Extremely out of this world experience especially if you take the Milford sound cruises. The towering mountains on both sides of the gorge is just amazing and mouth dropping. The weather was good when I went and was able to spot seals and penguins in the waters.

Simply magnificent, breathtaking views. Be sure to book a cruise! We opted to not dine on the cruise so we could spend time soaking in the beauty - what we did was to have a heavy breakfast and a snack before the cruise :)

Wonderful cruise! Beautiful and awesome nature. It was very experiential. Highly recommend it for adults only. Enjoy! (2023-12)

Milford Sound, nestled within the majestic Fiordland National Park on the southwest coast of New Zealand's South Island, is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its sheer beauty and tranquility. As one of the most iconic destinations in New Zealand, Milford Sound offers a mesmerizing landscape of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding mountains like a mirror. The sheer scale of Milford Sound's landscape is awe-inspiring, with towering cliffs rising thousands of feet from the water's edge, creating a sense of grandeur and majesty that is unparalleled. The most famous of these cliffs is Mitre Peak, a distinctive triangular peak that stands sentinel over the sound, dominating the skyline and providing a stunning backdrop for photographs. Exploring Milford Sound by boat is an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to cruise along the tranquil waters while taking in the spectacular scenery. The sound is home to an abundance of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and sometimes even penguins, providing ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, diving, and even scenic flights over the sound, offering a unique perspective on its dramatic landscape. Additionally, the surrounding Fiordland National Park offers a network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to multi-day treks, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. In conclusion, Milford Sound is a destination that truly epitomizes the natural beauty of New Zealand. Whether you're cruising its tranquil waters, hiking its scenic trails, or simply soaking in the awe-inspiring views, a visit to Milford Sound is an experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home.

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi in South Island, New Zealand Visited on 3/2/2019 It is really exciting to come to the highlight of the cruise - to cruise in the Milford Sound. The weather is perfect, plenty of sunshine shines onto the hill / cliff side. Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Some fjord'scliffs rise vertically up from the dark water. Some pyramidal hills protrude out of the water may have been formed by seismic activities of yesteryears. The good thing about sailing in a big cruise ship is that whenever I feel like have fresh air, I can just walk out of enclosed room or hall to open air. When I feel like having some food to top up my energy level I can just go to the dining room, or some other "eateries". Some photos attached appear blue is due my taking them from the meals area throught the tinted plate glass. It is a sensational experience when the ship sails very slowly from the open sea to the narrow stretch of water. I wonder the colours of the foilage of ifferent plants would have different hue in autumn. I can imagine that will be a real bonus to the eyes. The ship makes a U-turn after a couple of hours, and off to the open seas. About five hours later, the ships enters the Sound again.

One of the most beautiful place on earth. If it’s sunny that’s great. If it rained, then it’s even better as the entire fjord get waterfalls coming down from everywhere. Highly recommend going either for a kayak or a cruise so you can discover directly from the water.

Milford Sound is nature's masterpiece. Its majestic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene waters make it a breathtaking destination not to be missed.

The breathtaking nature views is offered along of the cruise. We can also have opportunity to see dolphin swimming happily around the vessel! I really love it!

Absolutely stunning fjord! We couldn't stop marveling at the beauty of nature here, from the majestic mountains to the wildlife and waterfalls. I highly recommend visiting on a clear day to fully appreciate this perfect experience.

One of the best experiences of my life… highly recommend. The drive up was just as incredible. We stopped off only at a few places on the way there as the time adds up & it’s better going earlier to beat the crowds. On the way back the next day it was sunny & we got to witness the view in a whole new light and stopped off everywhere we didn’t the day before. Worth it, every single stop & view.

An INCREDIBLE place on earth. Photos do not do justice for how beautiful Milford Sound actually is. NO NOT MISS putting this location on your itinerary. Whether you drive, bus, helicopter or fly in via airplane, the views and God’s creations, you will be amazed and in AWE. Special place on earth

What a amazing and wonderful place. Really amazing. The cruise ride was best ever with beautiful scenery and wildlife. We got the chance to witness dolphins 🐬. There was many seals.The most important part of the journey was stunning waterfalls. We had taken many pictures over there . On board we have had yummy fish and chips. Kids really enjoyed the whole journey and it was memorable. I would highly recommend this place to others. This is what Pure New Zealand and beautiful New Zealand 🇳🇿.

We all know this place is amazing. Here are a few things that we should know while visiting this place... Plenty of Paid Parking is available at $25 for 5 hours. Its a 10 minute walk from the car park to the cruise terminal. You can drive down all the way to the terminal if you have kids or elderly people but you can't park there.. only buses are allowed. Drop off others right outside the terminal and drive back to the car park and you do the walk yourself. We booked with mitre peak cruise and only had complimentary coffee on board. No snacks... your only option for food/ snacks is at the Cafe near the car park/ information center. There are restrooms available both inside and outside the cafe/information center as well as in the cruise terminal. There is a petrol pump/ servo for petrol and diesel. This is one of those places where you would want it to rain before you visit... thousands of waterfalls come alive when it does! Get your hat, sunscreen and even a rain coat if you wish to get drenched under the waterfall when the cruise takes your right under one!

This fjord is breath taking. Crowded even at winter as all the tourists ( like me) want to go. The coach journey is long ...5 hours one way from Queenstown, our driver Scott was fantastic and knowledgeable...his last drive or close to that day before venturing on other things. Anyway...we had dolphins with the boat...some food on boat ...the waterfall was the highlight.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Milford Sound in New Zealand and it was an absolutely breathtaking experience! The scenery was stunning and truly awe-inspiring. The towering mountains, crystal clear water, and cascading waterfalls all around were simply incredible. The boat tour was the perfect way to see everything up close and personal. Our guide was knowledgeable and informative, providing us with plenty of interesting facts and stories about the landscape and wildlife. The highlight of the tour for me was definitely seeing the seal colony relaxing on the rocks. It was such a treat to get so close to these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. Overall, I cannot recommend Milford Sound enough. It should be on everyone's bucket list when visiting New Zealand. The natural beauty of this place is simply unmatched and it truly is an unforgettable experience. Thank you for an incredible day!

