Te Anau
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Te Anau - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Fiordland National Park
Encompassing more than 3 million acres of wilderness, Fiordland is the country's biggest national park. Nearly a million people visit each year to see playful dolphins and rain forest--coated mountains, but most converge on Milford and Doubtful sounds, the park's stars. Don't worry—the park is massive enough to easily absorb the crowds. The scenery actually quiets them, too: entire boatloads of visitors have been known to just hush out on the water. Sand flies and rain (along with your job, breaking news, and the rest of the world) will seem like tiny nuisances when you behold Milford Sound, with Mitre Peak rising along the coast and waterfalls tumbling into the sea. I see the falls, said one returning visitor, and everything just falls away.
Otago, New Zealand -
2. Milford Road
If there was nothing to see at the end of this road it would still be worth the journey. It's a spectacular route, on one of the highest highways in New Zealand, traveling through mossy beech forests, past waterfalls and grand sweeping valleys. The road is narrow and winding at times, so allow at least 2½ hours. Stop for some great photo ops at Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, and Lake Gunn before reaching the Divide, a watershed between rivers flowing both east and west and the starting point for the Routeburn Track. When you reach the Homer Tunnel think of the unemployed workers who began building it as a relief project in 1935 using picks and shovels. Before making the trip, check the transit website (www.milfordroad.co.nz) or phone (0800/444--449) for avalanche warnings (snow and trees), and, between May and November, come equipped with tire chains, which you can rent in any Te Anau service station. Take care and drive to the conditions, and if you're just not comfortable, you can always take a bus from Te Anau or Queenstown. There have been a number of accidents on this stretch of road caused by overseas drivers, who are unfamiliar with the conditions and are driving too fast or on the wrong side of the road.
New Zealand -
3. Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
The lakeshore Te Anau Bird Sanctuary gives you the chance to preview some of the wildlife you're likely to encounter when hiking in Fiordland. The center houses one of New Zealand's rare flightless birds, the takahe, which was once thought to be extinct. The lakeside walk to the center makes for a pleasant one-hour stroll. The birds here have either been injured or involved in captive rearing programs. The injured birds are rehabilitated and sent back to the wild if they're strong enough. Entry's free, but if you have a NZ$1 or NZ$2 coin to donate it helps with the upkeep.
Manapouri Rd., 1 km (½ mile) west of Te Anau, Te Anau, Southland, 9600, New Zealand03-249–0200Sight Details
Rate Includes: Donation requested -
4. Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Boats and walkways take you through a maze of caves containing underground whirlpools, waterfalls, and gushing streams. Then you'll reach the inner, quieter part, and, on the cave walls, glowworms shine like constellations in a clear night sky. It's a surreal experience. The caves can only be reached by water. This is a lovely family trip that takes around 2½ hours. Don't miss it if you're going through Te Anau; if you're short on time you can do it in the evening.
85 Lakefront Dr., Te Anau, Southland, 9600, New Zealand03-249–6000Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$99 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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