Te Anau

Te Anau is a small town on the shore of Lake Te Anau, in the Southland region of the South Island. It is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Road.

Get in
Turn off the Queenstown - Invercargill highway just north of Lumsden onto SH94. Te Anau also has an airstrip for light sightseeing aircraft.

Most travellers use Te Anau as a jumping-off point to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Allow 2 hours to reach Milford Sound from Te Anau. There are lots of scenic stops along Milford Road, but not much else, so stop at Fresh Choice for snacks and be sure to fill up your fuel tank, as there is limited petrol available in Milford Sound.

By bus
InterCity Coachlines run buses to Te Anau from Christchurch via Dunedin, Queenstown and Milford Sound. From Invercargill a change at Gore is required.

Tracknet run buses from Queenstown and Invercargill. This is also available as a combined ferry and bus ticket from Stewart Island by Stewart Island Experience. Tracknet have services to and from some walking routes.

Do

 * Tramp any of the many tracks located in the area. Te Anau isn't called the walking capital of the world for no reason! The major tracks that can be started from the surrounding area include the following "Great Walks":
 * Don't miss out on going to Milford Sound, taking a cruise, and enjoying the scenic wonderland. For once it's probably better to take a bus, they don't rush it and you get good quality commentary.
 * Take a day walk somewhere - Lake Marian for example. If you don't have gear, you can hire it from Bev's Tramping Gear Hire.
 * Don't miss out on going to Milford Sound, taking a cruise, and enjoying the scenic wonderland. For once it's probably better to take a bus, they don't rush it and you get good quality commentary.
 * Take a day walk somewhere - Lake Marian for example. If you don't have gear, you can hire it from Bev's Tramping Gear Hire.
 * Take a day walk somewhere - Lake Marian for example. If you don't have gear, you can hire it from Bev's Tramping Gear Hire.

Eat
There are several decent places to eat, considering the size of Te Anau.

The local supermarkets are a cheap alternative if you're self-catering.

Drink
The three main venues in Te Anau are The Ranch, The Moose and Redcliff, in order of the age groups most likely to be found at each location. There is also a working men's club for the older generations.

Sleep
During December and January, bookings are essential! While bed and breakfasts, hotels, and backpackers abound in Te Anau, they will fill up and the nearest accommodation could be as far away as Gore.

Go next
State Highway 94 (SH 94), the Milford Road, leads to Milford Sound, 120 km to the north. Milford Sound is a major tourist attraction, but the trip itself is just as spectacular and should not be rushed. There are several scenic stops along the route that provide unique views. With about 2,500 visitors a day travelling to Milford Sound at peak times, it pays to get an early start, especially as parking space sometimes runs out in the (free) Milford car parks in the late morning.

Manapouri is just to the south via State Highway 95 (SH 95), which serves as an important gateway for exploring Doubtful Sound.