Very nice scenery when taking the bus to the cruise ship even if it’s raining. Despite being gloomy, the rain allowed waterfalls to be more prominent, whereas if the weather was sunny no waterfalls will be present. For those visiting for the first time, do prepare for a long bus ride, so I recommend wearing appropriate clothing for the weather. Also don’t forget your camera and snacks!

We visited Milford Sound on a cold and cloudy day and it was already fantastic! I cannot recommend enough visiting this place which is a wonder of nature. High and vertical mountains shooting from the water through the sky and amazing waterfalls!

Beautiful place, even more surreal if you are lucky with the weather. Got lucky spotting some seals lazing on the rocks. The drive to get there is beautiful, crossing some great viewpoints.

Beautiful scenery but is very windy. Drive to site on coach bus also has beautiful scenery but is very long and leaves very early in the morning

A must-see place at New Zealand that will just take your breath away. I recommend to book your boat ride enough of time in advance, so you secure your place and don't stress out at the last minute. The boat ride takes about 2 hours and it's commented ride with a few stops at the waterfalls or the rocks with seals at the place. Count with a long driving time to get to the place and then to get back. So if you travel from Queenstown, leave early in the morning. There is a very lovely flower field on the way to the place/back that I recommend to stop at and take a few photos with the flowers. You will see a lot of people around, so you shouldn't miss the place.

Great place to visit. Especially when weather is great. Best is when you have had rain the day before as there will be many waterfalls

My first time ever travelling to New Zealand and Milford Sound was honestly breathtaking. It was such a lovely, sunny day I got to experience. Even got to see some NZ seals sun baking in the sun.

There are a few waterfalls at Milford sound. We took cruise to watch them. People got wet when cruise was parking near waterfalls. Everyone got fun especially the kids even it’s cold weather now.

If you’re happy to drive for about 1.5 hours from Te Anau and understand the weather may change (like the adult you are) then it’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The drive is also amazing so don’t know why you wouldn’t want to do it! We arrived in the morning about 9:30am so there were less people arriving on tour buses. If you do your research before visiting you’ll know there’s a free car park about a 15 minute walk away from the cafe which is then about another 10 minute walk away from the cruise terminal. So no need to pay the $10/ph parking to be slightly closer. There is only one café and the cruise terminal, but- as there should be! It’s a nature reserve, so doesn’t need 10 different cafés/shops. The place itself is unlike anywhere I’ve been before. It’s beautiful, come rain or shine the scale of the landscape is so humbling. We arrived when it was covered in cloud which was burnt off by the midday sun so saw it in the sun too, both are awesome. It hadn’t rained for a while too and there are still massive waterfalls (some people think the rain produces all the waterfalls). Ignore all the other reviews complaining about the amount of people and the price of parking they just didn’t research enough before going :) P.S.- Take bug spray for the sandflies!

We were unsure about this tour due to the weather, but our expectations were definitely exceeded. The staff were really friendly and informative. The tour starts on a catamaran, then you dock on the other side of the lake (about 30 minute trip) followed by a debrief at a cosy hut (has a little shop and everything). Then you go in to the cave on foot over a walkway followed by a pitch black boat ride where you can only see the glow worms - amazing. Everything felt very safe and at the end a free hot drink is provided. If you are on the fence, I would recommend going on this tour, well worth it.

Highly recommend this tour. The boat ride across the lake was very comfortable. I was expecting a rough ride but it was quite smooth and we were warm and dry inside. The tour guides were friendly and informative. There were 72 of us but they take you in smaller groups of 12 so it’s quite intimate and you feel like you have the place to yourselves. The caves were amazing and they have walkways and lighting all the way. A really great setup. You can’t take photos inside but there were plenty of glow worms and the waterfalls were an added bonus.

A must do experience in Te Anau. The glowworm caves experience is far better than the Waitomo Caves, I would have to say. Smaller groups feel and real authentic cave experience, with a bit of back-bending to getting you started. The glowworms feel so close and the sound of the water rushing below your feet is really heart pumping! The guides are informative and funny.

Nice experience overall. The boat ride was super nice and the cave was unique. It is educational and serene. Went with my mom who has difficulty walking and she had no issues getting through, so I’d say it’s more than family friendly

Very unique experience! Amazed by the cave and the completely dark boat ride in the end of the cave. Paradise island.

The trip was very enjoyable, the safety presentation was very funny and the guide was very accommodating and answers our questions. No glow worm pictures as taking photos inside the cave was not allowed but it was a good policy so you get to enjoy the view and not to disturb the worms

I think this is a missed marketing opportunity since the focus is only on the glow worms, which are cool, but the cave was AWESOME! I love a good cave tour when traveling and this was a great one. The cave has an amazing underground river and huge waterfall, we even saw a giant eel! I would have loved a longer cave tour, if the option were available. Other than that, the glow worms were pretty cool to see, the guide was friendly, and even though on the boat ride over there is a huge number of people, they break you up into smaller groups which is nice. Don't book this tour if you're claustrophobic or can't bend/squat down very low. Otherwise, highly recommend!

An excellent experience that was well worth the money. Beautiful views across the lake during the short boat ride there. The cave system is really well done with a great walkway and is lit appropriately. The boat ride at the end of the accessible cave was incredible. Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable which added to the experience.

