Te Anau and surrounding area

The walking tracks offer a sense of freedom and inspiration that is seldom found elsewhere in the world. The popular Milford Track is accessed from Lake Te Anau and the Kepler Track is within walking distance of the town centre. A wide range of services and facilities also ensure that the needs of every traveller are catered for. 

Let us know if we can help you to plan your visit.

Milford Sound

Cruise the idyllic waters of Milford Sound and admire the magnificent scenery that this unique fjord has to offer. Lying at the most northern and accessible end of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is reached either by road, air or foot. The road to Milford Sound is considered to be one of the world’s finest alpine drives. There are plenty of tour operators providing travel to Milford, or you can take your own time and drive yourself.

Visitors to Milford normally opt for a cruise of the sound by launch, and the experience for most is unforgettable. This is a unique opportunity to get close up views of some of the best scenery Fiordland has to offer. Be inspired as mountain peaks soar overhead and waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into the sea below. Seals are a common sight as they bask on rocks. 

Milford Sound Web Camera

On a nice sunny day take a helicopter ride with Milford Helicopters. The Grand is undoubtedly the most diverse helicopter flight New Zealand has to offer.

Or are you really into underwater life? Visit the underwater observatory in Harrison Cove and get a different angle on the unique underwater marine life.

Milford Sound offers several activities including diving, tramping, sea kayaking, fishing, short walks and more.

Weather Forecast for Milford Sound

Doubtful sound

Coined the ’Sound of Silence’ Doubtful Sound is the deepest of Fiordland’s 13 fjords. Virtually untouched by man, its cascading waterfalls and serene, brooding atmosphere is quite simply, breathtaking. The physical grandeur of towering peaks descending into moody waters, outstanding waterfalls from high-up ice-age valleys and fjords clad with ancient vegetation, create a powerful atmosphere of solitude and serenity.

Three times longer than Milford Sound and with a surface area 10 times larger, this is an unspoiled wilderness of many moods. Browne Falls cascades 619m to the fjord near Hall Arm and Helena Falls is an attractive feature of Deep Cove. Seals and dolphins are frequently seen, as well as the occasional penguin.

Captain James Cook sighted the entrance to Doubtful Sound on his first voyage to New Zealand in 1770. He called the place Doubtful Harbour. He did not enter the fiord because he was doubtful of his exit back to sea. Today one of the most popular of all Fiordland tourist trips is the return one day excursion from Manapouri to Doubtful Sound. However if you have time we recommend an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound.  

Modern launches leave Pearl Harbour at Manapouri (20 minutes drive from the township of Te Anau) and cross beautiful Lake Manapouri to West Arm. A short scenic trip over the Wilmot Pass leads to Deep Cove at the head of Doubtful Sound.

If you are keen to explore other fjords (recommended) take a cruise, usually from three to seven days long. Winter ones are regular, otherwise often only on demand, ask us!