips. If we where to do it again we would skip the tofu chips and go for another bao bun or the sushi bowl. 10/10 would recommend!

Great food and service. It's located in the town center with indoor and outdoor seating. Their spicy tuna sushi bowl was fantastic. They also have a good wine selection. Highly recommended.

Feathered bao bun was average, Tom Kha Gai soup flavourless, tofu chips were good, Ginger beer was flat. Service was on the slow side. Not sure why this place is so highly rated on google maps. Maybe the loaded fries are the way to go here??

Great food, great staff! Stylish little eatery feels like you’re in a Foodie lane in Auckland. Ventured away the usual Bao buns and tried the Filipino pork Adobo. Pork was super tender and had so much flavour.

I have to say, this was the worst food and customer service experience we had during our entire two-week trip to New Zealand. The young man at the cashier clearly has no clue about customer service. He was not only rude but also reluctant to answer simple questions, making the entire interaction incredibly uncomfortable. The food was just as disappointing. All the chips were reheated—not fresh at all—and the fish had an awful taste, as if it had been sitting around for days. To top it off, there wasn’t even basic seasoning like salt available in the shop. What’s worse, there was no cutlery provided for dine-in customers. Instead, you’re expected to eat your fish with your hands unless you’re willing to pay extra for cutlery. Seriously? This is not only ridiculous but also unhygienic and completely disrespectful to paying customers. The shop’s management is an absolute disaster. It’s clear they couldn’t care less about their customers. The owner hasn’t even bothered to address the many one-star reviews or take any steps to improve the situation. This level of disregard for feedback and customer satisfaction is shocking. The place is overpriced, poorly managed, and offers nothing but frustration. Save your money and go elsewhere—you’ll thank yourself later. This was truly a disappointing and unforgettable low point in our trip.

Absolutely delicious, lots of vegetables, chicken and beef — we finished everything! So contented and so affordable, especially for a tourist area. The lady owner was always smiling and had such a pleasant attitude; she even brought cutlery to our table. The tall young man at the counter was also very nice and easy — friendly and handsome!

Delicious food at a reasonable price point. The staff is incredibly friendly as well. We loved the fish and chips as well as the sweet & sour chicken. You can also get small dishes like fried chicken and ice cream. Love everything we ordered, 10/10

best fish and chips I ever had! also best onion rings ever ! portion was MASSIVE, my partner and I could not finish it. this was all just above 50NZD 10/10 boys and girls

Great! I can recommend their food. We ordered a beef burger for $14 which was very good and larger than I expected. The Chinese beef with ginger and Shallots cost $20 + $2 for extra rice. It also was large and very good. I would definitely buy from there again.

Tried the Fujian-style fried rice and it was excellent! The rice was well-cooked with each grain perfectly separated, and the shrimp were tender and flavorful.

Overall it wasn’t the best but wasn’t the worse . The value for money simply isn’t there . We ordered 3 dishes for 4 people and it was barely enough - certainly no leftovers . The containers were probably 3 quarters full . Never had that before . The sweet and sour pork is delicious and we enjoyed that . Didn’t think much of the beef and the fried rice needed a bit of soy sauce it was very bland .

Very comfortable stay. My husband and I stayed in a deluxe studio as part of the Marakura Motel and the room was spacious, clean and comfortable. Very serviceable kitchen for cooking meals as well. The weather wasn’t great during our stay, but we still got a great view from our room. Great location close to town, and a good stop over to then do a day trip to Milford Sound. Staff very helpful at check in. Great laundry facilities too! Only constructive comment would be that we walked out of our room around 9am to find staff there wanting to service our room - check out isn’t until 10am, and their lingering made us feel quite rushed to get out. Minor detail as the other aspects of our stay were very positive.

We stayed at Te Anau Holiday Park for 2 days, and the experience was wonderful! It quickly became one of my favorite holiday parks. The scenery around the park is beautiful and the atmosphere is peaceful, making it a perfect place to relax. The facilities are well equipped and thoughtfully maintained — clean washrooms with shower cubicles and toilets, a kitchen, dining room, and laundry room for convenience. The location is also great, with hiking tracks nearby that cater to both beginners and those looking for something more adventurous. Overall, a fantastic stay in a scenic and relaxing environment. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Te Anau.

