te anau

Introduction

north island

Bay of Islands

Cape Reinga

Great Barrier Island

Hokianga

Kaitaia

Kerikeri

Masterton

New Plymouth

Ohakune

Paihia

Russell

Taihape

Tauranga

Mt Maunganui

Turangi

Waiheke Island

Waikaremoana

Waiouru

Wanganui

Whakatane

Whitianga

south island

Akaroa

Alexandra

Arthur's Pass

Ashburton

Blenheim

Cromwell

Glenorchy

Greymouth

Hanmer Springs

Haast

Kaiteriteri

Karamea

Manapouri

Milford Sound

Moeraki

Motueka

Oamaru

Picton

Punakaiki

Te Anau

Timaru

Twizel

Westport

No other region in New Zealand can match the breathtaking mountain scenery of Fiordland National Park.

Te Anau is the jumping-off point for tours, cruises, treks and flights all through the country’s most remote and rugged landscape. The region has 14 fiords, the two deepest lakes in the country, Te Anau and Hauroko, and stupendous valleys - all gouged out by grinding glaciers.

The quiet township of Te Anau is situated on the tranquil lakeshore. Sometimes the lake surface is glass-smooth and the peace and silence is so overawing that you will simply want to sit and absorb the scenery. The lake is New Zealand’s second largest after Taupo. Its South, Middle and North fiords are like fingers probing deeply into remote bush-clad valleys. Te Anau’s main attraction is the Te Ana-au Caves, a honeycomb of waterfalls and luminous caverns lit by millions of glow-worms, which are a ‘must see’ geological wonder.

The starting point for exploring other local attractions is the Department of Conservation visitor centre on the lakefront. Make sure you see their audio-visual, which takes you into the heart of the Fiordland wilderness. The museum offers an insight into local history, and the Underground Trout Aquarium is worth viewing. The Te Anau Wildlife Centre is outstanding, with rare birds housed in natural enclosures, and is helpful as a means of identifying native birds you may see on the bush tracks.

Te Anau can claim to be ‘The Sightseeing and Walking Capital’, as it is the starting point for several of New Zealand’s Great Walks. The Kepler Track begins here, and the Routeburn, Caples, Greenstone and Hollyford Tracks are accessed from the Milford Road.

As the visitor hub for Fiordland, Te Anau can offer limitless opportunities for adventure on the lakes and rivers, in the mountains and in the air. There’s endless challenge for outdoor lovers.

The dramatic beauty of Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park is absolutely stunning.