TE ANAU, NEW ZEALAND
Te Anau is one of New Zealand’s best travel destinations for those obsessed with the outdoors! It is not only close to both Milford and Doubtful Sound, but it is also near some of the best hiking trails in all of New Zealand - and possibly the world! 3 of New Zealand’s “10 Great Walks” pick up near Te Anau (Routeburn, Kepler, and Milford) and trust me, you will not want to miss these!
Attractions:
Milford Sound: A sound is an ocean inlet between two bodies of land - and yes, they are absolutely gorgeous! Milford, the more popular sibling to Doubtful, is 2 hours driving from Te Anau. There are plenty of tour buses running the route daily and once here, the most popular thing to do is take a cruise through the sound. There are many different tour companies (JUCY, Mitre Peak, etc.) but the cruises are all very similar. Expect to pay $60-$100 NZD ($43-$72 USD) for a 2-hour cruise. If you drive, parking is $10 NZD/hour.
Doubtful Sound: Doubtful is more of a logistical journey than Milford because it is only accessible by boat, but some say it is the prettier of the two! Go Orange and Real Journeys both run 7-hour tours to Doubtful Sound from Manapouri, 30 minutes driving from Te Anau, for $199-$299 NZD ($144-$216 USD). From Manapouri, the cruise across the lake to West Arm is 1 hour followed by a 45-minute bus over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove. From here, you will board your 2.5-hour cruise across Doubtful Sound. You will then make the journey back!
Trekking in Fiordland National Park: This national park has arguably the best tramping in New Zealand! If you plan to hike here, keep in mind that during busy season (November-April), most huts and campgrounds require bookings in advance; use the maps in the links below to book your accommodation. Expect to pay roughly $130 NZD/night ($94 USD) as an international visitor. Outside of busy season, everything is first come first served.
Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay Hut: This small section of the famous Kepler Track (see below) starts 12km outside of town. The 3.5-mile (6km) round-trip hike takes 3 hours.
Routeburn Track: 20.5 miles (33km) one-way, this takes 2-4 days to hike. It meanders through some of New Zealand’s finest tarns (mountain lakes) and alpine gardens!
Kepler Track: This tussock-covered, 37-mile (60km) loop trail takes 3-4 days to complete. Be prepared to make new friends; this is the most famous of the hikes listed here!
Milford Track: Coined “the finest walk in the world” by poet Blanche Baughan, this 33.5-mile (54km) one-way hike takes 3-4 days to complete. It runs through valleys carved by glaciers as well as alongside rushing waterfalls!
Hollyford Track: This trek is 35 miles (56km) long and takes 4-5 days one-way. It winds through lush forests along the gushing Hollyford River and is one of the better trails for seeing wildlife.
Lake Te Anau: Relax, read, journal, or nap by the South Island’s largest lake!
Other things to check out: North Mavora Lake, Fiordland Jet, Dock Bay, and Kepler Mire.
Accommodation:
YHA Te Anau: Walking distance from Lake Te Anau, this hostel has a great outdoor area with lots of space to play volleyball, lay out, and barbeque! The staff members are super friendly and can help you navigate all of the surrounding hikes. If you plan to travel by bus, it is also just 5 minutes walking from the main bus stop.
Transportation:
Te Anau’s main bus station is Te Anau Bus Stop; all buses below leave from here.
Queenstown is 2 hours by car from Te Anau. The bus ride is 3.5 hours and costs $49 NZD ($35 USD).
The Catlins are 2.5 hours by car from Te Anau. The bus and taxi ride is 3.5 hours and costs upwards of $175 NZD. The bus ride from Te Anau to Invercargill is 2.5 hours and costs $50 NZD ($36 USD). From Invercargill, a taxi to the Catlins is 1 hour and costs $125-$175 NZD ($90-$126 USD).
Wanaka is 3 hours by car from Te Anau. The bus ride is 6 hours (indirect) and costs $73 NZD ($53 USD).
Lake Tekapo is 5 hours by car from Te Anau. The bus ride is 8 hours (indirect) and costs $89 NZD ($64 USD).
Mount Cook Village is 5 hours by car from Te Anau. The bus ride is 9 hours (indirect) and costs $213 NZD ($154 USD).
Fox Glacier is 6.5 hours by car from Te Anau. The bus ride is 11.5 hours (indirect) and costs $118 NZD ($85 USD).
Christchurch is 8 hours by car from Te Anau. The bus ride is 11.5 hours and costs $83 NZD ($60 USD).
The closest airport to Te Anau is Queenstown Airport (ZQN), 164km (102 miles) away. As listed above, the bus ride is 3.5 hours and costs $49 NZD ($35 USD).
