Te Anau

Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ

Begin your Te Anau Glowworm experience with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau on board the luxury catamaran, Luminosa, to the western side of the lake. On arrival, you'll enter the caves through Cavern House, where informative displays detail the history of this 12,000 year old underground network. You'll then explore by limestone pathway while your guide points out hidden whirlpools, sculpted rock formations, and a rushing underground waterfall. See a magical display of thousands of glowworms as you glide through the darkness in a small boat.

Pure Wilderness Jet Boat with Fiordland Jet

Jet boat down the Waiau river, across Lake Manapouri, to the ancient forest of the Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the thrill of jet boating down the majestic trout-filled Waiau River, to the serene Lake Manapouri. Step foot into the Fiordland National Park and go for a short walk while learning about the ancient beech forest and ferns. Your jet boat ride includes a number of stops at the exact locations of the filming the "Fellowship of the Ring" on the Waiau or "Anduin River". The driver will tell you the inside story of the filming the Lord of the Rings on this river. The trip will also include some thrilling 360 degree turns and spins as well as interesting interpretation about the flora and fauna and the local European and Māori history.

Ata Whenua - Shadowland Film at Fiordland Cinema

Ata Whenua refers to the southwestern coast of New Zealand and translates to english as "Shadow Land". This breathtaking short film will take you on an unforgettable journey through one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth, Fiordland National Park. Shot by award-winning cinematographers with outstanding musical composition, this is the next best thing to a scenic flight over this spectacular wilderness.

Milford Sound Kayaking Day Safari with Roscos Milford Kayaks

You’ll be collected from your accommodation this morning for your drive along the magnificent Milford Road, rated one of the best road trips in the world.  You’ll pass through rainforests surrounded by towering mountain scenery and your guide will show you all the special spots along the way.  On arriving into Milford Sound’s Deepwater Basin you’ll gear up for your kayaking adventure.  You’ll kayak around Milford Sound for 3 - 3.5 hours, taking in all the highlights including the Pembroke Glacier, mile high Mitre Peak and towering sea cliffs and waterfalls.  You’ll enjoy lunch on the sound before continuing on your kayak adventure past the many waterfalls and wonderful wildlife.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.

Routeburn Track Guided Day Walk - Lunch included

Enjoy a guided day excursion from Te Anau to Key Summit on the renowned Routeburn Track. Begin the journey with a spectacular scenic drive along the Milford Road to the Divide Shelter which is the starting point for the guided walk to Key Summit. There are opportunities for short nature walks and photo stops along the way. Departing from the shelter, the walk ascends through lush, temperate rainforest on a well maintained track. The steady climb takes approximately 2 hours at a leisurely pace. A maximum of 12 walkers with a Trips and Tramps guide provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the natural and human heritage of Fiordland. Gaining an elevation of 400 metres, you'll emerge from the forest into the alpine environment, with panoramic views of high snowy peaks, alpine lakes, and deep bush clad valleys. On a fine day you'll enjoy lunch on the summit amidst the alpine tarns, and in unfavourable conditions in the shelter of a nearby tramping hut. After lunch steps are retraced to the Divide Shelter before returning to Te Anau by coach. Hot drinks and energy snacks are included and will be carried by the guide. A reasonable level of fitness is required to enjoy this walk.

Doubtful Sound Experience with Fiordland Helicopters

Fly over Lake Manapouri, through to the heart of Fiordland to the spectacularly dramatic Doubtful Sound. The second largest of the fourteen fiords, Doubtful Sound enjoys fewer visitors than its busier sister Milford, but is equally beautiful. Enjoy a flight through the
glorious, hidden valley known as Campbell’s Kingdom on your way home, a secret seen by only a few lucky souls. Land in the wilderness and soak up the scenery before climbing over the impressive Main Divide and returning to base via the South Arm of lovely Lake Te Anau.

