Fiordland (Te Anau)

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
Stunning view of Milford Sound's scenic fjord with mountains and calm waters in New Zealand.
Esther Grosscurt, Pexels

Fiordland (Te Anau) serves as the primary gateway to the vast Fiordland National Park, renowned for its dramatic landscapes of fiords, lakes, and mountains. This destination offers a diverse range of outdoor adventures and immersive nature experiences.

While not having distinct social districts, Te Anau's backpacker hostels provide spacious communal areas, including kitchens, lounges with fireplaces, outdoor courtyards, and gardens, fostering an environment for travelers to connect.

Top 5 Things to do in Fiordland (Te Anau)

Fiordland (Te Anau) offers a range of immersive outdoor experiences, from breathtaking fiord cruises to adventurous hikes and unique wildlife encounters, catering to those seeking natural beauty and active exploration.

1. Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Embark on a cruise through the iconic Milford Sound, often described as one of the world's most spectacular fiords. You will pass towering waterfalls, vertical cliffs, and observe marine life such as seals, dolphins, and the Fiordland crested penguin. Cruises typically last around two hours, offering both indoor and outdoor viewing decks. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, and allow ample time for the scenic drive to Milford Sound itself. The fiord is particularly stunning on a rainy day when hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascade down the cliffs.

Cost: A Milford Sound Nature Cruise from Milford Sound typically starts from NZD 127.20 per person. If departing from Te Anau, a coach and nature cruise combination can range from approximately NZD 194.65 to NZD 289 per person, which includes return transport and the cruise.

Transport: The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, covering 117 kilometres along State Highway 94. Many tour operators offer coach transport from Te Anau, which includes commentary and scenic stops along the way. Self-driving is an option, but be prepared for winding roads and limited cell service.

2. Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Experience the remote and expansive wilderness of Doubtful Sound, a fiord three times longer and ten times wider than Milford Sound, offering a profound sense of solitude. The journey to Doubtful Sound is an adventure in itself, involving a boat cruise across Lake Manapouri, a coach trip over the scenic Wilmot Pass, and then the main wilderness cruise. You can expect to see dramatic landscapes, lush rainforest, and a higher chance of spotting wildlife such as dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins due to less boat traffic.

Cost: Day cruises from Te Anau start from approximately NZD 361 per person. Tours from Manapouri, which is closer, start from around NZD 339. Overnight cruises, a highly recommended experience for deeper immersion, start from approximately NZD 719 per person and often include meals and kayaking.

Transport: Access to Doubtful Sound is solely via guided tour. The journey from Te Anau begins with a 30-minute bus ride to Manapouri, followed by an hour-long ferry across Lake Manapouri, then another 30-minute bus ride over Wilmot Pass to the fiord, where you board the cruise. The entire trip from Te Anau takes about 9 hours.

3. Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

Venture into the mystical Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a unique geological wonder formed over 12,000 years. The experience begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau. Once inside, you will explore the intricate limestone passages with a guide before being silently glided in a small boat into a grotto illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms, creating a spectacular star-like display. Photography is generally not allowed inside the caves to preserve the delicate environment and ensure a magical experience.

Cost: Tours typically cost around NZD 99-105 for adults and NZD 35-40 for children.

Transport: The tour departs from the RealNZ Visitor Centre on the Te Anau lakefront, which is easily walkable from most accommodations in Te Anau town centre. The experience includes a boat cruise across Lake Te Anau to the cave entrance.

4. Kepler Track Day Walk (to Luxmore Hut)

For those who enjoy hiking, a day walk on a section of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand's 'Great Walks', offers rewarding views. A popular option is to take a water taxi across Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay and then hike up to Luxmore Hut. This moderately challenging climb takes you through lush native forest and into the alpine zone, offering panoramic views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding mountains. It's an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse scenery of Fiordland without committing to the full multi-day trek. Remember to pack your own lunch and water.

Cost: A water taxi to Brod Bay costs approximately NZD 24-35 for adults and NZD 15 for children for a return trip. There is no hut fee for a day walk. Guided day hike packages are also available, which may include transport and a guide, ranging from NZD 1275 (jetboat option) to NZD 1495 (heli-hike option) as part of multi-day packages.

Transport: Water taxis depart from the Te Anau lakefront, taking approximately 15 minutes to reach Brod Bay. The trailhead at the Control Gates is also a 50-minute walk from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, or you can drive/hitchhike to the Control Gates car park.

5. Te Anau Bird Sanctuary (Punanga Manu o Te Anau)

Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, a haven for native New Zealand bird species, including the rare and endangered flightless Takahe. Located on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the sanctuary offers boardwalks for easy viewing of various birds such as Kākā, Kererū, and Tūī in a natural setting. It provides an opportunity to learn about New Zealand's unique avian life and the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting these species.

Cost: General entry for self-guided visitors is free, though donations are encouraged to support conservation efforts. Guided tours are available for NZD 10 per adult (children free) on specific days and times, which can be booked at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre or directly at the sanctuary on Sundays.

Transport: The sanctuary is a short, easy walk from the Te Anau town centre, located near the lakefront.

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