Hello. I have three nights planned in Te Anau. I had planned to use this as a base to do Milford and Doubtful Sound but now I think I will just do Milford Sound from Queenstown.
Are there any destinations surrounding Queenstown/Wanaka/Christchurch that are popular with backpackers? I'm not a huge hiker if that helps but love lakeside resorts with the possibility of doing some outdoors activities.
One of our favourite destinations (sort of in the region) is Aoraki Mt Cook - it's magical, even the short walks. There is a decent hostel there, but it can book out. Also along that route (sort of) is Lake Tekapo, with a lovely hostel right on the lake edge. There is also a Dark Sky observatory there that is popular.
I agree that three nights at Te Anau is probably at least one too many, but if you have two, then on the return from Milford Sound, the Key Summit Walk from a bus-stop called The Divide is outstanding, even if you're not an avid hiker.
Doing Milford Sound from Queenstown as a day-trip is a long day in a bus ... but it depends on how much time you have overall.
More info please - how many days; what is your route? What time of year?
Personally, I'd recommend Te Anau - why have you dropped that plan?
Te anau is a lakeside resort with activities, lovely spot, good microclimate, three hours nearer to Milford than Queenstown and has good and easy walking from the door.
Yes ... Te Anau is nice for two nights, so long as Milford Sound is on that day, of course.
Kepler track, bird park, manapouri lake and walks, doubtful sound... A whole bunch of nothing to do round te anau.
