Best Free Things to Do in Te Anau
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Te Anau
Best Free Things to Do in Te Anau
Category types
10 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
What travellers are saying
- NlhoffMadbury, NH7 contributionsMy cruise included Doubtful, Dusky and Milford Sounds on a perfect, blue sky day. Each sound was magnificent. Pictures can’t do this place justice. If your cruise to NZ includes this opportunity it is the highlight of the trip.Written 9 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Antonius T37 contributionsLove this Lake Te Anau. Peaceful city and clean. We not expected that this place so amazing. We just stop on the way back from Milford sound . There is some hotel and restaurant in front of Lake Te Anau.Written 18 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AJSan Francisco, CA332 contributionsStunning. Incredible. One of my top hikes from a month long trip. We magically caught a clear afternoon and oh that view from the top, wow. This is such a fun hike. Waterfalls, flowers, views, snow! We enjoyed scrambling up the rocks and trekking up to the snow. The track is well marked with the orange marker posts and we found it easy to follow. A good challenge with a worth the efforts view -both at the top and along the way. Would be tricky and potentially unsafe in the rain/wet with the slick and steep rocks. We saw a good amount of people on the trail. The lot was full when we arrived. But it never felt too crowded and you had space to enjoy and go your pace.Written 29 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tristan BAdelaide, Australia207 contributionsIf you're in the area, it is worth stopping in to see the birds. It is a good opportunity to see some birds that are difficult to see in the wild. The sanctuary is quite nice to walk around.Written 14 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Simon DAuckland, New Zealand848 contributionsRated very good given this was free, DoC run (on I expect a small budget) and close to town. Otherwise as a paid exhibit it would have scored lower.
Was good to see some Takahe reasonably close up and to read and see the work being done to extend the population numbers of this bird and some of the duck species where they appear to have been breeding well. The Kaka were difficult to spot, but the Antipodes Island Parakeets were more interactive/engaging. The Blue Duck display was closed unfortunately.
Worth a look on a nice day and for probably about an hour duration.Written 14 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - HolidreamerCromwell, New Zealand63 contributionsBiked from Te Anau to Manapouri. The track is challenging in places with up hill gradients until reach Rainbow Reach. It is worth following the sign into Rainbow Reach carpark and walking across the swing bridge which spans the Waiau River. There is about 5kms of riding on the Highwsy past the Manapouri Airport. Take care with the cross wind from the west on this straight.Written 28 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JulieScottsdale, AZ31 contributionsSo this little detour to Lions Lookout is worth the short drive up Ramparts Road just before Te Anau from Queenstown. Especially in late afternoon or near sunset.Written 11 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- P2SQLD53 contributionsSuch a lovely park. A beautiful lake, gorgeous trees, wide open spaces, disc golf and a perfect spot for a picnic. Loved itWritten 11 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rolf SAuckland Central, New Zealand24 contributionsA classic trail run (or walk) from the Control Gates in Te Anau and return. I continued up to Mt Luxmore summit and strongly recommended this for the amazing views.Written 30 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LilDalyellup, Australia33 contributionsThe ladies here were a great help for finding local coffee and food. Plenty of little brochures and different tour you can book in both this town and surrounding towns, many souvenirs but a few of those shops further in.Written 16 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.