Really great Tour! Highly recommend! RealNZ does a superb job! The 25 minute boat ride over to the caves was narrated and filled with great information about the area and the lake. The top deck afforded great views and lots of photo opportunities. Once at the caves, they broke the group into smaller groups of 10-12 to head into the caves. Information about the caves and the glow worms was provided before, during and after with plenty of time to ask questions. No photography is allowed inside the caves but I can attest that the inside of the caves looks just like the photos on the website. Wear close-toed shoes (they are required) and bring a light rain jacket or wind breaker because it’s damp and drippy inside the caves. Check out the “Specials” area on the RealNZ website to bundle tours together. We combined the Milford Sound cruise with the Glow Worm Tour and saved a bunch. It’s also worth noting that the Customer Service of RealNZ is top notch. We also used them for the Stewart Island Ferry and Kiwi Night Tour on Stewart Island and every aspect of every tour and encounter was exemplary.

Absolutely stunning experience, not to be missed, worth every dollar. I've seen glow worms before in Australia, but these were better 😄 (and I'm Aussie). Heads up: You can't take photos inside because the light from phones/cameras/ smart watches will ruin the atmosphere and not allow your eyes to see the glow worms. Don't be that person. 😅

Definitely recommended! The cruise to the glow worm caves are already good and the best part was the guided tour of the caves. Watch your head :) I would have loved to take photos but was advised not to by the guide.

Great experience! We took a smooth and stable boat ride to the cave, and the view from the deck was magnificent. At the cave, the guides were very helpful and knowledgeable. We were able to see the glow worms really upclose and they were magical. Of course don’t expect to see them as bright as the advertised in photographs with the naked eye.

We went in November and the boat ride over was BEAUTIFUL! We loved our tour guide Jess she was the absolute best! She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and made our tour really fun!

A most enjoyable trip across from Te Anau, skipper Josie and commentator Zane made it interesting and fun. We were then taken into the cave by, I think, Sophie (?) who certainly knew her stuff. I've done a glowworm cave before in North Island but those were quite high up - from the 12-seater boat inside the cave the glowworms seemed very close indeed. Excitingly powerful waterfall, and Emma the Eel was there too. Our guide was very clear about no photos and being silent - it would have been so magical had a three-year-old(?) not kept jabbering. But that's what three-year-olds do, you can't stop them. I therefore think that the company should seriously consider age suitability, maybe a strong word or even edict - no under 5s? I would have been much happier without the very young children. Otherwise a much recommended trip.

It was a nice experience. The comfortable cruise had amazing views. The tour was educational and cool. We appreciated the coffee afterwards and a nice stroll in the area.

Really cool experience to see some glow worms and learn about them! We did the night tour so got great views going out of the sunset on Lake Te Anau and great views of the stars by the caves too

I hate tours, and this one was phenomenal! The boat ride alone is worth the fee. The hike into a spring cave was amazing. There were eels in the water that was well lit in order to see. The guide was perfect as he made the journey smooth and amusing. The glow worms just top the trip off. I never felt I was waiting around to leave or do something else, everything is timed impeccably!

What a wonderful experience! Just everything about it. The cruise over to the caves was beautiful, such lovely sights to see! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and the walk through the caves before hoping on the boat to the worms was magical. There could have been no worms at all (there were) and I wouldn't have even been upset. Seeing the worms in such darkness was so surreal. Definitely worth doing.

Amazing experience. We went for the 8pm tour in early January. The 25 min each way cruise alone would've been worth the admission - spectacular views before we even got to the glow worm caves. After a safety brief at the building on site, we went down into the caves - a short distance with a bit of ducking and crawling due to overhanging boulders. In small groups of 8-10 or so we boarded the boats to see the glow worms. Brilliant in the cool, dark cave. No photography allowed. With the whole group of around 40, it was organised well so minimal delays in and off the boats. Finally a presentation on glow worms with complimentary tea and coffee before boarding the boat back to Te Anau. Would recommend insect repellant for the short walk through foliage to get to the building and cave.

Amazing view,good for family walk,friends meet up,evening and morning dog walk,good for children play,also it has good amount of facilities near where you can eat and also go for cruise.Go for boating.

Well a true gem hidden down south of Queenstown, only two hours on the bus. You must visit Doubtful Sound, while you're in Te Anau. It is mesmerizing, enchantment with every blink of your eyes. Dress warm, turn aeroplane mode on so your cell battery doesn't deplete cruising around the breathtaking Doubtful Sounds.

We used Lake Te Anau as an overnight stop so that we could visit the Sounds. We left Queenstown early in the morning and arrived at Te Anau before lunch. It was a rainy day, so we decided to drive down to Milford Sound - even though it was torrential rain, it was worth the drive as the scenery was spectacular. We didn't get to see much of Milford itself though, as the weather prevented it. The next day was an amazing day trip to Doubtful Sound - well worth the trip.

Magnificent

Simply beautiful

Deep Nature

(Translated by Google) Very large lake that brings cold wind to me. (Original) Sehr großer See, der kalten Wind mir sich bringt.

Really easy way to see and learn about all the local birds, especially for those who are not patient or physically motivated enough (me) to find them in the wild. Nice afternoon trip for anyone who’s interested – it’s free and there aren’t even any stairs or anything so probably suitable for everyone. The birds were also very friendly; I got bitten by the duck but I think that one was on me. Definitely worth a visit

Worth the walk or ride… isn’t that far from the centre of town. Lovely walk along the lake front. The birds here are rare and part of breeding programs to help ensure their survival in the wild. The park is free but please give a donation.

