Fun things to do in Te Anau: 15 fun attractions and activities

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.

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.

During the Great Walks Season, late-October to early-May, the huts are fully operational with water supply, flushing toilets, washbasins, and cold, running water. There is also heating with fuel available and normally a common area with solar lighting. Finally, there will be fuel cooking facilities, but no cooking utensils. You must have a booking to stay in a hut during this season

On one hand, thanks to the work of all these volunteers the nature surrounding the great walks is still intact. I wouldn't be otherwise. On the other hand a lot of effort is spent in making "walks" out of these "hikes", which takes away the connection you might built up to the nature. You experience civilization not real nature. For quite a high price!

Recommended for those who like trekking. It can be quite tiring but the views are amazing. Makes you feel like you are part of the fellowship of the rings!

Everything is lovely in New Zealand. Best option is to cycle on this track. Lovely place to spend the evening.

Central place for great walks around te anau : Kepler, Milford, Routeburn. Lots of other info too. 👍DOC facility

great views. in high season very crowded

Awesome place, great views

We did the overnight tour. Sean and Juanita were incredible. You are in for a treat if you have them for your crew. The visuals were incredible and the food was absolutely delicious (shout out again to Juanita). We swam, kayaked and Sean even got us under a small waterfall.

What a fantastic experience! Dave and Jenny are the sweetest hosts imaginable to a small group of strangers that they expertly lead through Doubtful sound and surrounding sounds and fjords (yes, there is a difference which they will explain!) on a 24 hour, overnight tour. Food, drink (non alcoholic),sights, sounds, smells and warmth included. Highly recommended! Sandro & Carolien

Man o Man ! It was worth every penny and most importantly time spent. You guys were amazing and very welcoming. This is what real customer service means, leaving an impact ! I recommend to subscribe them with eyes closed.

We had a dream two week+ trip in NZ, with many memorable experiences. This overnight trip really stood out as the highlight! David and Jenny were awesome guides and hosts in every way. The boat was comfortable and the views spectacular at every turn. Jenny artfully prepared our fresh catches into a scrumptious dinner. We saw penguins, dolphins, and sea birds along with at least a dozen phenomenal waterfalls. If you are even remotely considering this trip you owe it to yourself to go!

We had very dreary weather, which made for alot of time inside the cabin of the boat, but it was still so magical. We saw +100 waterfalls, ate the most delicious food, got to kayak, and even went for a chilly swim! If youre on the fence, BOOK IT! Worth every penny. Thanks Jenny and David!!

Super one day and one night trip on the Southern Secret. We were lucky enough to have Adam & James looking after us and they were superb hosts. The lunch, dinner and breakfast were excellent with plenty of great freshly caught and cooked food. This isn’t the most luxurious of boats I’ve been on, but every en suite room was supplied with lovely bedding and was very clean. The bed itself was surprisingly comfy. Despite quite a lot of rain - which was great for the waterfalls, we managed to get some great fishing in between downpours. Would highly recommend one night on Southern Secret if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy some like minded company on the beautiful Doubtful Sound. We chose this over Milford Sound despite it being a little harder to get to as it’s much, much quieter than Milford Sound. Many thanks

We had an amazing time! Great crew and and amazing place! Clint, Jenny & David we’re amazing! The entire tip from pick up; boat over and Southern Secret herald were excellent. Highly recommend - you’ll have Doubtful Sound to yourselves. It’s an amazing place that feels otherworldly. I’ve never eaten so much Crayfish and Jenny was super skilled and superhuman!

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.

Really easy to book online with lots of info and a reminder email. Great friendly water taxi driver, no waiting. The day walk up to the waterfalls on the Milford Track were ok but at $65 to access the track, I would consider finding another short walk.

The journey to Milford was smooth and save! They replied fast to all the emails and questions even on weekends. The skipper Sam was very friendly and communicated well to everyone. On the way back, we had a ride on a jet boat which was even more fun! Very comfortable and picturesque ride on the bus back to Te Anau.

Great company! We enjoyed our boat taxi to the Milford track and loved that it was very frequent so didn’t have to wait on the way back. Our skipper Greg, was friendly and very helpful for when I made a mistake on my booking. Would recommend to anyone travelling here ☺️ thank you 🙌🏼

Water taxis were well maintained and prompt on the Milford Track sojourn. Drivers were friendly and helpful beyond the scope of their duties. (I.E. Calling the Milford Shuttle to pick us up) VERY RELUABLE. Great value for the fee. Website well designed and easy to navigate. Skipper of the water taxi found and returned my trekking poles after id left them on the boat🥰

Made doing the Milford Track nice and easy. They relocated our car which made everything so much simpler, the process of picking up/dropping off lockboxes worked great. Will use again, definitely recommend.

Fiordland Outdoors - Great place to start your planning to do the NZ best hikes in Southlands. Fiordland outdoors helped me plan my entire running/hiking in Southland/Fiordland. I managed to tick off Milford track, Kepler & Routeburn tracks within a week time with the help of Fiordland Outdoors. The logistics - water taxis, bus connections & guidance is great. This includes their great connections with other organisations who offered services on tracking devices, car relocation etc. I am greatful to enjoy my trip without having to think too much about the logistics. Thank you.

Fiordland Outdoors made it very easy to go on the beautiful Kepler track for just a day. I left at 8am and went up to the Mt.Luxmore summit and came back on the 4:30pm. They also have an option to come back at 2:45 if you get back earlier! The water taxis were great, the people were friendly and you didn’t have to get your feet wet at all. Thank you again!

From start to finish of the cruise was a 5 star experience. The crew & service was amazing, the sail boat was spectacular a big thank you to Adam & Megan. Highly recommend this memorable experience for everyone.

On a whim we booked last minute, and is our best whim yet. Family of four. Adam the skipper is very knowledgeable and interested in his guests, loves a chat. The morning tea and refreshments were very tasty. The short walk in the national park is a very easy walk. If it has been raining, take the stick offered, it helps. The three hour round trip is well worth the spend, and next time we're in town we will cruise with them again.

Halfway through our 15-day trip in New Zealand, we experienced the highlight of our journey — everything was just perfect. If I heard correctly, last week’s storm on the South Island destroyed the pier, but thanks to Megan and Sophie for waiting for us at the location on Google Maps. They were so kind and welcoming, and even arranged for us to take a water taxi to board the boat offshore — such a unique experience! Megan and Captain Adan’s smiles truly warmed our hearts. We’re so grateful that you offer this wonderful activity. As a history lover, I was lucky to meet 90-year-old Faith, who was guided and cared for with such professionalism by Adan and Sophie. With the perfect weather and stunning scenery, it was truly the best example of “天時、地利、人和” (the right time, the right place, and the right people). We can’t wait to sail with you again someday!

We had an absolutely magical afternoon aboard Adam and Megan's sailboat, Faith, in the stunning Fiordland region. From start to finish, it was a truly special experience. The views were simply breathtaking — we had the entire lake to ourselves, creating a sense of serenity and intimacy that you don't often get on larger tours. Being in such a small group made the entire experience feel incredibly personal and exclusive. One of the highlights was the privilege of having both the current and previous owners of Faith onboard, sharing their fascinating stories about the boat's rich history. It was clear that Faith has truly "seen the world," and we loved hearing about her adventures over the years. We also enjoyed delicious canapés and drinks as we cruised, adding an extra touch of luxury to the experience. The owners, Adam and Megan, were so warm and welcoming — their hospitality made us feel right at home. Their knowledge and passion for the region, the boat, and the history of Fiordland really brought the whole experience to life. This was the perfect way to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We couldn’t have asked for a more unique, intimate, and memorable way to enjoy this beautiful part of New Zealand. Highly recommend this historical cruise for anyone looking for a truly special experience!

We had a wonderful experience on the boat. Adam, Meg and Nina were fantastic hosts, passionate to share about the history of the boat and the wildlife of Te Anau. The food and drinks were a pleasant surprise. We will keep this moment as one of our most precious ones in NZ. Thanks again !

A wonderful experience and cannot recommend it enough. Faith is the most beautiful boat and the cruise itself takes in some jaw-dropping scenery. The crew are super-friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgable about the area and the boat, and the food - in our case, a high tea - was delicious. I’m running out of superlatives so please just take my word for it, and go! Don’t forget your cossie if the weather looks good for swimming as jumping off the boat (or in my case clambering off the dock) and swimming in the crystal clear water was a highlight. The bush walk to the Hidden Lake is well worth it, and it is an easy stroll with lots of amazing flora along the way. On the way back to Te Anau we were able to hoist the sails and really enjoy our cruise on the Lake in a beautiful historic yacht. Faith and her crew are an absolute must for anyone visiting Te Anau.

A beautiful cruise on a beautiful watch with beautiful people, what more could you ask for on an afternoon in Te Anau? The couple that run this cruise on their historic yatch are great examples of South Island traditional hospitality and charm. If you have time while in Te Anau then be sure to take one if their cruises in the morning, afternoon or evening. I am sure that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

We had a most memorable trip on Lake Te Anau and up the South Fiord with Chris on his boat. We contacted Erica only an hour or so prior to arriving in Te Anau and were amazed at how accommodating they were to get us on board when it suited us best that afternoon. Lake Te Anau and the South Fiord particularly are a stunning example of Fiordland and Chris gave us such a special experience that we will never forget. We HIGHLY recommend their cruise to anyone looking for that something special. Thanks Chris and Erica. Rob and Lynn March 2025

What a really neat thing to do on Lake Te Anau. Chris and Erica have a great tour exploring the South Fiord of the lake. As a local, I found this an informative and interesting tour. I will be recommending this trip. If you are staying in Te Anau and have the time, check out Te Anau Cruises

Had a fantastic tour today with Chris and Erica - it was a wet and cold day but they made us feel welcome and kept us dry. Very interesting and informative tour with majestic scenery. We got up close to beautiful waterfalls and learned about the creation of the lake. Highly recommend doing this small, personalized tour if you get the chance.

We had a great time on Cruise Te Anau. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable, the boat was comfortable, and the small group size made it relaxed and family-friendly. Lots of amazing sights and good value for money — highly recommended!.. Also does fishing tours as well...

My goodness where to start, for a memorable journey, for the ultimate kiwi experience and Southland adventure Cruise Te Anau I would highly recommend. Best decision we could have made. Erica was awesome and kept us amused an informed with her commentary. Chris was delightful and knowledgeable as the boat driver. The scenery was magnificent, the weather perfect for a cruise through Fiordland. The bush walk was magical, and the paddle boarding was a self-rewarding experience. All I can say is it was the most fantastic amazing day ever!!!

The personal small boat experience with Erica and Chris was the highlight of my visit to Te Anau. Having done the larger, more popular boat trips on the sounds before, the opportunity to go out on a wonderful small boat spoke to me. There were only 7 of us aboard, including Erica and Chris who manned the boat. We sailed away and it was heaven. Then stopped to dock for a magical walk through a lush rainforest to the Hidden Lake, had coffee and homemade scones on deck and got picked up by a float plane for an aerial tour and ride back to shore. What a day! These guys deserve to be the highest rated boat trip out of Te Anau, but for now it’s our little secret. Do Not Miss this One!

It was a wonderful experience in Te Anau. Thank you Erica!! for telling us about Fiordland National Park and sharing your passion for this land. If you have the chance to visit, don’t miss it—you won’t be disappointed.🩵🌏

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.

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