10 Fun Things to Do in Te Anau
Here is a list of 10 fun things to do in Te Anau.
Explore the amazing Glow Worm Caves
Known for their amazing bioluminescent shine, Te Anau glowworm caves are a web of limestone tunnels populated by sculpted rocks, unexpected whirlpools and a sub-terrain waterfall.
They are the home of the species known as Arachnocampa luminosa, or glow worms that resemble mosquitos. These worms live in colonies and prefer damp places located near running water. The gentle luminescence of hundreds of little glowworms creates a magical, unforgettable sight.
A favourite attraction of many tourists, you can reach these twelve hundred years old wonders by one of the boats that leave several times a day from the lakeside in Te Anau. It is one of the best things to do in Te Anau, so make sure you put a trip to the Glow Worm Caves at the top of your list.
Discover trout species at Te Anau Trout Observatory
Open for more than 40 years, this observatory offers you the chance to discover trout species - brown and rainbow trout, up close. The observatory once operated as a trout hatchery and now has small and large species of this common fish. You can reach Te Anau Trout Observatory with a ten-minute walk around the lake. This attraction is also home to paranephrops, known as kōura, a freshwater crayfish native to New Zealand.
Try one of the three Great Walks
New Zealand has ten Great Walks, highly appreciated by the public and easy to follow, and three of them are accessible from Te Anau.
These walks are perfect for a day trip or several day hikes, offering an opportunity to admire a majestic sighting, enjoy fresh air and stay healthy.
Test your skills in an escape room
Escape rooms are an experience played in teams that requires you to use your wit, courage and ingenuity to decipher the clues given in the themed room that you and your teammates are locked in. The goal is to escape the themed room and have fun in Te Anau.
Admire rare birds at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
Lake Te Anau’s shoreline is home to a sanctuary where you can admire rare bird species like the flightless takahē, kea, korimako (bellbird), Pīwakawaka (fantails), pāteke (brown teal), tūī, kōwhiowhio (blue duck), kererū (wood pigeon) or kākā.
Bird watching at the sanctuary is one of the most interesting things to do in Te Anau, especially for families with kids whose curiosity will be rewarded by these species, with some being bred and rehabilitated in the sanctuary before returning to the wild.
Enjoy one of the Lake Te Anau cruises
While there are many cruises you can take while visiting Te Anau, we recommend an overnight one. On this cruise, you can wake up admiring the sunrise on Fiordland’s Sounds waters, an opportunity to enjoy surreal imagery offered by nature and refill your batteries with peace and serenity.
When the boat stops in the middle of Fiordland National Park, you will have the impression you have landed in the middle of a fairy tale: the scenery is fantastic!
Relax and have fun in Ivon Wilson Park
This native-trees parkland is a must-see destination as it has everything: a beautiful lake in the middle of the domain, a disc golf field, a cycle track, locations where you can fish for trout, a spectacular background courtesy of Fiordland Mountains and perfect-for-picnic locations.
With so many enjoyable activities, there is no wonder this park is amongst the best things to do in Te Anau! Whether you want to relax in the afternoon, play with the children before lunch or exercise in the morning, Ivon Wilson Park has it all!
Try Te Anau helicopter tours
As gorgeous as they are, some sights in and around Te Anau cannot be properly admired except from the air!
If you want to see Fiordland National Park in its pure majesty, the only way to do so is by taking a helicopter tour. These tours can often pick you up from your Te Anau hotel, transfer you to the local airport’s launch pad, and once the helicopter is in the air, will delight you with unforgettable views of Fiordland’s forests and valleys, Lake Manapouri’s peaks and Te Anau’s basin and farmlands.
Enjoy the amazing traditions of the Te Anau Tartan Festival
If you’re looking for original activities during your visit to Te Anau, the Tartan Festival is the right place to be!
Fun and tradition are the keywords of this Scottish-heritage event as it provides dance, competitions and family and friends games and activities!
The “catch” is to wear a tartan or a kilt since this festival is created and attended by many Scots whose ancestors emigrated to New Zealand in the 19th century!
Each year in April, this event is a celebration of everything Scottish, from traditional dancing and stone carrying to caber toss, a tug ‘o’ war and Pipe Band Drumming competitions!
Finish your day in one of Te Anau’s hot pools
Ever wonder what it would be like to enjoy a relaxing hot bath outside, surrounded by beautiful flora and spectacular imagery? No need to wonder anymore, as this dream can come true in Te Anau!
Relaxing in fresh mountain water is a favourite thing to do in Te Anau, as it provides emotional serenity and physical relief after a day spent hiking, cruising or visiting various local attractions. Prepare your senses as they are about to be indulged by the hot tubs in Te Anau and create an impression that will stay with you for a long time!
Whether you choose one or all the activities listed above, you will surely enjoy an unforgettable experience in Te Anau, a breathtaking location surrounded by scenery beyond imagination!
