Te Anau is not only the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, but also a beautiful place to stop and spend a night or two. Situated alongside the South Island’s largest lake, the picturesque town centre welcomes visitors from near and far for year-round adventures. We invite you to gain a deeper connection with the people and places that make Fiordland so special – and here’s a few ways to get you started. 

Take a stroll 

Whether you’re up at sunrise or you’ve pressed the snooze button a few times, start your day with a relaxed stroll along the Te Anau lakefront with a coffee from Sandfly Cafe in hand. Or for the ultimate wake-up call, take a quick morning dip in the lake to freshen up for the day ahead! 

Set sail 

Hop on a boat tour and experience Lake Te Anau up close and personal! If you are on a tight timeframe, Fiordland Historic Cruises offer the perfect snapshot of the lake’s highlights on a morning, afternoon or evening cruise. If you have a bit more time, venture further into the remote wilderness with Southern Secret’s overnight Doubtful Sound cruise. Switch off from daily life and explore a virtually untouched corner of New Zealand, with sightseeing opportunities aplenty. Alongside the breathtaking mountains and dramatic waterfalls, keep an eye out for marine life such as bottlenose dolphins, penguins, and seals as you cruise through the tranquil landscape.

The Southern Secret Boat on Lake Te Anau

Make a splash 

Whilst Fiordland might not be home to golden sands and tropical temperatures, the beaches of Te Anau and Manapouri are still a picture-perfect spot to unwind and have some fun. With water temperatures ranging between 12°C in winter and 16°C in summer, the top five beaches are ideal for swimming, wharf jumping, kayaking, water-skiing or simply enjoying a picnic with friends and family. 

Vibrant views await in Fiordland, such as Lake Te Anau’s iconic wharf

Cast a line 

Whether you’re a novice or experienced angler, a guided flyfishing experience with Fiordland Fishing Guides is the perfect introduction to the vast fishing opportunities on offer in and around Te Anau. With expert local knowledge and handy hints for landing the perfect catch, try your luck at trout fishing in Fiordland’s crystal-clear waters. 

Te Anau is a haven for flyfishers, with an abundance of brown and rainbow trout

Stay in style 

Treat yourself to the ultimate luxurious stay right on the waterfront! Radfords on the Lake offer spacious and clean accommodation surrounded by idyllic gardens and lake views. Lay back, relax and soak up the scenery as you enjoy all Te Anau has to offer – the town centre is just a short stroll away. This 5-star accommodation is the perfect base for your Fiordland adventures – and the friendly staff are more than happy to suggest places to visit, eat and explore; whether a crowd favourite or a hidden gem. 

The beautifully-manicured gardens greeting you at the entrance to Radfords on the Lake

Soar to new heights 

Cross a scenic helicopter ride off your bucket list and discover the beauty of Fiordland National Park from up above. Be captivated by stunning views across the Kepler Mountains, Lake Te Anau, and the region’s ‘hidden lakes’ on a sampler flight, or upgrade your experience to an exhilarating Heli-Hike. This combination of air, land and lake adventures takes you on an incredible helicopter flight before touching down at Luxmore Hut for a half-day hike on the Kepler Track, concluding with a boat ride across the lake.  

Stellar views across Fiordland from above

For the perfect dose of adventure, nature and fun, you can’t go past Te Anau. Discover the beauty of Aotearoa’s deep southern wilderness whilst learning more about its fascinating natural and cultural history, as you create plenty of unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.