Free/by donation place to see takahē up close! Even if you don't come at feeding time, they're pretty easy to spot - and they don't seem wary of visitors at all, so they'll come right up to the fence. There are a few other birds as well, but of course the takahē enclosure is the highlight. We came mid-afternoon and were the only ones there, which may have helped with the birds' boldness. If you have a choice, I recommend visiting before the borders fully reopen and it gets super busy!

If you love birds, this is a great place to go. There's plenty of parking, not much walking, and a few birds to see. Also, it's free unless you opt for special tour features. If you're staying locally on the lake, it's just a short walk with some stunning scenery, and if it's early in the morning, you'll see plenty of rabbits hopping about, too.

For a free park, this is very good. Some of the exhibits were empty or you couldn't see the birds but there were staff around to help. Good on DOC for having such a place where people can learn about conservation while at the same time looking after vulnerable or injured birds.

A bird sanctuary located on the shores of serene lake Te Anau. It was a lovely short visit to this place and lucky enough to be able to see the Takahe! Te Anau is the only place to see Takahe, New Zealand native land birds. It is a special big bird with beautiful colors. Overall experience was lovely although the place is small. There are also other birds in the cage.

One of the best things you should definitely do is having an interest in seeing birds. This bird sanctuary is located near town, just a 20 minute walk along a beautiful lake get you there. There are a lot of rare birds like Takahe. Each bird cage has a sign that describes the bird’s personality. They treat birds like humans! The very rare bird called Takahe that is on the edge of extinction was helping each other to get food, they were like a human couple!

Situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, this sanctuary is a must do. What a privilege to see the beautiful & precious takahe birds roaming freely in a large enclosure. This almost extinct species has been protected & recovered lovingly by DOC. Entry to this bird sanctuary is free, but donations are very welcome in helping to keep these docile birds free from extinction

A must do when visiting Te Anau. The park is lovely, with a great chance to see the native birds. A very short walk from the wharf where you can park a car. No tickets needed, donation boxes available. No restrictions to see Tahake.

Thank you! It was an extraordinary experience - very special to meet five wonderful Takahē and learn a lot about them!

Lovely stop while walking around Lake Te Anau. It is free to wander and see the Kaka , Kakariki and Takahe but you can also pay a small amount to get a guided tour and then you can actually get inside the Takahe enclosure and up close to them. Very special to see these amazing birds with the Murchison mountains in view , where they were found after being considered extinct.

It's free. Though it's for saving those spices, it's still sad to see those birds develop weird behaviors. One was continuously biting the lock of the cage. Another was picking its own feather.

A small bird sanctuary which is free to enter. It was a nice stop, just walking around the place and watching the different birds.

I would highly recommend coming here and doing the daily tour for $10! The staff are very knowledgeable about the birds and tell you a lot about them. If you do the tour, you can actually go into the enclosure for the rare takehē birds and may be able to feed them! This was such a nice and unique experience!! I was also happy to support a place that puts so much work into protecting the biodiversity of New Zealand 🇳🇿🦜🥝

Really easy way to see and learn about all the local birds, especially for those who are not patient or physically motivated enough (me) to find them in the wild. Nice afternoon trip for anyone who’s interested – it’s free and there aren’t even any stairs or anything so probably suitable for everyone. The birds were also very friendly; I got bitten by the duck but I think that one was on me. Definitely worth a visit

Worth the walk or ride… isn’t that far from the centre of town. Lovely walk along the lake front. The birds here are rare and part of breeding programs to help ensure their survival in the wild. The park is free but please give a donation.

Free/by donation place to see takahē up close! Even if you don't come at feeding time, they're pretty easy to spot - and they don't seem wary of visitors at all, so they'll come right up to the fence. There are a few other birds as well, but of course the takahē enclosure is the highlight. We came mid-afternoon and were the only ones there, which may have helped with the birds' boldness. If you have a choice, I recommend visiting before the borders fully reopen and it gets super busy!

If you love birds, this is a great place to go. There's plenty of parking, not much walking, and a few birds to see. Also, it's free unless you opt for special tour features. If you're staying locally on the lake, it's just a short walk with some stunning scenery, and if it's early in the morning, you'll see plenty of rabbits hopping about, too.

For a free park, this is very good. Some of the exhibits were empty or you couldn't see the birds but there were staff around to help. Good on DOC for having such a place where people can learn about conservation while at the same time looking after vulnerable or injured birds.

A bird sanctuary located on the shores of serene lake Te Anau. It was a lovely short visit to this place and lucky enough to be able to see the Takahe! Te Anau is the only place to see Takahe, New Zealand native land birds. It is a special big bird with beautiful colors. Overall experience was lovely although the place is small. There are also other birds in the cage.

One of the best things you should definitely do is having an interest in seeing birds. This bird sanctuary is located near town, just a 20 minute walk along a beautiful lake get you there. There are a lot of rare birds like Takahe. Each bird cage has a sign that describes the bird’s personality. They treat birds like humans! The very rare bird called Takahe that is on the edge of extinction was helping each other to get food, they were like a human couple!

Situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, this sanctuary is a must do. What a privilege to see the beautiful & precious takahe birds roaming freely in a large enclosure. This almost extinct species has been protected & recovered lovingly by DOC. Entry to this bird sanctuary is free, but donations are very welcome in helping to keep these docile birds free from extinction

A must do when visiting Te Anau. The park is lovely, with a great chance to see the native birds. A very short walk from the wharf where you can park a car. No tickets needed, donation boxes available. No restrictions to see Tahake.

Thank you! It was an extraordinary experience - very special to meet five wonderful Takahē and learn a lot about them!

Lovely stop while walking around Lake Te Anau. It is free to wander and see the Kaka , Kakariki and Takahe but you can also pay a small amount to get a guided tour and then you can actually get inside the Takahe enclosure and up close to them. Very special to see these amazing birds with the Murchison mountains in view , where they were found after being considered extinct.

