Te Anau lies beside the beautiful Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island and enjoys unimpeded views of vast tracts of lush virgin forest backed by the imposing Mt Luxmore and Murchison mountains. Known as the 'gateway to the fiords' Te Anau is the closest town to Milford Sound via an exceptionally scenic 2½ hour drive.
The Fiordland National Park was described by the United Nations as having 'superlative natural phenomina' and 'outstanding examples of...the earth's evolutionary history'. It was made a World Heritage Area in 1986 (known as Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area) and extended in 1990 to include Fiordland, Westland and Mt Cook National Parks.
All that scenery making you feel hungry? In Te Anau you can chose anything from fish and chips to fine dining. Make sure to look out for local Fiordland specialities of venison and lobster.
Seven day a week shopping facilities are available here as are a full range of services including ATM facilities, 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.
Things to do
A plethora of pleasure pastimes await you including:
caving,
tramping,
guided day walks,
golfing,
fishing
Wings & Water over Fiordland
Exploring the Milford sound by cruise boat or sea kayak.