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Te Anau

Te Anau is a town in the Fiordland Region in the South Island of New Zealand. The deep clear waters of Lake Te Anau make up the largest lake in the South Island. The attractive town of Te Anau is nestled on the eastern edge of this beautiful lake, with a spectacular backdrop of Mt Luxmore and the Murchison mountains and bordered on its western shore by the lush virgin rain forest of the Fiordland National Park.

Tourism and farming are the predominant economic activities in this area. Lying as it does at the borders of Fiordland National Park, it is the gateway to a wilderness area famed for tramping and spectacular scenery. Many species of bird life are also found locally, notably the endangered Takahe which can be found in the Fiordland Wildlife Park.

There is a good range of accommodation within Te Anau which offers over 3500 beds to its visitors. There are also numerous DOC campsites scattered around the lake for camper vans and those tenting it. Accommodation is in high demand during the summer months (particularly in February) and visitors are advised to book in advance.

There is a growing number of activities ensuring visitors can find plenty to do while enjoying the atmosphere and natural picturesque surroundings. Guided tours depart from Te Anau daily to visit the fiords or to explore other features within the National Park. Visitors can view lake, mountains and farmland while exploring the diverse terrain of the area on 4 wheel farm bikes, on horseback, or by foot on one of the many short walks.

Boat trips are available on the lake for scenic cruises and provide excellent fishing opportunities. Jet boating on the Waiau or Wairarahiri Rivers are options for those who like a bit of excitement mixed in with the scenery.

Scenic flights via fixed wing, floatplane and helicopters provide magnificent overviews of the mountain ranges and remote wilderness of the Fiordland National Park.

The international reputation as the “walking capital of the world” is well earned, with Te Anau being the departure point for many excellent walking tracks such as the Milford and the Ruoteburn(a boat trip across the lake will deposit you at the tracks Starting point)The Kepler track begins at the edge of town. Te Anau makes a great start and end point for these trips. Walkers can stock up on supplies in Te Anau and check the weather and track conditions before departing. With the track complete, visitors look forward to returning to Te Anau to soak weary bones in a spa and enjoy a massage before reliving their adventure in the warmth and comfort of a local café or bar.

The Te Anau glow-worm caves are another well known attraction accessible from Te Anau, with regular departures transporting passengers on a 35 minute journey across the lake to explore these unique caves.

Local cafés and restaurants provide a variety of dining options, from fish and chips to fine dining, and the opportunity to sample local Fiordland fare of venison, lobster and other seafood.

A full range of services exists within the town including ATM facilities, two major banks, service stations, offering fuel and workshop facilities, rental cars, a medical centre and a dentist. Regular scheduled coach services link Fiordland to the West Coast, Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.

Te Anau is connected by highway with Invercargill(160 km) and Gore to the southeast and east, and Manapouri to the south. Te Anau is the last town passed through when travelling to Milford Sound, which lies 120 km to the north on a very scenic driving route.