It's free. Though it's for saving those spices, it's still sad to see those birds develop weird behaviors. One was continuously biting the lock of the cage. Another was picking its own feather.

A small bird sanctuary which is free to enter. It was a nice stop, just walking around the place and watching the different birds.

I would highly recommend coming here and doing the daily tour for $10! The staff are very knowledgeable about the birds and tell you a lot about them. If you do the tour, you can actually go into the enclosure for the rare takehē birds and may be able to feed them! This was such a nice and unique experience!! I was also happy to support a place that puts so much work into protecting the biodiversity of New Zealand 🇳🇿🦜🥝

Maps with day hikes cost money. I thought New Zealand wants to show there country and it's beautiful hikes, or are there trying to keep the people away from the hikes?! We are talking about general information of day hikes. The lady was not talkative... So better just look on the internet, instead of going there. Or look at my pictures :D

Staff is warm and friendly. There are numerous advisories being put up, regarding weather updates and road conditions. Useful information, especially when driving conditions are tricky.

Great place to go of you want information on hiking tracks and what to do in the local area. Good gift shop too.

If you're a tourist skip this town. It ain't what it used to be. The town just can't handle normal capacity, be prepared for many disappointments.

Our Milford trek trip was cancelled the day we were meant to start it and Olivia, at iSite, patiently and thoroughly helped us book day trips, accommodations and even found us a place to store our back packs. She probably spent 20 minutes with us ensuring the 4 days we were meant to be trekking were all organized. We are so grateful for her help!

Sue clearly didn't had her day, she was the only one working and allready had 5 customers. She didn't made the effort to make eye contact, was grumpy and made rude comments. Way to go to be professional and handle work pressure.. We wish Sue all the best and hope she will be happier in the future :)

Really helpful! Kelly served us and sorted us out with a great kayaking trip in about 10 minutes flat! In my experience all the i-sites are great and this was no exception...

it is already (unfortunately) some years ago (December 2017) but i want to mention that we got excellent advice and service by te anau i site. We needed accomodation on Stewart Island and were a little late. The fantastic i site team was able to find a great place and booked it for us.

A great kind of help. We were on the Kepler Track to accompany my stepfather on his last meters, but we just couldn't meet him. So I called the Visitor Center on the off chance. I think her name was Sophie. I asked if there was a German hiker with a green backpack in the area. She denied and we hung up. 15min later she called me back and said she had found the person that fits my description. And indeed. Thanks for the special kind of help! :)

Thanks Trudy for your terrific advise you made our day to Milford sound a breeze. The views and scenery was just spectacular. Our short stay in te anau was awsome thanks to you reguarding advise on accommodation, cinenea, timing when to leave where to stop and Milford sound cruisers. Thanks a heap. Cheers, your boss is a lucky person to have such a great employee. Dion and Alison.

Great place to have a peaceful walk it's been very hot here in Te Anau

Superb little location close to town. Seriously needs a weed expert to advise on what to take out though.

Very picturesque location, with still lake

A nice little park

(Translated by Google) pretty (Original) 漂亮

Great spot with helpful staff. We did the Routeburn and the Kepler with a night's rest in-between. After getting our first walk booking confirmation stamped, a staff member asked us to come back between walks to get the stamp for the next walk. I thought it was a bit strange to ask us to return again just to get a stamp, so we asked to get it there and then and it was fine. No dramas. No hut in New Zealand has ever asked to see a stamped booking from us, so it seems a bit silly that we'd have to revisit the DOC centre, especially when the old legs are aching. The addition of getting a stamped booking confirmation while carrying a print out of an online booking confirmation seems a bit silly, especially if you arrived in town after the visitor centre closes. I can imagine some people could get worried in that situation. Perhaps a stamp isn't required and we were told incorrect info from our bus driver - apologies if that's the case. That said, DOC are amazing and set the global standard for conservation and tramping. What a great set up with amazing people. Thank you for the unforgettable experiences. We are very grateful.

A very nice place to stop and enjoy the view.

Stunning. I booked a guided kayak tour where you fill up your water bottle right from the stream with glacier water 👌👌👌

Absolutely stunning National Park. The landscape is spectacular. Get onto some of the walking tracks or take a cruise on one of the fiords to see it at its best.

Great place for a break and stop over before the drive to Milford Sounds. Amazing walk along the lake and wonderful views.

Staff were lovely and helpful, and provided good information about our upcoming walk on the Kepler. The facilities/building are starting to look a little run down and could do with a spruce up - cobwebs etc are covering the facade and the whole thing is looking a little tired. Understand resources are tight and expenditure needs to be prioritised, but it's noticeable the lack of upkeep there

I really enjoyed this visitor center, not sure I have many pictures but they have a good display of maps as well as species present in the area and other historical information displays including flora and fauna information. Helpful staff, a 10 min walk to the nearby bird sanctuary though much easier to drive to the actual sanctuary parking lot down the road past the Lakeview holiday park if that's what your wanting to see. But if you have the time the walk over there is nice, but parking at the visitor center is up to an hour only so it's hard to enjoy the bird sanctuary if you park there. Also loving the Merino wool thin toques with various national park names on them, super practical and light weight. I've only found them at DOC visitor centers for $27-32, I now have a small collection.

Beautiful pond next to centre and bridge walk across to entrance

Very unfriendly and bizarre experience. Went in just after quater to 12 today to get a clean gear licence. Alot of passive aggression about how they were 'about' to close for lunch at 1pm. If I did this in my job I'd be rightfully reprimanded. Frankly, if they were polite about it we would have been inclined to come back at 1pm. Bit confused as to how they have so many staff yet absolutely have to close and have lunch altogether when in any other work place half the staff could cover the other....anyway. Multiple people turned away rather rudely after we came in. We were made to feel like a massive inconvenience and they didn't know where the paperwork was. If the place was more was more organised it would have been less than 5 minutes to get the licence. Except they bumbled around and complaining, so we were there longer than we needed to be in the first place. Not the best first impression of the area and certainly the least friendly Vistor's Center we have been to.

