Fabulous Fiordland
With spring here and summer on the way, what better time to pack your boots and head to the hills in Te Anau?
Perched on the edge of
Fiordland National Park – part of the magnificent Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area – Te Anau is one of the world’s best loved walking capitals, and a magnet for walkers the world over.
Tracks strike off into some of New Zealand's most stunning scenery, with breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, tussock-clad plateaux, glacial lakes and lush native rainforest. Thanks to its prime location, Te Anau manages to grab a lion-sized share of the country's most distinguished walks – the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks are all listed among New Zealand’s Great Walks.
For walkers wanting to tackle some of Fiordland’s more demanding tracks, Te Anau is a great place to stock up on provisions, and you can check the weather and track conditions at Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre on Lakefront Drive before leaving. If you don’t fancy going it alone – and let's face it, those packs can get heavy – there are plenty of local companies offering guided walks and tours. When you've finished, head back into town to soak your aching bones in the spa, then kick back and relax in comfort at one of the local bars or cafés.
Hiking Highlights
Lace up your boots and hit your stride on these much-loved hiking tracks. You’ll need an average to good level of fitness, but more leisurely walkers can find details of shorter walks at the visitor centre.
Milford Track
New Zealand’s most famous track takes walkers on a four day, 54km journey through Fiordland’s dramatic landscape, heading up over the Mackinnon Pass (1154m). The track starts from Lake Te Anau’s Glade House, finishing at the stunning Milford Sound (Piopiotahi). Highlights include a launch trip on Lake Te Anau (included in the booking price), the Milford Sound and Sutherland Falls, native beech forest, deep valleys and alpine tarns. There are good huts en route, but no camping. The track is open November to March, and bookings are essential.
- Routeburn Track
Another Fiordland National Park gem, this three-day 39km walk offers spectacular forest and alpine scenery in Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks. Walkers start from Te Anau or Glenorchy, passing over the Harris Saddle (1277m). Highlights include alpine lakes and scenery, beech forest and views of the Darran Mountains and Hollyford Valley. There are four huts and two campsites. Bookings are required during summer and snow covers the track in winter.
Kepler Track
The Kepler Track provides a four day 60km alpine circuit between Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri in Fiordland National Park, crossing over the Luxmore Saddle (1270m). En route, you’ll see mountain beech forest, lakeside tracks and alpine peaks with beautiful views over Lake Manapouri and Te Anau. Bookings are essential.
- Hollyford Track
This four day, 56km walking trail leads from the craggy rock faces of the Darren Mountains down to the sand dunes of the Tasman Sea and windswept Martins Bay. Highlights include Lake Alabaster, Fiordland's longest swing bridge, the Hollyford River and dramatic views of Fiordland's highest peaks – Mount Tutoko (2746m) and Mount Madeline (2537m).
- Greenstone-Caples Track
This five day, 70km hike takes walkers up over the McKellar Saddle (945m), crossing beech-forested valleys, wide grass flats and spectacular gorges along the way.
Hiking Hints
- Most of the tracks can be walked independently but guided walks are available for the Milford, Routeburn, Greenstone and Hollyford tracks.
- During the summer season, space is limited on the three Great Walks – Milford, Kepler and Routeburn. Advance booking is essential – contact Great Walks - Dept of Conservation
- You can get track information, arrange transport, book for walks and pay for hut passes at the Fiordland i-SITE Visitor Centre in Te Anau.
- Remember, up to 7m of rain can fall suddenly at Milford Sound and weather conditions can change very quickly. Be prepared with proper wet weather gear and emergency supplies, and check conditions with the Visitor Centre before you set out.
- Always notify someone of your departure and your expected arrival time, and use the hut intentions book en route if there is one.
Te AnauTe Anau offers seven-day shopping facilities and a full range of visitor services including banks, ATM machines, medical and dental services, rental car companies, information and booking centres. Dining is excellent and Fiordland delicacies such as venison and lobster are available at the local restaurants.
Getting There
Coach and air services bring passengers in from the
West Coast,
Christchurch,
Queenstown,
Dunedin and
Invercargill. Coach connections link up with cruises at
Milford and Doubtful Sound.
Useful websites