About
Te Anau

Te Anau: Gateway to Fiordland's Natural Wonders

Experience the serene beauty of Te Anau, the perfect base for exploring Fiordland National Park and launching your Milford Sound adventure. This charming lakeside town offers breathtaking scenery, peaceful surroundings, and access to some of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes, making it an essential stop on your South Island journey and the ideal starting point for unforgettable Milford Sound cruises.

Getting to Te Anau

Te Anau is easily accessible by road from major South Island destinations, with regular coach options and excellent driving routes for travellers of all kinds.

Located on the shores of magnificent Lake Te Anau, this picturesque town serves as the main gateway to Fiordland National Park. From Queenstown, the drive takes approximately 2 hours along a scenic route through rolling countryside and mountain vistas. Invercargill is about 2 hours away via Highway 94, offering another convenient approach. Te Anau is also the last major stop before Milford Sound, situated 120km (about 1.5-2 hours) from this world-famous fiord, making it the ideal overnight base for your Milford Sound cruise or day trip adventure with Southern Discoveries.

Activities in Te Anau

Discover a variety of outdoor adventures and relaxing experiences in and around Te Anau, from scenic lake cruises to glowworm caves and pristine hiking trails that showcase the region's natural splendour and unique wildlife throughout every season.

Cruises

from $130.50

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Day Trips

from $238.50

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ex Queenstown or Te Anau

Towns near Te Anau

Explore the charming neighbouring towns that complement your Te Anau visit. From adventure-packed Queenstown to the natural wonder of Milford Sound, each destination offers unique experiences within easy driving distance.

About Queenstown

Just a 2-hour drive from Te Anau, Queenstown is renowned as New Zealand's adventure capital. This vibrant alpine town offers year-round activities including skiing, jet boating, and bungy jumping, alongside sophisticated dining and shopping options. Many visitors combine Queenstown's thrills with Te Anau's tranquility for a complete South Island experience that balances excitement with natural beauty.

Explore Queenstown

About Milford Sound

Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies 120km north of Te Anau. This majestic fiord, carved by ancient glaciers, features towering Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife including seals and dolphins. Southern Discoveries offers unforgettable Milford Sound nature cruises and day trips from Te Anau, showcasing one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions in all its pristine glory.

Explore Milford Sound

Weather in Te Anau

Te Anau experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, making it a year-round destination with each season offering unique charms and photographic opportunities.

Summer (December to February)

Summer (December-February) brings long, warm days perfect for hiking and water activities, with temperatures averaging 18-22°C and extended daylight hours until late evening.

Autumn (March-May)

Autumn (March-May) offers spectacular gold and amber foliage and mild weather ideal for comfortable exploration.

Winter (June-August)

Winter (June-August) transforms the landscape with snow-capped mountains and crisp, clear days around 5-10°C, perfect for cozy evenings after daytime adventures.

Spring (September-November)

Spring (September-November) delivers fresh greenery, blooming wildflowers, and gradually warming temperatures. Te Anau receives significant rainfall year-round, which maintains the lush rainforests and powers the region's magnificent waterfalls that are highlights of any Milford Sound cruise.

Where to Eat in Te Anau

Te Anau's diverse dining scene offers everything from casual cafés to fine dining establishments, with many showcasing local Fiordland and Southland specialties that reflect the region's natural bounty.

Despite its small size, Te Anau boasts impressive culinary options that cater to all tastes and budgets throughout the day. Local restaurants pride themselves on serving fresh South Island produce, including famous Fiordland venison, wild game, and crayfish caught from nearby waters. Many eateries feature panoramic lake views across the stunning Lake Te Anau, creating perfect settings for memorable meals after a day of exploration. Cafés serve excellent coffee and freshly baked goods for pre-adventure fuelling, while specialty food stores offer local products to take home as edible souvenirs. For a truly unique experience, try a dining cruise on Lake Te Anau combining spectacular scenery with regional flavours.

Day Walks around Te Anau

Te Anau serves as the starting point for some of New Zealand's most scenic day walks, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging forest trails that showcase Fiordland's remarkable biodiversity.

The Te Anau lakefront track offers a gentle, scenic walk suitable for all fitness levels, with stunning views across the lake to the mountains of Fiordland National Park. For those seeking a taste of New Zealand's famous Great Walks, the first sections of the Kepler Track provide excellent day hiking options without requiring overnight stays or extensive preparation. The Kepler Track access point is just minutes from town, making it incredibly convenient for visitors. The Lake Mistletoe track offers a short forest walk with interpretive signs about local flora and fauna, perfect for nature photography enthusiasts. For wildlife lovers, the Ivon Wilson Park and Bird Sanctuary provides easy walking tracks with opportunities to spot native birds in a tranquil setting before or after your Milford Sound adventure.

History of Te Anau

Te Anau's rich history spans centuries of Māori heritage, European exploration, and the development of tourism in one of New Zealand's most spectacular regions that continues to captivate visitors today.