Doubtful Sound Gold Star Experience with Fiordland Helicopters

Embark on Fiordland Helicopters Gold Star flight for an immersive journey into the heart of Fiordland, where the allure of untouched beauty awaits. Your adventure begins with a breathtaking flight over the serene Lake Manapouri, guiding you towards the spectacular and dramatic Doubtful Sound. As the second largest of the fourteen fiords, Doubtful Sound offers a tranquil escape with fewer visitors than the bustling Milford Sound, yet it radiates an equal, if not greater, splendor. This exclusive trip includes two wilderness landings, granting you the rare opportunity to stand in places where few have ventured and to marvel at the boundless beauty of Fiordland. On your return journey, soar through the hidden valley known as Campbell’s Kingdom, a secret gem admired by only a fortunate few. Conclude your journey with a landing in the wilderness, allowing you to absorb the pristine scenery before crossing the majestic Main Divide. The adventure wraps up with a flight over the South Arm of the enchanting Lake Te Anau, returning you to base with memories of an unforgettable aerial exploration.

Doubtful Sound Scenic Flight with Southern Lakes Helicopters

A flight to Doubtful Sound ‘The Sound of Silence’ will take you into the very heart of Fiordland. Climb over Wilmont Pass into Doubtful Sound and land at Campbell’s Kingdom, a beautiful hanging valley complete with its own lake and waterfall. Glimpse Bradshaw Sound and fly over the main divide of the Southern Alps before landing at Mt Kidd.

Doubtful Sound Sea Plane Flight

Running short of time? This is the perfect way to experience Doubtful Sound. Fly over Lake Manapouri and the South Fiord of Lake Te Anau to the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound. See stunning waterfalls and unspoilt scenery which will leave you in awe of this dramatic region.
This flight takes you to a remote area of the South Islands' rugged West Coast. Sometimes called the Sound of Silence, there is a cloistered serenity within Doubtful Sound that is a contrast with its near neighbour, Milford Sound. At 421 metres deep Doubtful is the deepest of the fiords and is long and winding with three distinct arms. The distance from Deep Cove to the open sea is around 40.4 kilometres. It is also home to New Zealand's highest waterfall - the Browne Falls at 836m (2,742 ft).

Dusky & Doubtful Sound Gold Star with Fiordland Helicopters

Visit the southern part of the South Island’s wild West Coast and experience the many scattered islands and early history unique to one of New Zealand’s largest fiord, Dusky Sound. Soak up the feeling of such a remote and untouched location that can only be accessed by helicopter/plane or by boat. Your return journey will take you into Doubtful Sound, through the hidden valley of Campbell’s Kingdom, and back down the South Arm of Lake Te Anau.

Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound Sea Plane Flight with Wings & Water Te Anau

Fiordland is described in Māori Legend as Ata Whenua - The Shadowland. Soar above and absorb the sheer size and landscape of this ancient land to see why. Combine the famous Doubtful Sound with the untouched beauty of Dusky Sound, you can expect an exhilarating flight of endless peaks, glacial calved landscape, waterfalls, and over 350 islands scattered throughout the coastal region.

Evening Champagne Cruise with Fiordland Historic Cruises

There’s good reason that Fiordland is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Aboard Faith you sail across the deep waters of Lake Te Anau, between untouched mountains, and into South Fiord. Take a moment to appreciate the elegance of the era you're about to step into, celebrating the meticulous attention to detail and masterful craftsmanship of the mid-1930s. Drinks and canapés are your reward; sit back and relax on deck or in the grand, wood-panelled cabin as Faith carries you home again. Help hoist the sails, visit the engine room and learn the remarkable history aboard this historic vessel. 

Fiordland Guides Fly Fishing

Fiordland is world renowned for the quality of its fly fishing. The crystal clear unpolluted waters are managed as a wild fishery producing good stocks of large Brown and Rainbow trout. Fiordland Guides specialise in upstream sight fishing and all fishing is catch and release. Experience true wilderness fishing amongst stunning scenery on remote rivers in Fiordland. (Optional helicopter fly ins direct from the Lodge), or try back country fishing on rolling New Zealand farmland. Fiordland Guides organise multi-day trips for variety of water and scenery: an unforgettable experience each day.
Fiordland Guides have 30 years of fly fishing experience and are a licenced owner-operator guiding service whose licence permits to guide on rivers and water ways in most regions of the South Island of New Zealand.

Most of the fishing is in the Fiordland and Southland regions, though you can travel further afield if required. There are over forty rivers and streams within 1 hour 30 minutes travel of Te Anau. They vary from small spring fed streams to moderate sized rivers. These waters are all managed as a wild fishery. The mountains of Fiordland are clothed in rich rain forest and here true wilderness fishing is as good as it gets. During settled weather, the rivers run clear, and large brown and rainbow trout can be seen cruising in deep pools. Away from the mountains and forest, the rivers flow across farm land with an ever changing landscape. Access along the river banks is some what easier than in the mountains and good stocks of both brown and rainbow trout abound.

Fiordland Heli Hike with Southern Lakes Helicopters

Begin your experience with a scenic flight departing from the lakefront in Te Anau into the Kepler mountain range, known as the local's playground. As you fly over the hidden lakes your pilot will land at a gorgeous mountain tarn, step out of the helicopter, and breathe in the crisp alpine air, as you overlook the rugged mountains with no one else in sight. Aboard the heli again, flying over the remote mountains before reaching your destination, Luxmoore hut to begin your hike one on of New Zealand's great walks. We suggest you climb up the track a little to be greeted with the most stunning mountain views, or even the chance to explore the fascinating lime caves and take your time to soak in the sights before embarking on your journey along the track back to base. During your hike, you will descend down into the bush, climbing past towering limestone bluffs silver beech forest trees, and lots of wildlife to reach Brod Bay which lies on the shores of Lake Te Anau where you will meet your Water Taxi to be transferred back to the lakefront of Te Anau to end your amazing day.

Fiordland Lodge

Set on a superb site with commanding views out across Lake Te Anau this is a rural setting with rolling grass lands surrounding the Lodge, Lake Te Anau being a mere ten-minute walk away. Across the lake to the west lie the mountains of Fiordland National Park, an area of over three million acres of untouched wilderness and part of the much larger South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. The enjoyment of food and wine is integral to the experience on offer at Fiordland Lodge and the use of quality ingredients being seasonal and regional and largely organic are fundamental to their cuisine philosophy. Food is a focal point and you'll be hard pressed to find something on the menu that isn't homemade or locally grown. Fresh organic vegetables, greens, herbs and eggs are harvested daily from the huge onsite vegetable garden, so each season nature offers a new palette for the kitchen team to create dishes. A changing evening menu also means that you get to experience as much of New Zealand’s wonderful food as possible. There are numerous activities available from Fiordland Lodge such as guided fly fishing and nature walks also the conservation gold sponsor experience where you will join a local volunteer to work on a conservation project for the day.

Half Day Fly Fishing Upper Waiau River with FishJet NZ

The Waiau River is truly one-of-a-kind. Teeming with Brown and Rainbow Trout and bordering Fiordland National Park, the Waiau combines low fishing pressure with extraordinary Mayfly hatches for a fly fishing experience that’s truly world class yet often underrated. A larger waterway; highly experienced guides break the Waiau down and fish it like a small river. Dotted with islands, beaches and eddies that are impossible to reach on foot, custom-built boats are used to navigate to the river’s best fishing spots, sometimes fishing from the boat drift-style. Don’t be put off by the use of the jet boat – trout on the Waiau are forgiving and settle fast once the boat has moved through. This is a great fit for anglers looking for an outstanding fly fishing adventure. It’s also a perfect river for those just getting to know fly fishing – the guides are friendly and patient.

