Quick Fun Historical Facts about our beloved Te Anau!

October 29, 2021

Quick Fun Historical Facts about our beloved Te Anau!

As the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, the lakeside town of Te Anau is often known as a stopover along the iconic Milford Sound route, however, those fortunate enough to stay a little longer quickly discover that Te Anau is well worth a visit in its own right. Nicknamed as the ‘walking capital of NZ’, Te Anau attracts nature-lovers and adventure-seekers from near and far – but it offers much more than just a stop to stock up on supplies and tie your shoes before embarking on the Milford, Routeburn or Kepler Tracks. Spend a while soaking up the sights before or after your Great Walk, and you’ll soon discover the hidden gems that await.

In pre-European times, the area was a common place for the Ngai Tahu iwi to rest and gather food whilst journeying between the South Island’s east and west coasts. However, the settlement of Te Anau only began to develop once the iconic Homer Tunnel was opened in 1954, as the first proper road access to Piopiotahi/Milford Sound.

Named after the lake it lies beside, there are many theories as to the origins of the name Te Anau, but today it’s most commonly translated as ‘the cave of swirling water’. This recognises an ancient Māori legend that mystical glowing caves lay hidden somewhere along the lake – and in fact, these underground glowworm grottos were rediscovered by intrepid explorers in 1948.

View of a lake with mountains and trees in background

Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island, covering an area of 344km2. Credit: Great South/Videocopter.

Bordered by the majestic Mt Luxmore, Kepler Ranges and Murchison Mountains, the lake itself is the second largest in Aotearoa (behind Lake Taupō), and the biggest in the South Island – sitting at 210m above sea level, it measures 61km long and is 417m at its deepest point.

A trip to Te Anau wouldn’t be complete without spending some time in the picturesque lake, where glacial fiords and rugged mountainscapes meet lush native forests and rolling farmland. Synonymous with the classic Kiwi adventure – it lends itself to an incredible variety of outdoor pursuits and activities on the water – swimming, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, jetboating, and plenty more. It’s also a haven for fly-fishers, with an abundance of rainbow trout and land-locked salmon awaiting those who cast their line in the lake (or one of the many neighbouring pristine rivers).

Te Anau is also home to an extensive variety of wildlife, and the town’s kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection) have aided many endangered native bird species to thrive. The Department of Conservation has well-established breeding and rehabilitation programs in the area, and has played a major role in improving kākā, kererū, tūi, ruru, and parakeet populations. A visit to our friends at Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is highly recommended – particularly to see the precious takahē. This rare and flightless bird was thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered living in the neighbouring Murchison Mountains in 1948, and are now supported by DOC’s recovery efforts with a population of around 400.

Takahe bird on grass

The endangered and prehistoric-looking takahē have ‘celebrity status’ at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. Credit: Great South.

The western shores of the lake are home to a mysterious yet magical natural wonder, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Located just a short cruise across the lake from Radfords, these jaw-dropping limestone formations are an extraordinary sight. Don’t miss your chance to go on a guided walk and boat tour through the caves, and be captivated by the natural light show of hundreds of glistening glowworms above you. These 12,000-year-old subterranean caves are still geologically active – meaning the rushing waterfalls and whirlpools are still sculpting the rocks today.

View of the glowworm cave ceiling in Te Anau Glowworm Caves

The shining stars of Te Anau’s glowworm caves are a truly mesmerising wonder. Credit: Great South/RealNZ.

For film buffs, it’s no surprise that the wild and untouched landscapes of Fiordland are a popular backdrop for many Hollywood movies. Perhaps the most iconic are the sites featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Basing yourself in Te Anau, visit the filming locations at Kepler Mire, Mavora Lakes, Waiau River, and Snowdon Forest.

With a population of just under 3000 people, the compact and charming town centre is easily walkable from Radfords. With a gentler and more laidback vibe than our bigger neighbour of Queenstown, it’s a town where you can easily enjoy some well-deserved R&R. Spending time in Te Anau is the ultimate wind down after your Fiordland National Park adventure – enjoy comfort and luxury whilst still getting that away-from-it-all feeling.

If you’re planning your next Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound or Fiordland hiking trip, book your accommodation with us today! A long weekend or short break at Radfords on the Lake is the perfect getaway to a special corner of New Zealand, where the tranquillity of untouched nature meets the adventure and thrills at Te Anau’s doorstep.

