The serene deep waters of Lake Te Anau make up the largest lake in the South Island and second largest in NZ, and are bordered on its western shore by lush virgin forest. The attractive town of Te Anau lies nestled on the edge of this beautiful lake, with a spectacular backdrop of Mt Luxmore and the Murchison mountains.
Te Anau provides a full range of services to visitors, and is the closest service base to Milford Sound, with a scenic 2 1/2 hour drive from Te Anau to Milford.
A wide range of accommodation within Te Anau offers over 3500 beds to weary travelers. Holiday homes, lodge, hotel, motel and boutique accommodation provide a restful break in comfort and style, while home and farm stays provide a genuine New Zealand experience. A range of holiday parks, backpacker and budget options ensure that everyone can find accommodation to suit their needs. Accommodation is in high demand during the summer months (particularly in February) and visitors are advised to book well in advance.
We recommend the Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park and Motels, as they have options to suit most budgets.
There is a growing range of activities ensuring visitors can find plenty of things to do while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and 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 outstanding vistas of the lake, mountains and farmland while exploring the diverse terrain of the area on horseback, or by foot on one of the many short walks.
Boat trips are available on the lake for a memorable scenic cruise and provide excellent fishing opportunities. Jet boating on the beautiful 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. Te Anau makes a great start and end point for these trips. Walkers can stock up on provisions in Te Anau and check the weather and track conditions before departing. With the track complete, visitors relish returning to Te Anau to soak weary bones in a spa, buy plasters for sore feet, and enjoy a muscle reviving massage before reliving their adventures in the warmth and comfort of a local café or bar. Transport to Great Walks are provided by Tracknet Transport including onward travel to and from Queenstown.
The Te Anau glowworm caves are another well known attraction accessible from Te Anau, with regular scheduled launch departures transporting passengers on a 35 minute journey across the Lake Te Anau to explore these unique caves.
Families can enjoy a walk along the lakeshore to the Wildlife Park to view the extremely rare Takahe (endemic to Fiordland) as well as many other native birds, or can visit Ivon Wilson Park, an ideal spot for a picnic lunch.
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.
Te Anau offers seven day a week shopping facilities with competitively priced goods, including high quality apparel, gift and souvenir shops, many selling New Zealand wool and sheepskin products and garments.
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.
To make your Manapouri walking tracks river crossing bookings, you can call us on 0800 456 457 or +64 3 249 7777 or email info@adventuremanapouri.co.nz or book online.
Access to these walks on the Manapouri Track is by River Water Taxi crossings. Scheduled departures daily during the Summer at 10:00am, 11:00am and 3:00pm, 4:00pm.
On demand departures are available by prior booking.