Te Anau Walks
Opportunities for walking abound in Fiordland. These range from short walks close to Te Anau, suitable for people with less than a day to spend, to some of the most famous Great Walks, varying in length from several hours to a few days.
Short Walks in Te Anau
If you're really short of time (or energy) there are three short walks to enjoy in Te Anau. Just 5 minutes from the Fiordland National Park Visitor center is Ivon Wilson Park, 35 hectares of natural vegetation and planted native and exotic trees, with attractive paths and picnic areas.
Only 15 a minute walk from the Visitor Centre is the Te Anau Wildlife Centre where you can see native birds such as tuis, kakariki, Kaka, kea and takahe.
A 50 minute walk from the Visitor Centre takes you to the Control Gates, which regulate water flows between Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri for the West Arm hydro-electric power station.
Longer Walks
From the Control Gates there's a 30-minute walk beside the lake to Dock Bay, or a 1 hr 30 minute walk to picturesque Brod Bay. From here there's a track that climbs through mountain and silver beech forest to Luxmoore Hut on Mt Luxmore - you'll need to allow 8-10 hours for this reasonably strenuous walk.
In the opposite direction (south) from the Control Gates you can take a track following the Waiau River and across a swingbridge to Rainbow Reach (2-3 hours), or continue on to Shallow Bay on Lake Manapouri (approx. 3hrs return trip from Rainbow Reach.)
Walking Tracks
Some of the most spectacular tracks in the world are within easy reach of Te Anau. Most are controlled and maintained by the Department of Conservation (DOC), who will provide advice on track conditions, routes, weather, etc. You can also phone them on 03 249-7924 to check on conditions before departure. A brief NZ mountain weather forecast is also available at the NZ Met Service
Fiordland's Great Walks Tracks
Fiordland is well known for it's Great Walk's Tracks - please click the headings below or in the navigation for more information about each of these wonderful multiple day walking opportunities for hikers of different levels of experience.
Hollyford Track
Milford Track
Kepler Track
Dusky Track
Routeburn Track
Transport
For transport into and around Fiordland and Southern New Zealand, Tracknet offer services during the summer season connecting Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Invercargill with Fiordland's Great Walks - The Milford, Routeburn, Kepler and Hollyford Tracks - Click here to be view Tracknet's online bookings and schedules.
Availability for Local Fiordland Activities - supplied by Traveldrift
