Marakura Wharf Te Anau
Richard Young

Te Anau

The serene, picturesque Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island and the second largest in New Zealand. The spectacular Mt Luxmore and Murchison mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop. Nestled on the lake's edge is the attractive town of Te Anau, your main base for the hiking trails and stunning scenery Fiordland National Park offers.

Te Anau was first surveyed in 1893, shortly after the Milford Track opened. Still, the township only developed after the opening of the Homer Tunnel and the spectacular 120km alpine road to Milford in 1953. The town is a hub for visitors to the sound and a base for those visiting the region, especially for those undertaking one of the epic Great Walks such as the Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Track. Or use the Hike Fiordland Passport to guide you to some of the best day walks in the area.

Boasting a wide range of activities on or off the water, fine restaurants and luxury accommodation - as well as Fiordland's most luminous inhabitants at the Te Anau Glowworm Caves - Te Anau is a dream destination.

Te Anau

Highlights

Hike Fiordland cover
Lisa Nicole

Hike Fiordland

Base yourself in Te Anau and use the Hike Fiordland Passport to guide you to some of the best day walks, experiencing a taste of the Great Walks nearby. Stay a week and complete them all, or tick off a few more with each visit.

Prospect Lodge
Prospect Lodge, Fiordland

Accommodation

Fiordland has an abundance of camp grounds, backpackers, scenic camping areas, and lodges, as well as a range of hotels, motels, holiday homes, and B&B’s. Whether you’re just staying one night… Read More

Food & Drink

There is an excellent selection of restaurants, bars, cafés, bakeries, and dairies to choose from in Te Anau, and a few cafés can also be found in Manapōuri and Milford… Read More

Dusky Sound helicopter
Richard Young

Things To Do

Fiordland is a natural playground. From providing some of the best walking tracks in the country - and even the world, to offering a plethora of scenic cruises and adventure activities, Fiordland is a dream… Read More

Milford Sound

Often described as the “eighth wonder of the world”, the jewel in Fiordland’s crown, and one of the New Zealand’s top travel destinations, Milford Sound  (Piopiotahi)  was… Read More

Aerial view of Manapouri
Videocopter

Manapouri

Manapouri is an idyllic, quiet town situated on the pristine shore of Lake Manapouri and edge of Fiordland National Park. The town is a feast for the eyes with the picturesque lake, beautiful beaches and… Read More

Doubtful Sound
Graham Dainty

Doubtful Sound

Few lakes are more beautiful and mysterious than New Zealand’s second deepest lake, Lake Manapōuri - often referred to as New Zealand's loveliest lake. The peaceful township of Manapōuri… Read More

Events

Discover Fiordland's incredible events lineup that "You Won't Want To Miss!"  Immerse yourself in each event's captivating story, told through the eyes of a skilled storyteller… Read More