Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the perfect place to base yourself for a little hiking holiday. Here are my go to Te Anau day hikes (and a few that are still on my wishlist)!
Te Anau’s Best Day Hikes:
Best short walks near Te Anau
Lake Marian
Key Summit
Milford Foreshore Walk
Kiwi Burn Loop
Monument Track
Circle Track
Hauroko Lookout
Milford Track Day Walks
Best day hikes near Te Anau
Best Short Walks near Te Anau
1. Lake Marian
4hrs return – 6km – 400m elevation gain
My second favourite Te Anau day hike is the beautiful Lake Marian (keep reading for my number one). It’s technically only 3 hours return, but I decided to say 4 hours since you’ll definitely want to spend a good chunk of time taking in the views at the lake.
It’s a slightly more rugged track than some included in this list, but the first five minutes after the waterfall viewing gantry will give you a good idea of what’s to come. The view from the lake edge is absolutely gorgeous, well worth the hike in.
2. Key Summit
3hrs return – 8km – 400m elevation gain
Key Summit is a relatively easy stroll (although still very much uphill) off the Milford Road. It’s part of the Routeburn Track, and from the top you have some beautiful tarns reflecting the mountains that surround you.
3. Milford Foreshore Walk
30 minutes – 400m – minimal elevation gain
Milford Sound is jaw-dropping stunning, and this short and easy walk along the foreshore showcases the fjord in all its beauty. Make sure to detour to the Instagram famous swing, and don’t forget the sandfly repellant!
4. Kiwi Burn Loop
3-4hr loop – 12km – 300m elevation gain
This track leads you from below South Mavora Lake, through beech forest to Kiwi Burn Hut. This is a popular overnight trip for families, or you can easily complete it in a half-day. Once across the narrow swing-bridge over the Mararoa River, you can either taker the left-hand easier (and quicker) track, or the right-hand “route” which climbs up and over a short saddle. Small stream crossings and some mud are to be expected.
5. Monument Track
2hr return – 2km – 200m elevation gain
This track on Lake Manapouri can only be reached by boat (water taxi or kayak). It’s short but steep, with some exposed sections and a chain. But from the top there are beautiful views over Lake Manapouri and the surrounding mountains.
6. Circle Track
3.5hr return – 7km – 450m elevation gain
This is a less-travelled loop track near Manapouri. A water taxi (or kayak) is needed to cross the Waiau River at Pearl Harbour, then climb up through the forest to gain views over the lake and mountains. It can be slippery after rain, and often has tree-fall across the track.
7. Hauroko Lookout
3hrs return – 5km – 400m elevation gain
Like many of the walks in this list, this beautiful lookout isn’t the easiest to reach with steep and rugged sections that won’t be suitable for everyone. But for those who make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over Lake Hauroko and the Southland plains, all the way out towards Te Waewae Bay.
8. Milford Track day walks
3hrs return – 11km – minimal elevation gain (to Giant Gate Falls)
If you’ve missed out on booking the famous Milford Track or are visiting Milford Sound, then a day walk from Sandfly Point to Giant Gate Falls is a nice short day trip. Take the Fiordland Outdoors water taxi across the sound and then you’ll have enough time to reach at least Giant Gate Falls if not further along.
To read about my experience day-walking on the Milford Track with Fiordland Outdoors, click here. Or if you want an overview of the entire Milford Great Walk, then read away here.
Other short walks near Te Anau:
- Wilderness lookout
- Hidden Lakes Track (accessible by boat only)
- Lake Mistletoe
- Lake Gunn Nature Walk
- Mirror Lakes
- The Chasm
- Humboldt Falls
- Ivon Wilson Reserve
Best Day Hikes near Te Anau
9. Gertrude Saddle / Barrier Knob
4-6hrs return – 8km – 650m elevation gain
If I had to pick my absolute favourite Te Anau day hike – it would be Gertrude Saddle. On a good summer day, the views from the saddle are mind-blowing.
It’s a challenging hike that shouldn’t be underestimated however, there have been multiple fatalities in the past from people slipping or taking the wrong turn. If you’re planning on hiking up Gertrude Saddle I’d highly recommend you read my full blog here for all the details you need to know.
You can also hike further above Gertrude Saddle to Barrier Knob, however this involves much more scrambling up rock cliffs and shouldn’t be attempted by anyone inexperienced. Beautiful views await those who make it to the summit though. Read up about Barrier Knob here.
10. Kepler Track day walks
Multiple options from 5km & minimal elevation, to 26km & all of the elevation
There are lots of options for day walks on the Kepler Track, ranging from a couple of hours to a full day:
- Control Gates – Brod Bay (5km one-way, can get water taxi to / from Brod Bay)
- Control Gates – Rainbow Reach (10km one-way)
- Rainbow Reach – Moturau Hut (6km one-way, can get water taxi to / from Moturau Hut)
- Brod Bay – Luxmore Hut / Mt Luxmore (16.5km / 26km return, using water taxi to / from Brod Bay)
I’d recommend taking the Fiordland Outdoors water taxi across Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay, and then climbing up to Luxmore Hut (or Mt Luxmore if you’re fit enough), and then back down to catch the water taxi back across the lake to town. This will take you 5-6 hours return to reach the hut, or 8 hours return to the summit of Mt Luxmore.
11. Boyd Creek Track
6-7hrs return – 15km – 850m elevation gain
On the Milford Road before you reach Fiordland National Park, you’ll see a DOC sign for Boyd Creek. There is a short nature loop that you can take through the bush, checking out some waterfalls, or if you’re more experienced, you can climb up towards a hanging valley with beautiful views. I’m yet to do this walk, but have added it to my list!
12. Tūtoko Valley Track
5hrs return – 11km – 350m elevation gain
This is one of the few hikes on this list that is on the Milford Sound side of Homer Tunnel. The Tūtoko Valley is beautiful and not very popular with tourists. This might be in part because the track in isn’t the easiest, with mud, tree roots and bogs aplenty. But after a couple of hours you’ll reach a clearing with stunning views up the valley towards the impressive Mt Tūtoko itself. This is perhaps best as a tenting overnight trip rather than a day walk, but still worth adding to this list.
Other day hikes near Te Anau:
- Hidden Falls Hut (part of the Hollyford Track)
- Falls Creek Route
- Moraine Creek Route
- East Eglington Track
It was hard to narrow down these top Te Anau day hikes – did I miss one of your favourites?
As always, stay safe and make sure you follow the Land Safety Code. If you have any questions, please leave a comment or send me a message over on Instagram. I love chatting all things tramping.
Happy adventuring!
Where should you explore next?
Green Lake Hut
One of the most picturesque huts in the Fiordland area (and bonus: it’s off the beaten tourist path!).
The 20 Best Queenstown Day Hikes
All of the best hikes around the Queenstown area – I bet they’ll be some on this list you haven’t heard of!