The name Te Anau comes from the Māori term "Te Ana-au," meaning "The cave of swirling water," referring to the famous glowworm caves nearby that remain a popular attraction. For centuries, Māori travelled through this area gathering precious pounamu (greenstone) and food resources, leaving their cultural imprint on the landscape. European settlers arrived in the 1880s, establishing farming communities that laid the foundation for modern Te Anau. The true transformation came in the early 20th century when tourism began developing, particularly after the completion of the Homer Tunnel and Milford Road in 1954, which made Milford Sound more accessible to travellers from around the world. Today, while preserving its small-town charm and relaxed atmosphere, Te Anau proudly serves as the gateway to Fiordland National Park and its world-renowned natural wonders, including the magnificent Milford Sound cruises that showcase this pristine wilderness.

FAQ

Are there sandflies?

There are sandflies in Milford Sound. To avoid being bitten, bring mosquito spray with you and wear long-sleeve clothing and trousers. Mosquito spray is available for purchase from Discover Milford Sound Cafe & Information Centre in Milford Sound.

Do you have webcams in Milford Sound and Queenstown?

Yes, you can view how the weather and day looks in both destinations. Check out our Milford Sound webcam here. Check out our Queenstown webcam here.

Is there parking in Milford Sound?

Yes, there is paid car parking at the Milford Sound public car park. This car park does fill quickly in the summer months, so we advise getting there early.

Where do Milford Sound cruises leave from?

All cruises leave from and return to the wharf at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.

Do you operate on Christmas Day?

All trips operate on different schedules. Please refer to the individual trip for dates and times. Most experiences operate on Christmas day, but are subject to schedule updates and weather.

Will I see wildlife?

Milford Sound has an abundance of wildlife and is home to New Zealand fur seals and bottlenose dolphins year-round. Rare Dusky dolphins are known to visit the fiord and the world’s rarest penguin, the Fiordland Crested Penguin/Tawaki visits Milford during breeding season (August - November) and moulting season (March/April). While there is wildlife in Milford Sound, we can’t guarantee sightings as these are wild animals in their natural habitat. A visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory offers more wildlife viewing opportunities with an abundance of sea life below the surface.

What cruise is best for wildlife viewing?

Every cruise provides the opportunity to view wildlife, but we cannot guarantee sightings. Our Nature Cruise includes plenty of stops for viewing the amazing geology and occasional wildlife, our skipper and friendly boat hosts will be sure to point out any wildlife.

Do your lunches have vegetarian options?

Yes, picnic lunches can be ordered as vegetarian or vegan. You can select this when booking online.

Are the lunch options halal?

All meat is certified Halal.

Which Milford Cruise is best for kids?

All cruises are suitable for children.

What’s the difference between the cruises?

Please check out our Cruise Comparison table, where you can see our range of cruises and the vessels. https://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/milford-sound/cruises-compare/

What should I bring on my Milford Sound cruise?

Due to the changeable nature of the weather in Milford Sound, it’s a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, warm clothing and to wear comfortable shoes. We also have ponchos available for purchase so you can enjoy a glacial facial under Stirling Falls.

Is there somewhere to get a coffee or snack in Milford?

Yes, Discover Milford Sound Information Centre & Cafe is the perfect place to grab a coffee or a hot snack before or after your cruise. It's located beside the main carpark and is a short 15-minute walk to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.

Do you have COVID-19 restrictions in place?

Southern Discoveries complies with all government guidelines for COVID-19. Currently, while there are no specific regulations in our activity, we have advanced cleaning and staff protocols in place to improve the safety of our customers and team.

What weather can I expect in Fiordland?

Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in the world with an average annual rainfall of 7 metres per year. Rainfall can reach 250 millimetres in 24 hours and creates dozens of temporary waterfalls (as well as several more permanent ones) that cascade down the cliff faces, some reaching a thousand metres in height. The high rainfall is why Milford Sound is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and rainforest. The temperature in Milford can vary depending on the season and can go from an average high of 19C (66F) in summer (Dec – Feb) to 9C (48F) in winter (Jun – Aug). All our vessels have spacious indoor areas with comfortable seating for cruising in all weather conditions.

Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?

Milford Sound is the wettest place in New Zealand and one of the wettest places in the world! Many visitors are shocked to know that this true world wonder actually measures its rainfall in metres (and not millimetres like most of the world.) In fact, in 2016 Milford Sound received over nine metres of rain! Doubtful Sound is also rainy with an average of 3-6 metres of rain per year. Both fiords are magnificent to visit in rainy weather due to the significant amount of waterfalls. The fiords come alive with water streaming down sheer cliffs - a magical sight not to be missed.

How likely are we to see wildlife in Fiordland?

Altough we cannot guarantee wildlife viewing, it is very likely that you will see the New Zealand fur seal, and likely more than just one or two! Dolphins are often sighted swimming alongside cruise vessels. Two species of penguins make Milford Sound their home at various times throughout the year. Little blue penguis and the Fiordland crested penguin - known at the Tawaki. Often hard to find and see, it is always a delight to spot them when we do.

How long does it take to travel to Milford Sound?

It takes approximately five hours to get to Milford from Queenstown depending on the time of year and road conditions. It takes approximately two hours to get to Milford Sound from Te Anau. You can drive a car or campervan or take a coach tour. We always recommend allowing plenty of time to get to Milford as the journey there is as spectacular as the cruise itself.

More FAQ's

Get in touch

in New Zealand

0800 264 536

Overseas

+64 3 441 1137

reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz

AboutTe Anau