Te Anau is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Te Anau, in the southwestern part of New Zealand’s South Island. It is the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, one of the most beautiful natural parks in the world, and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here are some of the top things to do in Te Anau:
- Explore the Fiordland National Park: The Fiordland National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Te Anau. It is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world, including deep fjords, stunning waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. Visitors can take a boat cruise to explore the park’s fiords, go hiking on one of the many walking tracks, or simply enjoy the stunning views from one of the park’s many lookout points.
- Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves: The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a fascinating underground world of limestone formations and glowworms. Visitors can take a boat tour of the caves and marvel at the stunning underground waterfalls, stalactites, and stalagmites. The highlight of the tour is the boat ride through the glowworm grotto, where thousands of tiny glowworms light up the cave ceiling like stars.
- Take a scenic flight over the Fiordland National Park: For a bird’s eye view of the Fiordland National Park, visitors can take a scenic flight from Te Anau. The flight takes you over the stunning mountains, fiords, and glaciers, giving you a unique perspective of the park’s natural beauty.
- Visit the Ivon Wilson Park: The Ivon Wilson Park is a beautiful park located on the shores of Lake Te Anau. It is a great place for a picnic, a stroll, or a swim in the lake. The park has several walking tracks that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Go on a wildlife tour: Te Anau is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, penguins, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can take a wildlife tour of the area and get up close and personal with some of New Zealand’s most iconic wildlife.
- Go on a horse trek: For a unique and memorable experience, visitors can go on a horse trek through the stunning countryside around Te Anau. The horse treks take you through rolling hills, farmland, and native bush, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary: The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is home to several rare and endangered bird species, including the takahe, the kaka, and the weka. Visitors can take a guided tour of the sanctuary and learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect these beautiful birds.