This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Te Anau.
Te Anau is located on the shore of Lake Te Anau in Fiordland, on the South Island of New Zealand -- it's one of the biggest lakes in New Zealand. The town is used as the main entrance to the magnificent Fiordland National Park, one of the best places you can find in this country -- if you arrive in Te Anau that's just because you'll be heading your way to Fiordland National Park; if not, you should!
Te Anau is also known for hosting one of the great walks of New Zealand, the Kepler Track, a three- to four-day track (around sixty-seven kilometers) that starts in Lake Te Anau. If you are a tramping lover, you'll need do do it! If you're not, you should think about doing it. The landscape changes dramatically as you go along the track -- it starts in the lake, goes through alpine ridge tops and a glacial valley. You'll have bus shuttle and some boat service from the end and beginning of the track. Another great attraction in Te Anau is the glowworm caves -- if you've never seen one, you'll have to do it here!
It's really easy to get to Te Anau by car or bus from Queenstown or Invercargill, the biggest cities nearby. North from Te Anau you have the beginning of the Milford Road that will lead you all the way to Milford Sound -- the main touristic attraction in Fiordland.
It will be easy for you to find a hostel in Te Anau (there are several) -- this town is the main place to start your discovery of Fiordland. All the economical activities here are related to tourism -- the only exception are some farms around this area. The city breathes tourism in summer, so you can expect nice hostels in Te Anau, with good conditions, but not so cheap.
Written by local enthusiast for Te Anau hostels
CoffeeMarks