Walks from Te Anau
Te Anau is widely known as the walking capital of the world. Its tracks pass snow-capped peaks, tussock-clad alpine reaches, lush rain forest, lakes and waterfalls. Three of its most popular walks, the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks, are listed among New Zealand's Great Walks. All tracks can be walked independently but guides are available for the Milford, Routeburn, Greenstone and Hollyford tracks. The Kepler Track is a circular track starting and finishing close to Te Anau, while the Milford Track starts up the lake at Glade House. Fees to use any of the 60 huts along the 500km of tracks are payable at a Department of Conservation office before departure. Up to 7m of rain falls at Milford Sound and weather changes very quickly, so be prepared and check conditions with the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau before departure.
Key walks:
- The Milford Track
A 3 night/4 day 52km walk with its highest point at Mackinnon Pass (1154m). Highlights include the Sutherland Falls, a launch trip on Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound, beech forest, deep valleys and alpine tarns.
- The Routeburn Track
A 2-3 day, 39km walk with its highest point at Harris Saddle (1277m). Highlights include alpine lakes and scenery, beech and rain forest and views of Darran Mountains and Hollyford Valley.
- The Kepler Track
A 4-5 day, 67km hike with its highest point at Luxmore Saddle (1270m). It traverses beech forest, lakeside tracks and alpine peaks with views over Lake Manapouri and Te Anau.
- The Hollyford Track
A 3-4 day, 56km low-altitude hike. Highlights include Lake Alabaster, Fiordland's longest swingbridge, the Pyke River and views of Fiordland's highest peaks, Mt Tutoko (2746m) and Mt Madeline (2537m).
- The Greenstone-Caples Track
A 4-5 day, 70km hike with its highest point at McKellar Saddle (945m). Highlights include beech-forested valleys, wide grass flats and gorges.
- The Dusky Track
A 7-10 day, 84km hike with its highest point at 1100m. This is difficult, steep terrain best suited to experienced, well-equipped hikers. Highlights include alpine passes, Lake Hauroko (New Zealand's deepest lake), Lake Roe and Loch Maree.
Guided walking tours are provided by the following companies:
- Guided Walks New Zealand
- Ultimate Hikes
- Kiwi Discovery
- Routeburn Walk
For more information: