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The deep fiords, lakes and steep untracked heights of Fiordland National Park weave an intricate tapestry here in New Zealand’s south-west corner, right on Te Anau’s doorstep. The impression Te Anau gives is that its compact town centre provides all visitor facilities and services in a no-nonsense way, but it could just be that the scale of its surroundings simply dwarfs all attempts to compete. It is the hub from which forays into the Park begin, and the welcoming oasis to which they return. Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest, and forms the major part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. The scale of this dramatic landscape, carved by glaciers and decorated by ancient stands of temperate, moss encrusted bush, challenges the perception of visitors with its sheer size and grandeur. Hidden within the Park are some of New Zealand’s most famous destinations - Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, Lake Manapouri, and tramping tracks such as the Milford, Hollyford and Kepler. Te Anau sits on the south-eastern tip of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake. On its western shore, and accessible only by boat, the Te Anau Caves weave through the sculpted limestone hills, their whirlpools, waterfall and rapids echoing deafeningly against the walls, in stark contrast to the Caves’ silent glowworm studded grotto. Tramping, kayaking, scenic flights, boat cruises on the lakes and fiords, and the road trip to Milford on Highway 94 top the list for visitors to this most magical corner of New Zealand.
Te Anau Accommodation "Our Pick"
Anchorage Motel
Sixteen self-contained studio 1- 3 bedroom units, close to the lake and a 10min walk to the town centre.
47 Quintin Drive +64 3 249 7256
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Amber Court Motel
Twelve self contained studio, 1-3 bedroom units, some with bath, close to the lake and a 10min walk to the town centre.
68 Quintin Drive +64 3 249 7230
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Lakefront Lodge Motel
Range of s/c ground floor units, some with spa bath. Short lakeside stroll to town centre. Located on side road, not facing lake.
Cnr Lakefront Drive & Mokoroa St. +64 3 249 7728
Website
Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments
Ten spacious self-contained one bedroom units on the shores of Lake Te Anau, a short stroll to shops and restaurants.
42 Lakefront Drive +64 3 249 7456
Website
Radfords Lakeview Motel
Self-contained studios and 1-2 bedroom units with lake and mountain views near the town centre.
56 Lakefront Drive +64 3 249 9186
Website
Te Anau Lodge
Restored former convent offers 8 comfortable and different rooms with king size beds. Fire place, lake and mountain views, library, breakfast served in the old chapel.
52 Howden Street +64 3 249 7477
Website
No booking fees
- Pay at hotel
Te Anau Restaurants & Cafes "Our Pick"
Redcliff Cafe & Bar
Good local food in cozy settler's cottage building with garden.
12 Mokonui Street 03 249 7431
The Fat Duck
European cuisine.
124 Town Centre 03 249 8480
La Dolce Vita
Italian cuisine
90 Town Centre 03 249 8895
The Olive Tree Cafe
Cafe food.
52 Town Centre 03 249 8496
Te Anau Activities -- "Our Selection"
Milford Sound Cruises info
Doubtful Sound Cruises
- Real Journeys 03 249 7416
Wilderness Cruises departs in the morning from Manapouri. Overnight Cruise, double/twin share/quad-share leaves at noon.
- Fiordland Explorer Charters
Departs 9.15am, returns around 5pm.
61 Waiau Street,
Pearl Harbour, Manapouri
Fiordland National Park -- Tracks and Walks info
Kayaking
- Fiordland Adventures -- Phone: 03 249 6626
- Fiordland Wilderness Experiences 03 249 7700
Aerial sightseeing
- Wings & Water 03 249 7405
- Southern Lakes Helicopters 03 249 7167
Highway 94
The 238km return road trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound is an easy day trip, but it’ll stay in your memory for much longer. Winding past sheer rock faces, cloud shrouded heights, snow-fed streams and ancients stands of bush, this road demands attention, respect and awe. Drive it yourself if you can. It’s an exhilarating experience. At its apex, at an altitude of 945 metres, the 1,200 metre long Homer Tunnel, which pierces the Main Divide at the Homer Saddle, is not sufficiently wide for two large vehicles to comfortably pass, and the necessary wait for the traffic lights at either end allows the opportunity to spot alpine flora or interact with inquisitive kea. It’s not the only time you’ll stop. There are so many spots to enjoy on this wonderful highway, and you’ll find fellow travellers keen to interact, as the normal human scale of things pales to insignificance beside the grandeur of nature.
Homer Alpine Nature Walk on Highway94
Fiordland Region - Te Anau
ACCOMMODATION SPECIALS & GUEST REVIEWS
Milford Sound cruise boats
Milford Sound
Cleddau Valley, Highway 94 to Milford Sound
Tutoko River bridge on Highway 94
Highway 94