We had a motorhome powered site ... all amenities very clean and tidy ... most sites have a lake view ... the communal kitchen has an outstanding spacious glassed dining area; unobstructed views of the lake ... ... the amenities block is not heated, BUT such is a minor "first world problem", given the serenity ... oh, the town centre is a 10min walk

I booked a room at Te Anau Lakeview but didn’t end up staying because the whole town lost power that day. When I called the motel to cancel, they told me I still had to pay the full amount — even though they couldn’t provide any power, heating, or hot water. It’s very disappointing that instead of caring for guests in an unexpected situation, they chose to keep the payment for a service they couldn’t deliver. In New Zealand, customers shouldn’t have to pay when the service is unavailable. I would not recommend booking here.

Caravan site directly in front of some cabin. Understandably that our caravan would have block the view of those staying in the cabin but is not our fault as the design of the campsites is such. Kitchen not that great due to lack of dining table. Only can accommodate 3 groups. Need to walk far to throw rubbish after cooking as there is nk trash bin in kitchen. Only the sitting area within the new laundy area look great. Laundry is good.

Flat site for motorhomes Toilet facilities are great, warm and lots of them. Tiny cubicles though make it tight with kids. Great view Very close to town, 15 min walk along the river with little kids on flat surface. Can get change easy at reception from a machine for the laundry. Use the smaller laundry to wash and the larger one to dry as you get more time for your money. Great little playground for the kids and lounge area. Camp kitchen looked great Very good wifi

My partner and I booked this place, paid for it and switched up our plan at the last minute because of a change in the weather. The person at the reception was extremely kind and helped us cancel our booking with a full refund. She also let us use the facilities at the site to fill up our water and discharge our gray water. The place is run by supremely kind people and I’d definitely recommend it to people traveling to Te Anu.

Had the best couple of hours out on the water in a Fiordland Jet!! Lucy and Zane were fantastic hosts/drivers - highly recommended! Lots of stunning views and fun spins in an incredible part of the world ✨️

We had a fantastic time on the Fiordland Jet speed boat tour in Te Anau. The whole team was friendly, professional, and made the experience really enjoyable from start to finish. Our guide, Alex, was informative and engaging, we had a great time! She shared interesting stories about the land and made sure we felt comfortable and safe throughout the ride. The jet boat was exciting (360 spins and all 🤗), and the scenery along the river was stunning! When the engine was off we felt like we had the whole Fiordland to ourselves, such a surreal experience. Lucy, the operations manager, was super friendly and organized (she even gave us suggestions on other places to see and do!), and helped everything run smoothly. Chris (you'll know right away he's the owner 😄) was also around and it’s clear he takes a lot of pride in the experience they offer. This was a great way to see a different side of Fiordland and learn more about the region. Would definitely recommend if you’re in Te Anau and looking for something a bit adventurous but still relaxed and well-run.

Zayn was incredibly knowledgeable, fun and made my first jet boat experience a wonder! So happy we were able to book on short notice when the road to Milford Sound was closed - instead this experience of Te Anau is now a holiday highlight. Would recommend! The new mini bus to the lake was super comfortable plus they give you rain jackets, life jackets, beanies, gloves and sunglasses. Love supporting independent business. Thanks Amy and Zayne!

Our pilot Alex was great… they say that women are not good drivers, but trust me… the way she 360s is unique! Great fun! Well recommended activity here in Te Anau

We had a great time and the two hours of the tour flew by so fast! The river and the lake are very beautiful and the information provided by our guide Alex was very interesting and you could tell that she really enjoyed it. I was worried that I would be cold, but that was not the case at all! We got a jacket and a life vest it was really nice and warm under them. They also had sunglasses, hats, gloves and blankets for us. The spins were fun and not too crazy. Seeing a few Lord of the Rings filming locations was the cherry on top, but definitely not the thing that had it special. I would definitely recommend!

Had an incredible experience with Fiordland Jet! Alex was an amazing guide — super knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna and made the trip both fun and informative. Big thanks to Lucy for getting us there safely and smoothly. Would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area!

