Te Anau - South Island, New Zealand

Te Anau is Fiordland's commercial centre and is the gateway for visitors exploring Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is perched on the edge of Lake Te Anau which is the largest of the southern glacial lakes, covering an area of 344 square kilometres.

The main body of the lake runs north-south and three large fiords reach out from its western side - these arms are called North Fiord, Middle Fiord and South Fiord.

On the western side is a magnificent wilderness of forest and mountains - the Kepler and Murchison Ranges rise to around 1700 metres above sea level. At the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre you can arrange to walk the Milford, Routeburn or Kepler Tracks.

From Te Anau you can take a cruise or kayak on the lake. You can also visit the Te Anau Glow-worm Caves, a 200m cave system with whirlpools, waterfalls and a glow-worm grotto.

Te Anau Accommodation

Te Anau is the accommodation base for other spots in Fiordland such as Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound and Manpouri. Te Anau has plenty to offer most travellers with a wide selection of accommodation on offer: good motels, hotels, B&B's and campgrounds. You will need to book in advance for the high summer season (December to March).

Te Anau Activities

There is little to do in Te Anau township apart from admiring the stunning scenery, but Te Anau is a great base for many activities.

Ten minutes from the centre of town is the Fiordland National Park Visitors Centre which contains the Fiordland National Park Museum. The museum has fascinating displays on the underwater life of the park and the construction of the Homer Tunnel.

To see some of the endangered bird species that live in Fiordland, visit the Te Anau Wildlife Centre. Takahe, weka, parakeets, tui, kea, kaka and wood pigeons thrive in this Department of Conservation sanctuary. The museum has a collection relevant to both the Maori and European history of the area.

Te Anau's main attraction is the Te Anau Glow-worm Caves, a 200m cave system with whirlpools, waterfalls and a glow worm grotto. You get to the caves via a 20 minute boat trip after which you walk to a punt and spend 30 minutes in the cave system which tunnels under the Murchison Mountains.

There are other lake cruises available to suit most timeframes and budgets and other water-based highlights including a jet boat ride past Lord of the Rings locations on the Waiau River. Alternatively a peaceful sea kayaking tour on the unique waterways is simply unbeatable.

Back on land there is a three hour quad bike tour that takes you through the high backcountry with unsurpassed views of Lakes Manapouri and TeAnau. Or for a quieter ride, there are three hour horse treks available.

The main attraction to this area is without a doubt the many walking tracks, from guided scenic day walks to one of the many great walks - the Kepler Track, the Milford Track, the Dusky Track, the Hollyford Track and the Routeburn Track.

To view the scenery from above, there are a number of flight seeing tours that depart from Te Anau either by scenic plane or helicopter.

LooknbookNZ can organise your Te Anau accommodation and Te Anau activities allowing you to have a fantastic holiday in the activities haven of Te Anau.