Kepler Heli-Hike with Fiordland Helicopters

Fiordland Helicopters can help you see what the Kepler has to offer without walking the 60km hike! Take a scenic helicopter flight across Lake Te Anau to Luxmore Hut on the Kepler Track with views of the vast lake and the Kepler Mountains all around you. Once landed, you will begin hiking one of the most scenic sections of the Kepler Track.

Kepler Mountain Experience with Fiordland Helicopters

This flight is a wonderful introduction to Fiordland National Park. The moment you’re in the air, you’re transported to another world. Watch as Te Anau township shrinks below you before heading into beautiful, remote wilderness. Enjoy commanding views of Lakes Manapouri & Te
Anau as you soar over the rugged Kepler Mountains. Fly over the peaks and land on a remote mountaintop. From here, you will have views of Lake Te Anau and aspects of the Kepler Track which is one of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks.

Kepler Track Guided Walk

Enjoy a guided walk from Te Anau alongside the Waiau River, Lake Te Anau or Manapouri on the Kepler Track.
The track has a gentle gradient, is well maintained and suitable for all abilities. During the walk the Trips & Tramps guide details native fauna and flora, explains the unique beech forest ecological cycle and shares conservation efforts made on the Kepler Track and around Fiordland. Enjoy a classic kiwi cuppa at a scenic location and share a yarn with your local guide.

Milford Sound Scenic Helicopter Flight

Fly north over Lake Te Anau to discover the northern parts of Fiordland National Park including the iconic Milford Sound, with its Sutherland Falls, Mitre Peak, and towering ice capped mountains. Your return journey will take you along the Murchison Mountains, a special conservation area paramount in the management of the endangered flightless Takahe. Continue your scenic flight above and beyond Milford Sound into the heart of Fiordland's biggest mountains. Glacier landing included.

North & South - Milford, Doubtful & Dusky with Fiordland Helicopters

From the dramatic mountains of iconic Milford Sound to the many scattered islands of Dusky Sound. This is the ultimate flight! Fly above Milford Sound to step foot on a spectacular glacier, before making your way south to visit Doubtful and Dusky, locations rich in history. Not only
will you see the three most famous fiords of Fiordland, but also the 10 lesser known ones in between! Take in the breathtaking and diverse scenery they all have to offer.

Pure Wilderness Jet Boat & E-Bike Ride with Fiordland Jet

Join our Pure Wilderness tour as we journey down the Upper Waiau River to Lake Manapouri for a brief walk in Fiordland National Park. Experience thrilling spins and high-speed runs along the way, with stops to explore the area's rich history and stunning landscapes. Keep an eye out for trout in the crystal-clear waters, listen to the calls of native birds, and discover the secrets behind three Lord of the Rings film locations.  At the end of the jet boat tour, skip the bus ride and hop on your bike for the best 11 km (7 mi) of the Lake2Lake Cycle Trail. The E-bike option is perfect for those who are not confident in their fitness level – no experience required! You'll ride towards Te Anau, following the river's unseen section, past the Lake Te Anau Control Gates, the Bird Sanctuary, and finally to our office—right next to the pub! There are plenty of spots to rest, picnic, or take a dip on a sunny day. The trail is mostly easy, but a moderate fitness level is recommended for the hills along the way.

Pure Wilderness Jet Boat and River Bike Ride with Fiordland Jet

Jet boat down the Waiau river, across Lake Manapouri, to the ancient forest of the Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the thrill of jet boating down the majestic trout-filled Waiau River, to the serene Lake Manapouri. Step foot into the Fiordland National Park and go for a short walk while learning about the ancient beech forest and ferns. Your jet boat ride includes a number of stops at the exact locations of the filming the "Fellowship of the Ring" on the Waiau or Anduin River, where the driver will tell you the inside story of the filming the Lord of the Rings on this river. The trip will also include some thrilling 360 degree turns and spins as well as interesting interpretation about the flora and fauna and the local European and Maori history.  At the end of the jet boat tour, skip the bus ride and hop on your bike for the best 11 km (7 mi) of the Lake2Lake Cycle Trail. You'll ride towards Te Anau, following the river's unseen section, past the Lake Te Anau Control Gates, the Bird Sanctuary, and finally to our office—right next to the pub! There are plenty of spots to rest, picnic, or take a dip on a sunny day. The trail is mostly easy, but a moderate fitness level is recommended for the hills along the way.