Outstanding experience from start to finish. From the welcome in the office by Alex to Zane's skippering skills, we had an absolute blast. The unexpected short walk on part of the beautiful Kepler track was a real highlight. If you're heading to Te Anau this has to be on your list.

Plenty of car parks around the playground. A good place for the kids. A lot of stuff to play too. There’s flying fox.

My kid loves this park! We went to this park every day during the staying in Te Anau.This park is good for the young to middle children.

It would have been a fantastic playground in its day. During our visit the flying fox was broken, I thought some of the other playground equipment was going to fall apart. Poor drainage so there were puddles that needed to be avoided. I hope the local council has the funding in place to undertake the necessary maintenance.

Those zip line chairs are legit. Spent easily 30 minutes racing with friends. Insider tip, the one on the right is heaps better. Sweet as

Best playground in Te Anau. Good for all ages and has two flying foxes for racing

Was great for our kids at 2 and 4. Flying Fox was a hit!

Te Anau icon. Take kids to the park and play. Adults should try the spinning wheel of death...even now I do not know how it works without risking concussion

One of the more average courses I have played. Needs a bit of reinvestment and maintenance. A family price would also be helpful. Still good fun for the kids.

Very cool Mini Golf in Te Anau. Stuff was very frindly and the price is very fair. Worth the play!

Honesty box system - open 24/7!

Had a lot of fun with my children and very interesting holes

Very fun activity and very reasonably priced!

Fun with the kids! :)

Had a great laugh here.

Small but nice little climbing gym. Had some really fun routes, creatively set. Had a great couple hours of climbing since it was raining outside.

Hugely impressed! The staff are really friendly, excited about their routes, and keen to hear feedback. Route setting is very impressive - no matter what the grade, every climb keeps you thinking. A worthy stop on your way to fiordland

The best climbing gym community!! Highly recommend this place 😍

A cool little climbing wall, enough boulders and spicy climbs to keep me entertained.

Dear Martin, I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding private tour experience my family and I recently had in New Zealand. From the moment we booked the tour to our last day, everything exceeded our expectations. Our guide Jakub was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly friendly and accommodating, ensuring we felt comfortable and well-informed throughout the trip. The itinerary was a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and personalized activities that catered to our interests. One of the highlights was our visit to the stunning Fiordland National Park, where the serene beauty left us in awe. The guided tours through the lush rainforests, and the encounter with local wildlife were truly unforgettable moments. Furthermore, the accommodations and dining recommendations were top-notch, providing us with a taste of New Zealand's finest hospitality and cuisine. Every detail was meticulously planned, making our vacation stress-free and thoroughly enjoyable. In short, our private tour in New Zealand was an unforgettable adventure, and we are incredibly grateful for your agency's exceptional service. We will definitely recommend your services to our friends and family and look forward to booking with you again in the future. Thank you, Valerie

Martin from Go2NewZealand organised a very enjoyable tour to visit the Guyton's Food Forest in Riverton. Martin provided valuable information on our destination prior to arrival, we had breakfast at a great café and were given plenty of options to look at other hidden gems the journey had to offer. Including stopping to look for whales!

We also went on the fabulous tour from Dunedin through to the Catlins, Riverton, Te Anau, Milford Sound and Queenstown. We are now excited about our next trip with Go2New Zealand. Our tour guide is again Martin and he has planned an exciting trip up the west coast of the South Island. If this nine day tour proves to be of the high standard of our last trip with Martin, my husband and I will be rapt.

We absolutely loved the excursion to Guyton's Food Forest and surroundings! A very inspiring experience in the quirky town of Riverton with our great guide Martin. Absolutely recommend joining Go2NewZealand tours!

Martin took a group of seniors from Te Anau to Christchurch to see the musical "Matilda." He was friendly, knowledgable and flexible, going out of his way to cater for the interests of our party. Martin knows some lovely cafes as well as good deals for accommodation. We absolutely loved our trip. Thank you Martin.

Martin took us the Guyton food forest in Riverton. He arranged everything for us, picked us on time and made the whole day very enjoyable. I highly recommend using him for all sorts of guided tours in the south.

Very good

Beautiful view

The best🏞️

It was heavenly

Fantastic place

(Translated by Google) Yeah, here are a few pictures (Original) Joa hier n’paar bilder