Beautiful lake and full of summer vibes. Must visit Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. It provides a lot of useful information before we trek and hike, including exactly where trees have fallen on a certain part of track or which trek is now closed. Merchandise is priced reasonably in the shopping gallery compared to shops in the town.

8th wonder of the world. Well many other places just as beautiful in NZ at least. Long fantastic drive to get here. Many many people - a bit too many. It were very cloudy. Shame but is of course part of nature. Still worth it!

A nice information centre that tells you important things that you need to know for the surrounding area. The centre also sells essential camping and hiking gear should you go on a multi day tramp at the nearby trails.

Rained... Still worth the trip! The waterfalls were everywhere en route to Milford Sound and the boat cruise there was spectacular even with the dodgy weather

Beautiful scenery. Awesome on a sunny day. Spectacular in the rain. Probably the least amazing is a cloudy day with no rain. Recommend insect repellent- sandflys can be really irritating. Take a waterproof jacket for a surprise part of the cruise portion of the tour. Recommend Southern Discoveries.

Great experience, beautiful scenery. We took a scenic cruise with lunch picnic and visit to the underwater observatory. Nice choice of snacks, sandwiches and fruit, even cookies and chocolate. Observatory was educational. Interesting lectures by staff, would not have liked to miss that. Will sure be back with friends and family.

Do visit the tourist centre to find out more information before you go for the hike. Nice walking pathway to the first shelter. Took me 1.45hrs one way, a lot of sandflies so be prepared. Our target was to reach the first shelter and return after that.

Super interesting place with all sorts of old machinery and tools taken care of by old entusiats it seemed. Also you can se the old 1938 school. Entrance fee is a modest $5 donation pp. Definetaly a stop worth e.g. on the way to Milford Sound. They have toilets.

Amazing little place, off on the industrial area of Te Anau. Fantastic collection of vintage machinery and tools, plenty of vintage car, motorcycles and tractors. Very interesting place to visit for cheap! Can even visit the old Te Anau school house and a blacksmiths forge

Come visit and see vintage tractors, trucks, cars and motorcycles. We were passionately hosted by Stu, and educated on decades of New Zealand farming, mechanical and cultural history. Truly a highlight of our Te Anau stay!

By chance we called in to have a look at what was on offer at this Vintage Machinery Museum. It was a $10 donation entrance which was well worth it. The chap there was very friendly and showed us around the various antiques that had been collected over the years as well as providing some insight into the local history of Te Anau and surrounding areas. Would recommend a visit if you are looking for something to fill in an hour or so and have an interest in some vintage machinery and tools.

Great place to visit and check out the old gear! Even some Canadian products. Lots of history and cool things to keep you busy.

This museum has an exceptional collection of 🚜 tractors restored to perfection. A workshop to see how restoration is managed.

Found this place by accident but what an amazing little museum this is! The collection of old cars, bikes, tractors and tools is unbelievable, the whole place smells like lubrication oil which I still believe is one of the best smells in the world. Also spent some time talking to the guys who running the place, one amazing story after the other. Loved it!

PULL before trying to push through the turnstile. I wish I had known that before I lost $2. I then lost another $2 when I successfully made it inside to see five sad fish in a sad aquarium that's fed by fresh water.

Flew halfway across the globe to Christchurch, and thereafter drove hundreds over kilometres just to see this. Definitely the highlight of not just my trip in Te Anau, but the whole of my South Island journey. For NZ$2, you get the experience of a lifetime, the sense of zen and calmness, and the enlightenment on life you get thereafter. This is way more value for money than Milford sound tours that you will spend time on.

In the heart of the enchanting Te Anau lies a hidden gem beyond compare - the Te Anau Trout Observatory! Journeying to this mystical haven is an adventure in itself, for one must traverse the ethereal stream, its waters shimmering with secrets untold, and cross its bridge of whispers, where the whispers of ancient spirits guide your way. Upon arrival, one is greeted by the most wondrous spectacle: the magical trout! These majestic creatures, adorned with scales that sparkle like stars in the night sky, dance in the crystal-clear waters, weaving tales of wonder and mystery. The observatory itself is a sanctuary of tranquility and enlightenment. The knowledgeable guides, akin to wise wizards, lead you through an immersive experience, revealing the secrets of the trout and the mystical forces that shape their world. And oh, the craftsmanship! The finely carved concrete paths wind through the landscape like ancient runes, guiding you on your journey with an air of ancient magic. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a humble traveler seeking wonder, the Te Anau Trout Observatory is an absolute must-visit. Prepare to be spellbound by its charms and ensnared by its enchantment. Truly, a five-star experience beyond compare! 🐟✨🌟

Maybe worthwhile for kids. For the entry rotating gate, you must pull and hold it towards you then insert $2 The guy who went before us couldn't get in after inserting his coin. In places the viewing glass is scuffed and dirty.

Forget Doubtful Sound, this is Troutful Sound. After reading the glowing reviews we just had to see this spectacular place for itself, and we were not disappointed. Our research had suggested there were 6 or 7 fish, but there were in fact an astonishing 8!!! We simply couldn’t believe our eyes! It was so lovely to see the fish swimming contentedly in their natural environment, and we were mesmerised by their beauty. We stopped here on the way to Milford Sound, and ended up delaying our boat trip as we just loved it so much. Worth it though! The $2 entrance fee is an absolute steal, and we’ll be recommending this experience to every other backpacker we meet!

Have you seen the amazing TV show Lost where the characters regularly encounter all manner of strange and interesting ancient hidden structures and experience magical and mystical adventures almost non stop on an invisible time travelling island? Well that's nothing compared to the Te Anau Trout Observatory. From the moment you descend into the difficult to describe Troutal viewing chamber it's as if time stands still as you're held in a seemingly trance-like state of wonder. Quite an experience.

I have experienced many countries globally. But I have never had an experience like this. The trout blissfully float throughout their majestic crystal clear aqua environment. Their scales shimmer through the light as the crimson red oozes out bleeding for eternity. These fish had a pond place in my heart and will be back for more.

This experience was literally life changing. After a long day of catching trains, ferries, buses, monster trucks and unicycles, I was deeply exhausted but at the last moment I decided to visit the Trout Observatory. I was instantly transformed into a new person; my brain fog cleared, my skin was flawless, I gained several iq points - these 8 trout were miracle workers. Would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting New Zealand, put this as your first stop.

The TROUT OBSERVATORY, Te Anau. The highlight of our entire trip. The kid's joyful screams pierced the air as the magnificent trout elegantly danced through the pristine, glistening waters. Our hearts were overcome with emotion, as if a powerful force had reached deep within our souls, awakening feelings we never knew existed. This extraordinary encounter moved us in ways we could have never imagined, leaving an indelible mark on our spirits that will forever burn with the intensity of a thousand suns. The true and undeniable revelation, the earth-shattering twist that pierces the very depths of our souls, is that it is not we who are gazing upon the trout in serene contemplation. No, dear friends, it is the trout who are watching us with keen eyes, unraveling the intricate tapestry of our existence with their unfathomable wisdom. Our roles are reversed, our perceptions shattered, as we come face to face with the stark reality that we are but mere players on the grand stage of life, while the trout, majestic and profound, hold the secrets of the universe in their gaze. Oh, the profound beauty of this revelation, the overwhelming passion that consumes our beings as we grapple with this profound truth. The trout are the silent observers, the silent guides, leading us down the path of enlightenment and self-discovery. Fathomless and infinite, they watch us with a knowing eye, imparting upon us the knowledge of the cosmos. Let us embrace this truth, let us revel in the magnificence of their gaze, for it is in their silent observation that we find the true meaning of our existence.

Best experience money can buy in TeAnau. Definitely worth the drive. Dean and Connor Nilotic gives it 2 thumbs up!!!!

A must go if you are at Te Anau. Absolutely blown away. Once in a life time experience. Do not give it a miss if you come this town. Watching them in their natural habitat is just wow. Just $2. What more can we ask for. This is better than Milford sound , lake Tekapo , mount cook . I think I will choose this over Queenstown. You should just fly over just to see this.

Stunning example of what a trout can be. Raised the bar for all aquatic observatorys. I went on to bag out on PB rainbows the next 2 days in a row with the knowlege i learned.

This is a sure way of curing a hangover. The dopamine hit of seeing these majestic creatures in their natural environment will make you forget all of the night before’s antics. We felt extremely safe thanks to the observatory’s state of the art security systems and 24hr access. Also a bystander when we were there told us that this is the place where Clarke Gayford finally dropped a knee for Jacinda. Such a special place for for Te Anau to have. Will visit again

As I read the amazing reviews I knew I had to go here. As soon as I walked through the rusty and mysterious gates of the trout observatory I couldn't believe my eyes. In front of me were 8 mystical trout, the fish you could only see once in a lifetime. As soon as my eyes layed upon its shimmering scales and beady eyes I felt an deep connection with the spiritual creatures, a powerful bond. As I left the haven of trout I felt empowered and fulfilled as it was a moment I knew that knew I would never forget.

I don’t know. So much happened in there. I fell in love, had a terrible heartbreak, fell in love again, had a revelation, discovered my true self (I think I’m a fish), lost virginity with not 10, nor 11 but 12 trouts including myself — aaaand got it back twice in less than 5 minutes. You can’t expect anything, the trouts will, that’s why It’s a troutfull experience. I’m still there. No wifi.

Genuinely, despite all the bombastic comments, I can't speak against my conscience. It was a lovely place for the trout. I could see they were well looked after and I know a lot had gone into the conservation of these trout. However, please manage your expectations. Accept the place the way it is. You will definitely not spend more than 10 minutes there. Best of luck.

Wow. Just wow. My girlfriend and I had the best date night ever at the Te Anau trout observatory. When we arrived we knew the outside looked familiar and wondered what special place it reminded us of and then it clicked! It looks just like The Louvre from the outside but inside awaits treasures even more impressive than the French museum. The trout welcomed us with many zoomies and made us feel instantly at home. This place will change your life. Don’t miss out

5 stars is not enough for this spectacular and majestic location. As soon as you walk down the Monte Carloesque entranceway you are instantly hit with the most incredible view of not 1 but 8 trout. Once you’ve exited you’re instantly overwhelmed by the sudden realisation that nothing in your life has ever come or will come close to this level of perfection again. Heaven really is a place on earth, and it’s only found at Te Anau Trout Observatory.

It was a dreary Tuesday afternoon. I remember it well. As I walked through the township of Te Anau, my mind wandered into a deep contemplation. What was the purpose of life? What was I to do with the short time I have left on this Earth? I let out a deep sigh, for I had little hope left. When suddenly, I caught a glow out of the corner of my eye. It was an enticing glow, almost enchanting... as it beckoned me down the stairs to the Trout Observatory. As I edged closer, its aura grew stronger, before hearing faint whispers lure me deeper into the fish kingdom. I was mesmerised for a short while, but I mustered up the energy to ask "w-who are you?..." As if on cue, the slender body of a trout turned towards me - its colours reflecting brightly off the whites of my eyes. "I have been expecting you" the trout answers. I fall to my knees. Its very presence was mythic. I remained silent while it began chanting the ancient script of Atlantis. Before I knew it, I awoke. With my mind alive and my woes at ease, I began a new quest into my previously dreary existence. I am reborn, and I owe it all to the Te Anau Trout Observatory.