Scenic Cruise and Walk with Fiordland Historic Cruises

There’s good reason that Fiordland is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Aboard Faith you sail across the deep waters of Lake Te Anau, between untouched mountains, and into South Fiord. You will also do a short, guided walk that reveals to you the mystique of Hidden Lakes. Drinks and canapés are your reward; relax on deck or in the grand, wood-panelled cabin as Faith carries you home again. Help hoist the sails. Visit the engine room. Learn the remarkable history of this elegant lady and enjoy a relaxing 3 hour journey aboard this historic vessel. 

Te Anau Highlights & Lord of the Rings with Cheeky Kiwi

This small group, fully guided day trip combines Te Anau’s top highlights with a Lord of the Rings experience and the option to add on some of the area's amazing activities, making this the ultimate way to experience stunning Te Anau. Led by the famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Highlights include: Mavora Lakes, Lord of the Rings sites including - Dead Marshes, Fangorn Forest & The River Anduin, Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, Fiordland National Park, Rainbow Reach, Kepler Track & Waiau River

Te Anau Wildlife Centre

Fiordland is home to a wonderful variety of native birds, whose habitat ranges from the rugged mountain and forest environments to the wild west coast seashore. The Te Anau Wildlife Centre is the ideal setting to learn about some of Fiordland's wildlife. The centre offers the opportunity to view the rare flightless takahē, now restricted to the tussock grasslands of the Murchison Mountains of Fiordland. Native waterfowl, weka, parakeets, tui, kea, kākā and pigeons are all part of the setting. The centre's main aviary houses a number of native birds. The native pigeon, tui, kea and kaka or bush parrot can be seen here. Another aviary houses native parakeets.

The Works Scenic Flight with Southern Lakes Helicopters

This flight takes you on a spectacular journey from sea level to mountain tops, taking in Fiordland’s top three destinations. From Dusky Sound, which is New Zealand’s largest fiord, to Doubtful Sound and iconic Milford Sound including everything in-between. The ultimate Fiordland experience!

Walking tracks in and around Te Anau

Lake Te Anau is a great place for lots of activities including walking, tramping, boating, fishing, hunting, kayaking, mountain biking, swimming and water skiing at Brod Bay. Te Anau is the closest town with facilities to Fiordland National Park, a wilderness area famed for tramping and spectacular scenery.

Kepler track: Carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay
From the Kepler Track carpark, the track follows the lake shore through mountain and red beech forest, with kamahi and some scattered rimu and miro and yellow-flowering kowhai.
Distance: 5.6 km return via same track. Completion Time: 1-3 hours return

Kepler Track: Carpark to Rainbow Reach
From the Kepler Track carpark, the track follows the terraces of the Waiau River along the Kepler Track through red and mountain beech forest to Rainbow Reach.
Distance: 9.5 km return via same track. Completion Time: 2.5 hours one way

Kepler Track: Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut
From the Rainbow Reach carpark, cross the swing bridge and follow the track to the Control Gates for 200 m before turning left towards a short steep ascent. After that the track is gently undulating and wanders through mountain beech forest with some great river views. Some scenes in the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed near this part of the river.
Distance: 6 km return via same track. Completion Time: 3 - 3 hours 30 minutes return

Kepler Track (Carpark to Luxmore Hut)
Carpark to Luxmore Hut - This strenuous walk provides impressive views of Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri and Te Anau basin on one side, and the Murchison and Kepler Mountains on the other.
Distance: 13.8 km one way return via same track. Completion Time: 8-10 hours return

Visitor Centre to Upukerora River Track
This easy track leads alongside the Te Anau lakefront to where the Upukerora River flows into the lake.
Completion Time: 3 hour return