Exploring our scenic walking tracks
Te Anau, a charming township nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau, serves as the perfect gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of Fiordland National Park.
Beyond its picturesque vistas, Te Anau offers an array of accommodation, restaurants, and services, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Te Anau and surroundings is viaits numerous walking tracks.
Here’s a guide to some of the most captivating trails:
Control Gates to Various Destinations:
From the Control Gates, you can embark on several Kepler Track journeys:
Dock Bay (1 hour return): Ideal for swimming with toilet facilities available.
Brod Bay (3 hours return): A scenic route through mountain and silver beech forest.
Luxmore Hut (8–10 hours return): A challenging hike offering panoramic views of Lake Te Anau.
Brod Bay to Te Anau (3–4 hours): Take a leisurely walk along the Kepler Track from Brod Bay back to Te Anau, passing through the Bird Sanctuary. Consider taking a water taxi from Te Anau to Brod Bay for a different perspective.
Visitor Centre to Punanga Manu o Te Anau /Te Anau Bird Sanctuary (20 minutes)
Begin your journey at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and follow the path along the lake’s edge to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.
This shared-use track offers scenic views of the lake and provides an opportunity to observe native bird species, including the rare takahē.
Don’t miss the chance to join a guided tour of the sanctuary, offered daily.
Visitor Centre to Ivon Wilson Recreation Reserve (10 minutes)
A short walk from the Visitor Centre leads to the Ivon Wilson Recreation Reserve, a sprawling area planted with native and exotic trees.
Explore the reserve’s paths, visit picturesque Lake Henry stocked with trout, and enjoy recreational activities like mountain biking and disc golf.
Visitor Centre to Control Gates (50 minutes)
This track leads you from the Visitor Centre around the lake’s edge, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Reach the Control Gates, where you’ll find the starting point of the Kepler Track, a renowned multi-day hiking trail.
Rainbow Reach to Moturau Hut:
Traverse through mountain beech forest with river views.
Visitor Centre to Upukerora River:
Enjoy pleasant views of the Murchison Mountains and Lake Te Anau. Te Anau’s walking tracks offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene landscapes of Fiordland National Park.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Te Anau has something to offer for every nature enthusiast.