A very pleasant surprise in Te Anau. The place is not manned, just a rotating barrier for 2$ coins. Wish the fish would have a bit more space though.

Thanks to the nice weather today.. that make my beautiful sunset memories from Te Anau. 👍🏻

The best lookout over Te Anau. Bring lunch and binoculars.

It's a nice lookout not far from town. Probably more of a sunset rather than a sunrise spot during the winter months as the sunrise was blocked by trees.

Went up here with the local Team Anua tourguide. We we're absolutely blown away by the panorama view of the snow capped mountains against the blue sky. Absolutely stunning.

Lovely unobstructed views of an extensive area in all directions,   overlooking the town, lake and mountains.

Absolutely stunning scenery on a clear day. Great for watching the sunset, or evening lights in Te Anau below. It takes about 3 minutes to drive up from the turn off on Te Anau side. The road surface is semi-sealed up to the Look Out. Driving from the Manapouri end of Ramparts Road is not recommended, as you will be driving for a loong time on an unsealed road which will take extra time.

Beautiful panoramic views of Te Anau, lake Te Anau, and the surrounding area. Worth the short drive up!

Great view over the whole of Lake Te Anau, town & mountains.

Nestled in the mountains the views here are second to none. Fantastic for sunrise if the weather permits. Bathrooms are clean. Bunks are comfortable enough. Gas cookers and water is provided.

Great walk and hut, mostly through the forest until a 2km at the top where it opens up. Return to the car park took us around 6 hours, 28km return!

Awesome place to stop for a day hike, or if you’re lucky enough to have acquired a spot, a great place to spend the night in the accommodations! The facilities are clean and there is a bathroom. You’ll see many curious kea here too, so make sure to bring a camera. This place really feels taken care of for hikers by hikers.

Great place, and the warden is such a lovely person. Helpful all the time and as funny as his fellow Keas. You should definitely meet Melsby. Such a hilarious little Kea The warden is deeply aware of his surroundings and cares not only for you as a guest but also for the environment. Remember his tips and your experience is going to be as good as it can get. Always remember you are part of this journey on the Kepler Track, so give it back what it overs you. Stay safe and have a great time hiking. And don't forget to look at the stars:P

Spent the night in May and thoroughly enjoyed it. The views are great and amenities not bad... The warden gave us some wood to stay warm over night. And in the morning there are resident keas who like to have fun on the terrace!

Beautiful hut, gas stoves, sinks and boil before use water. Gorgeous place for lunch on passage between Kepler Car park and Iris Burn Hut. Do not feed the Kea of course but do enjoy their company :)

Beautiful view, saw some kea which was nice. Hut ranger gave us an interesting talk on the traps for small mammals - he used the phrase 'as far as spring-loaded death traps go, these are top of the range' - which I thought was great.

DOC hut with incredible views. Great walk hut so gas and matresses provided. Drinking water available. Many many kea to be spotted! Very minimal but still present risk of bedbugs, though we didn't see any while we were there.

Wonderful hike to this hut. You can take a ferry from Te Anau across the lake for a shortcut. Then you can emerge from the trailhead and hike up through the forest until you rise above the tree line. 5 miles to the hut all uphill. It may be challenging for some people but it is 100% worth it. On this hike you will also probably see New Zealand’s flightless parrot! My personal favorite part of this hike was the cave a little away from the hut. 100 yards before you arrive at the hut you can take a trail uphill off the main trail labeled cave. This cave is amazing and you can venture as deep as you want! It does get narrow at points so make sure you bring equipment. For the hut you can stay in it if you rent out a Kepler track trip. These reservations go quickly so make one several months before you plan to go! If you aren’t able to get a reservation I would still recommend an up and back with lunch at the hut. If you don’t take the ferry across the lake it is an extra 2 miles there and 2 back!

Great hut with wardens present as well. There are flush toilets as well as plenty of bunk space. Communal areas are spacious.

Beautiful location. Kepler track is great but in many ways the Luxmore hut is the standout. The ranger Matt running the place was funny and very knowledgeable. Saw some Kea hanging out at night and the hut itself has stunning views of the valley

Luxmore hut is above the treeline on the Kepler Track. There are several ways to get to the hut. Either hike about 6 hours from Te Anau. The other option is to get a ferry from town to Brod Bay, this will reduce the time with 2 hours. It is a very well maintained hut, since there are hut wardens who tidy up and give the latest weather forecasts. You can stay in this hut as a part of the 3- 4 day Kepler track or just hike up and hike down the next day. It's also nice for a day hike if you're reasonably fit.

Great hut, well set out and roomy. We were out of season so is first in first served for beds. Out of season, bring your own gas and cooking equipment and carry out what you carry in. However during the season you are required to book and are guaranteed a bed. Winter toliet needed a good empty though which given it was a day before the official season starts was disappointing but I believe we're held off due to weather. A few cheeky Kea made it worth it though!

Great hut, awesome host, cute Kea. We also went to Luxmore mountain in the afternoon and saw Kea there as well. He was trying to steel our bottle.

We went to Luxmore Hut for a dayhike and used the watertaxi. The track up the hut is gorgeous and the hut itself is in a good condition. If you are lucky you will see some keas at the hut. :) Feel free to visit my instagram profile domenic.boernicke for more landscape photos from New Zealand. :)