Fodor's Expert Review 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.