Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

Te Anau Accommodation & Activities

As one of the largest collections of lakes on the Southern Island, Te Anau is a go-to area of natural beauty for many who visit this region. For those who want to visit Milford Sound, it is the nearest town with an abundance of accommodation options. Driving in good conditions, it takes you just 2.5 hours to reach Milford Sound from Te Anau, which means you may want to look into staying there if you’re not from the area. While there, you can take the opportunity to indulge in some of the many activities the area has to offer.

a group of people on a rock


Te Anau Accommodation Options

With over 4,000 beds to sleep in while in Te Anau, the chances of you being unable to find accommodation are extremely slim. Thanks to the diverse nature of the accommodation there, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Boutique hotels, chains, camping, and self-catering facilities are all available. Thanks to their close proximity to the State Highway 94, each one acts as the perfect base for exploring Milford Sound. In the surrounding area, you’ll find every convenience you need while away from home. This includes the local Sandfly Café where you can enjoy a low-cost lunch, the quirky La Roulotte campervan that sells crepes, and a diverse range of other options in between.

Shopping is available seven days a week, from the usual gift stores to grocery stores where you can stock up on food for your travels. Thanks to its close proximity to freshwater, Te Anau is an excellent place to indulge in fish that would otherwise cost a lot in different destinations. Both lobster and crayfish are widely available, and are likely to be fresher than anything you’ve tasted elsewhere.

Te Anau Activities

It should go without saying that one of the most popular activities people look forward to in Te Anau is visiting Milford Sound. While cruising is certainly a popular option, you can also look into kayaking, snorkeling, or simply driving there and having a walk around. If you’re in the area for a while, it’s a shame not to take the opportunity to explore Milford Sound in a range of ways.

Milford Sound aside, visitors to Te Anau can also explore the local glowworm caves. To reach the glowworm caves you’ll need to take a cruise, after which you’ll immerse yourself in the dark caverns lit up by thousands of tiny glowworms.

Sea kayaks and jet boats are also available for the waters surrounding Te Anau, giving you the chance to explore them from a rage of vantage points.

Of course you don’t have to rely on tour guides or organized activities to make the most of Te Anau. If you look towards the local Department of Conservation, you’ll find that there’s plenty to do in terms of nature-filled scenery. The Te Anau wildlife centre is a go-to destination for those who love to see birds, especially the rare takahē, which is flightless.

If you’re intending on visiting Milford Sound from elsewhere in New Zealand, or even somewhere else in the world, you can’t go wrong by staying in Te Anau. Not only is there loads of accommodation available, you’re just 2.5 hours away from your dream destination, and there’s plenty to enjoy in the local area.

Alpine View Motel Accommodation

Alpine View Motel is a Gateway to sensational Fiordland,Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound.

Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

We invite you to enter a world where elegance and generous hospitality meet sophistication and style.

Te Anau Accommodation and Activities

As the best town to stay in for those looking to explore Milford Sound, Te Anau has plenty to offer in terms of accommodation and activities. Whether you enjoy going wild on the water or slow explorations, there’s something for you.

a group of people on a rock