  • This place was phenomenal!! Wonderfully situated on the lake with an ideal view and convenient (walking distance) to literally everything. Clean, comfy, and well-appointed. An excellent hostess who gave wonderful advice, booked all experiences, made reservations for dinner, you name it; this cannot be under-rated, as the weather conditions change rapidly in Fjordland and having someone who can help with bookings, advice, and changes of plans was immeasurably helpful! The little touches were amazing - water on hand to refill bottles, great laundry facilities, ease of parking, etc...Cannot recommend this place highly enough!
    Ronald – September 2024  Read Reviews
  • We could not have been happier with this place. The room was very clean and comfortable with a stunning view. The location is perfect as it is a quick (10 min walk) walk away from everything downtown. Reception was extremely kind and welcoming, and gave us amazing recommendations for restaurants and hikes that we would have totally missed! They even had two high quality bikes that we were able to take out all morning with ease. Absolutely cannot recommend this place more and will never stay anywhere else in Te Anau if I’m ever lucky enough to return!
    The Perfect Stay – Joseph April 2025  Read Reviews
  • We had a great stay at Radfords on the Lake in March 2025. Our apartment was very clean and spacious with a beautiful view of the lake. Kerry at reception was soooo friendly and helpful , she made us feel at home. She also recommended things to do and places to eat and was even happy to book dinner for us. Location was great, only a short walk into town. We would stay here again.
    A great place to stay in Te Anau – Mnass April 2025  Read Reviews
  • Radfords on the Lake is a wonderful place to stay in the beautiful Te Anau. We had a really great time. The unit was really comfortable, and the staff incredibly welcoming. Kerri and Steve and the staff went out of their way to make our stay special. They were incredibly helpful and nothing was too much - they were so a no paying and went out of their way to assist us with anythjng. I can't recommend Radfords on the Lake highly enough - it is a really great place to stay and made our time in the Fiordlands special.
    A welcoming, friendly and very comfortable place to stay! – Geoff March 2025  Read Reviews
  • Wow ! Such a kind woman at check in. Helpful with where to go for dinner and breakfast, gave us milk for our coffee at check in . Walked us to our room , and wow the rooms were gorgeous . We did get the 2 bedroom, beautiful view of the lake, large open doors, big spa towels, great shower , comfortable bed and within walking distance of city center. Great walking paths. I wish we had another night here
    Wow – Temerald March 2025  Read Reviews
  • This is a beautiful property right by the lake. All units have views! The accommodation is lovely with a sitting area, kitchenette and bedroom. Parking on site. Short walk to plenty of eateries, shopping and soaking in the slice of heaven. Kerri, our host is the nicest person I have met on my travels. She knows everything and everyone one. Trust the folks with your trips and tours - they can arrange with efficiency. We can’t say enough good things. We will be back.
    Amazing place – AJ_wanderlist February 2025  Read Reviews

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🌿 Start and End Your Great Walk in Comfort! 🥾

Radfords on the Lake is the ultimate base for your Fiordland adventure. Rest up pre-hike with peaceful lakeside vibes, then return post-hike to luxury, hot showers, and unbeatable comfort.

📍 Book now and make your Fiordland experience unforgettable!

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Just taking a moment between jobs around the motel, to stop and appreciate where we live and these stunning views.  We love spring in Te Anau.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Still searching for the perfect Christmas gift? Treat your loved ones to a slice of paradise this festive season with a Radfords on the Lake Gift Voucher!  Whether it's a peaceful lakeside retreat, a romantic getaway, or an adventure in Te Anau, this gift promises unforgettable memories. 

Give the gift of relaxation and exploration this Christmas. Vouchers can be personalized and are perfect for family, friends, or someone special.

Check out our website for more information. Link in our bio.
Chief welcoming officer Dexter Dude ready to greet guests to Radfords on the Lake.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Sometimes you just need to stop and take a moment to enjoy the view. . . and it doesn't get much better than the views from our Premier Lakeview Studio units 😍😍😍
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
We're still on a high after we were awarded Best Motel at the Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards 2024! This prestigious recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and the high standards we strive to achieve in hospitality. We couldn't have done it without our amazing guests so a big thank you from us to all of the amazing visitors we have hosted over the years. 

Link in our bio for the full story.
Steve and I are immensely honored to receive the award for Best Motel in our industry. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We extend our appreciation to @seekom_ for sponsoring this award and to @hospitalitynz for organizing such a fantastic event that celebrates the best in hospitality.
Did you know that Fiordland is a great place to explore the night sky? There are some great spots along the Milford Road perfect for some stargazing. Chat to our team before you head off and we can provide you with ‘Star Charts’ and a ‘planisphere’ and instructions on how to use them. Along with binoculars so you can get a closer look. 
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
The last of the winter light over Lake Te Anau captured beautifully from the front of Radfords on the Lake by @travelnewzealandwithme 
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Did you know that last winter we completed new fit-outs to all the kitchens in all our units? This included adding dishwashers and coffee pod machines. The kitchens now have a modern finish with a contemporary feel. 

Every year we set out to refurbish or improve an area of the property ensuring we are always providing the highest quality accommodation to our guests.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Are you planning your next winter escape in Fiordland. Once you book your accommodation with us make sure you book in dinner in one of the many delicious Te Anau restaurants. If you're not sure where to go, click the link in our bio to see some of few of our favourites.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland