Yet another post about our honeymoon! My fiance and I definitely want to visit either Milford or Doubtful Sound. We were considering spending 1-2 nights in Te Anau to do this. Is it worth staying there, or would we be better off making the trip from Queenstown?

Hotels in Te Anau are rather basic. Worth staying there if you wish to visit both Sounds. I would otherwise just stay in Queenstown and take a long day bus tour.

Personally, I like Te Anau and I've spent three nights there on two separate trips. It's a busy little place during the season as it's the departing point for trips to Milford, but at night it's an entirely different place.

I can't remember what time of year you're going???

Many people go to Milford as a day trip from QT, but it's a long day. A four hour drive each way, plus the cruise. It really doesn't give you much time to explore.

You can also fly to to Milford Sound, which is worthwhile for the scenery as well as saving some time.

We didn't stay in Queenstown so I can't comment about its relative merits, but we did spend 4 nights in Te Anau and really enjoyed it. Someone commented that the hotels are basic - but we enjoyed the Lakeside Motel right across from the Lake ........... it's a rather long drive from Queenstown to Milford/Doubtful so if that's what you're interested in seeing I'd stay in Te Anau.

Thanks to everyone for your replies. We are going during Christmas week. We may opt to stick with Queenstown and take the flight over to Milford since we will be doing a lot of driving on the trip overall.

Any thoughts on whether Milford or Doubtful Sound is better? We will probably only go to one.

If you have followed my postings on this question, you will know that I will recommend Doubtful Sound overnight to anyone who will listen. In my opinion, one of the most spiritual and wonderful times in all of our travels. The waterfalls, rain, mist, silence, all were something special.
You can catch the Real Journeys office in QT, leave excess luggage there (they will store for you), use their bus to Manapouri. They will bring you back to QT the next day.
That's what I'd do anyway, for what it's worth.

Although Queenstown is a fun place, it is a bit of a zoo. I liked Te Anau and we made this our base on our last trip for three nights. Flying to Milford is a good option on a tight schedule, but you will miss one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand: the road to Milford Sound from Te Anau.??Haven't seen Doubtful Sound, but that will be on the top of the list for the next trip (whenever that will be).??What time of year are you going? That could well come into consideration when planning your itinerary.

Milford Sound: You can also fly one way and take a bus back. They sell packages that do that also.

The Milford vs Doubtful has been debated endlessly. I've been to both (Milford twice, actually) and my opinion is that Milford has the more dramatic scenery (Mitre Peak). Doubtful Sound might result in some better wildlife sightings (dolphins and penguins, depending on how far out you are able to go). The overnight trip to Doubtful gets rave reviews.

I agree that Queenstown is a bit of a zoo and actually prefer to stay in one of the adjacent towns (Arrowtown, Clyde, or Wanaka). However you could chose to stay a bit out of town which helps some, although there is a lot of traffic on the main road . Queenstown is convenient for booking activities and there are lots of restaurants and some night life (sort of a rarity in NZ).

I loved Queenstown!
I didnt think much of Te Anau - a bit of a nothing place. At least Queenstown has some really good restaurants and a few good hotels to stay in.

Just a comment on the fly/drive option to Milford Sound - it's REALLY expensive - at least $200/each more than just the bus trip.

These are the same honeymooners that were asking about Blanket Bay. I figure they can easily make up the $200 pp by staying elsewhere.

BeckersW8~ The decision between Queenstown and Te Anau really depends mostly on what you and your soon to be husband most value out of travel and a vacation, especially one as special as a honeymoon! If wineries and galleries and extreme sports and restaurants (and crowds) are of high importance, then Queenstown is your choice with a flight to the Fiords. A bus or car day trip is way too much in my opinion. However, if you are nature lovers, than Te Anau is a far better choice. There is TONS to do there, you will not be the least bored. Just fyi, my husband and I always stay three days in BOTH places, so we love both of them. Also, the flight over Doubtful Sound from Te Anau is spectacular! Best wishes

Melnq8 and Wannabkiwi - after reading your advice, I am now glad that we staying 2 nights at Te Anau (this coming November). I have been to Queenstown before, and I found it suited the young people more so, than my age. I prefer the scenery, bush walks, fishing, etc.
Any recommendations for a nice cafe or restaurant in Te Anau (with lakes or mtn views)?

Hi tropo -

We really liked La Toscana - good casual Italian food, but no views.

We also liked The Ranch for drinks.

Kepler's generally gets good reviews, but our meal there was only so-so - maybe just an off night. No views though.

Friends who stayed in Te Anau raved about La Dolce Vita, and went back for a second night.

Hi Tropo~ We went back several times to Redcliffe Cafe. The menu is quite eclectic and we enjoyed it. Having said that, our best meals have become picnics on our favorite trails with stunning views to take in. Cheers

Thanks to melnq8, wannabakiwi and mlgb
I have written down all those eating places for Te Anau. I am sure I will eat at least 2 of them, seeing Te Anau is going to be 2 night stopover.