QUEENSTOWN – TE ANAU

Driver Information
New Zealand ItinerariesTravel distance is approximately 172kms (108 miles).
Allow at least 2.25 hours drive time (not including stops

As your trip is a short journey today, you can choose to spend some more time enjoying the alpine resort of Queenstown, or choose to ‘get on the road’ and take in the sights on your scenic route to the shores of Lake Te Anau within the stunning Fiordland region.

The road from Queenstown to Te Anau is a great drive with lake and mountain views being swapped for lush farmland and more mountains. However the route along Lake Wakatipu is very winding (called the Devil’s Staircase) so please leave yourself plenty of time for your journey and remember to stay on your side of the road!

Some notable stops along the route to Te Anau include:

QUEENSTOWN GOLF CLUB
Internationally regarded as one of the more picturesque golf courses in the world, even if you don’t play golf a slight detour on route to Queenstown to Kelvin Heights is worth it just for the stunning views at this 18 hole golf course. On-site cafe and bar.

LUMSDEN
This beautiful rural township is located in Northern Southland and is a great place for trying your fishing skills against the famous Brown Trout.

BRACKEN HALL – MOSSBURN
A terrific Kiwi gift shop and cafe with homemade scones, muffins, Devonshire teas, fresh Venison pies and more. Huge range of quality gifts and collectables including plenty of NZ made products.

MANAPOURI UNDERGROUND POWER STATION
Cruise across the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm before travelling by coach 2km down a spiral tunnel to the immense machine hall of Manapouri Underground Power Station. Located deep in the heart of the mountain, this is an informative tour where you can learn how they harness the energy of rushing water to generate electricity.

TE ANAU
Lake Te Anau with its deep, serene waters is the second largest lake in New Zealand and holds top honours as the largest lake in the South Island. The Te Anau township is nestled beside this fabulous lake and provides plenty of accommodation, food, shopping and service amenities for the thousands of visitors that flock to this popular tourist location.

Te Anau boasts to having over ‘4000 beds for travellers’ so it is safe to assume you will find a hotel, motel, lodge, holiday park, backpackers, farm stay, bed & breakfast or holiday home to suit your budget! However during the peak summer season we strongly advise that you book your accommodation in advance.

Finding somewhere to eat isn’t hard in Te Anau either due to the huge choice of restaurants, bars, cafes, wine bars, bakeries and takeaway shops all located in the main township area and within easy walking distance from most accommodation.

Highly recommended Te Anau tourist attractions include…

Milford Sound – The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is an attraction in itself as you drive the famous Milford Road. In Milford you can choose to enjoy a boast excursion with the Milford Sound Red Boats. This relaxing scenic cruise allows you to get up close to nature.

Quad Bike Adventure – Ride the farmland and back country of Te Anau as you navigate through mud, bush, ridges, gullies and grass paddocks – all worth it for the amazing views of Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, Fiordland National Park and the surrounding countryside.

Te Anau Golf Club – A wonderful opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful golf courses in New Zealand. This 18 hole golf course is open to visitors and boasts spectacular views of Lake Te Anau and surrounding mountains.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side of the lake where your friendly guide will meet you at Cavern House and take you on an underground adventure as you explore this stunning underworld and the incandescence of thousands of tiny glowworms in the glowworm grotto.

Horse Trekking – There are two trekking companies operating in Te Anau and they both offer relaxing, scenic treks for beginner to advanced riders on safe, well mannered horses.
New Zealand Itineraries: South Island Suggested Itineraries

Our modern self-drive travel Itineraries have routes specifically for the North Island as well as the South Island, ranging from 5 to 11 days, plus there are some travel routes that take in both the North and South Island’s. Our range of travel itineraries include information regarding travel distances and time to ensure that you can make the best of your time in New Zealand, no longer how short your visit!

  • 5 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Greymouth, Greymouth – Fox Glacier, Franz Josef – Wanaka, Wanaka – Mt Cook and Mt Cook – Christchurch
  • 5 Day Itinerary (route 2): Christchurch – Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs – St Arnuad, St Arnuad – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch
  • 5 Day Itinerary (route 3): Christchurch – Mt Cook, Mt Cook – Queenstown, Queenstown – Dunedin, Dunedin – Oamaru and Oamaru – Christchurch
  • 7 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin – Invercargill, Invercargill – Stewart Island, Stewart Island – Te-anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown and Queenstown – Christchurch
  • 8 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Greymouth, Greymouth – Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier – Wanaka, Wanaka – Queenstown, Queenstown – Te Anau, Te Anau – Dunedin and Dunedin – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin, Dunedin – Invercragill, Invercargill – Te Anau, Te Anau Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown, Queenstown – Mt Cook, Mt Cook – Lake Tekapo and Lake Tekapo – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary (route 2): Christchurch – Omarama, Omarama – Dunedin, Dunedin, Dunedin – Te Anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown, Queenstown – Haast, Haast – Greymouth and Greymouth – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary (route 3): Christchurch – Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs – Greymouth, Greymouth – Nelson, Nelson – Takaka, Takaka – Motueka, Motueka – Nelson, Nelson – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch
  • 11 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin – Te Anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Milford Sound – Queenstown, Queenstown – Wanaka, Wanaka – Franz Josef, Franz Josef – Greymouth, Greymouth – Nelson, Nelson – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch