# Lake Te Anau

Source: https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/southland/te-anau/lake-te-anau-plc_8n2vpw11r2vdc/

Home > Activities > New Zealand > Southland > Te Anau > Lake Te Anau

Attraction

Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island and the gateway to Fiordland National Park, bordering the town of Te Anau. Its shoreline offers walking tracks, boat cruises and access to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, reachable only by boat. The lake is free to view and walk beside at any time; caving and cruise trips run a fixed daily timetable and are best booked ahead.

## Tours and tickets for Lake Te Anau

Tours and tickets from an approved affiliate partner. Prices and availability are confirmed by the partner.

- Sponsored (GetYourGuide): [](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Lake%20Te%20Anau%2C%20New%20Zealand&partner_id=NNYQ1IK&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=place-lake-te-anau)

## How to get there

Lake Te Anau borders Te Anau township directly, with the lakefront a short walk from the town centre and its i-SITE. Te Anau is reached by road from Queenstown, a drive of roughly two hours, and sits about two hours' drive from Milford Sound along State Highway 94. There is no scheduled train or ferry to the town; most visitors arrive by car, campervan or coach tour, and shuttle buses run between Queenstown and Te Anau. Boat trips onto the lake, including the Glowworm Caves cruise, depart from the town wharf.

Approximate location: -45.18909, 167.75052

## Hotels near Lake Te Anau

- [Hotels in Te Anau](https://godosomething.fun/hotels/new-zealand/southland/te-anau/)

## More in Te Anau

- [Things to do in Te Anau](https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/southland/te-anau/)
- [What to do in Te Anau: caves, fiords and winter trips](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/what-to-do-in-te-anau/)
- [How Many Days Do You Need in Te Anau?](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/how-many-days-in-te-anau/)

## Quick answers

**How do I get to Lake Te Anau from Queenstown?**

Lake Te Anau borders Te Anau township, about a two-hour drive from Queenstown by road. Shuttle buses and coach tours also run the route; there is no train or scheduled ferry service.

**Can I visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves independently?**

No, the caves sit on the lake's western shore and are reached only by a guided boat trip from the town wharf. Trips run on a fixed daily schedule and advance booking is recommended.

![A lakeshore walking track with a small boat heading toward distant forested mountains.](https://cdn.godosomething.fun/media/site__place-new-zealand-te-anau--lake-te-anau.webp)
Photo: Go Do Something Fun (/media/site__place-new-zealand-te-anau--lake-te-anau.webp) — First-party AI-generated artwork © Suppers Software Limited ()