Go kayaking or fishing at the still waters of New Zealand’s second-largest lake, view the colourful native birds or take a night ride through glow worm caves in pretty Te Anau. Use the town as a base for exploring nearby fiords and hiking trails, or relax here for a few days enjoying tranquil local walking trails and excellent restaurants.
Te Anau is often called the gateway to Fiordland, but the town and surrounding area certainly warrant at least a day’s exploring. Foremost among the attractions is the magnificent Lake Te Anau. Like many of the Fiordland’s attractions, this was created by a glacier. It’s a staggering 1,368 feet (417 metres) at its deepest point. Rent a kayak and head out onto the water. In the warmer summer months, go swimming in the lake’s cool waters.
Be sure to take a walk to the Te Anau Wildlife Park, where you can look out for the colourful kaka and tui birds. You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the flightless takahe. The park at Te Anau is one of only a handful of locations where this incredibly rare bird can still be seen in the wild.
For a unique experience, don’t miss the eerie glow worm caves. Join a tour, which starts with a boat trip over the lake to a quiet grotto. You will then be led into a network of underground tunnels. Once your eyes adjust to the dark, see constellations of hundreds of tiny glow worms clinging to the roof of the caves. Your experienced guide will tell you the history of the caves, which were rediscovered in 1948. Tours last approximately 2 hours.
Due to its reputation as a jumping-off point for visitors to Milford Sound, Te Anau has a wide selection of quality restaurants and cafés, as well as some luxury hotels and spas. It’s a good idea to book accommodation early during the warmer months.