Things to do in Te Anau Downs

New Zealand has many lakes, most of which are surrounded by mountains, with winding coastlines, clear water and pleasant scenery. They are excellent tourist destinations. Lake Te Anau is the second largest lake in New Zealand and the largest lake in the South Island. Compared with the famous "Two Wakatipu and One Te" (Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka, and Lake Tekapo), the uniqueness and appreciation of the landscape are slightly inferior, and the popularity index is also lower. Because it is located on the main road to Milford Sound, there are endless tourists passing by and staying overnight in the lakeside town. The seaplanes on the lakeside take off and land, and the speedboats on the lake go in and out, which set off the blue sky and white clouds, the lake and the mountains, and have a unique charm.

Exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves was a truly unforgettable and educational highlight of our trip. Learning about the geological formation of the cave system—with its roaring underground waterfalls and ancient limestone rock—provided fascinating context before entering the main cavern. Discovering the intricate habitat and life cycle of the unique fungus gnat larvae (Arachnocampa luminosa) made the visit all the more insightful. Gliding quietly through the pitch-black darkness on a small boat while thousands of tiny glowworms illuminated the ceiling like a galaxy was pure magic. The tour was informative, well-guided, and undeniably captivating. Highly recommended for travelers seeking a unique mix of nature, science, and spectacular scenery!

A spectacular valley, the first place worth stopping when heading to Milford Sound National Park from Te Anau. Not far from Lake Te Anau along the road, after passing through a forest passage, the view suddenly opens up, with magnificent mountains and vast grasslands, which immediately make people's eyes bright. Whether it is self-driving, tour group chartered, or the two one-day tour buses operating Milford Sound Cruise Company, they often pull over here to let guests fully embrace nature. Continuing the journey, passing through another forest passage, we soon arrived at Mirror Lake, which is close to the end of the valley.

One of the most unforgettable experiences of our New Zealand trip! 🇳🇿❤️ The moment we sailed through Milford Sound, we were surrounded by towering mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery everywhere we looked. It was one of those moments when you just put your phone down for a second and take it all in. Nature is truly amazing, and Milford Sound is even more beautiful in person. Definitely an experience we’ll always remember! ✨⛰️

The only downside was the lack of a sheep shearing show. The BBQ was great, and considering the price included food, it was definitely worth it. Overall, the boat trip was very relaxing, with the boat ride to the BBQ area taking about 40 minutes. It's a good option if you like a more leisurely pace of life, especially on a nice day. The only downside was the lack of a show, which made it a bit boring.

Skydiving is super fun, 15,000 feet, the free fall feels like life is free! The package comes with a handheld camera, with photos and videos. After the jump, it will be sent directly to your email for you to download. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to the base.

The views here are absolutely stunning! The luge ride was so much fun, and three rides definitely weren’t enough — we could have gone for more! The lamb at the buffet was also delicious. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and definitely worth it!

Mirror Lake in Queenstown is a very beautiful and peaceful lake. Just like its name, it is like a huge mirror, lying there quietly, reflecting the blue sky and the surrounding endless snow-capped mountains. The scenery is really beautiful, and it is hard to tell whether it is the lake or the sky that is so beautiful.

​We blasted through the dramatic, towering walls of the Shotover Canyons at mind-bending speeds. Skimming over water that felt mere centimeters deep and executing those famous full 360-degree spins was pure exhilaration! Our driver was an absolute master at the helm—delivering maximum heart-pounding thrill while keeping everyone feeling completely safe and secure throughout the ride.​It’s an unforgettable experience to share together—equal parts breathtaking scenery and high-octane excitement. Easily one of the absolute highlights of our trip to New Zealand. 10/10 MUST DO!

Milford Sound is one of the most iconic natural landscapes on New Zealand's South Island, often hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," and a UNESCO World Heritage Site within Fiordland National Park. The most classic experience here is a boat tour. The boat glides through the dark waters of the fjord, flanked by steep cliffs carved by glaciers. Mettler Peak soars into the clouds, and Bowen and Stirling Falls flow year-round. After rain, countless temporary waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle. With luck, you might spot seals basking on the rocks, or even encounter dolphins and Fiordland penguins. Overall, Milford Sound isn't a "check-off" destination; it's best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The waterfalls are often more spectacular on rainy days, so don't let rain deter you from your trip. If you have ample time, consider departing from Te Anau or opting for an overnight cruise to avoid the daytime crowds and create a more immersive experience.