Te Anau, Tourist gateway town in Southland District, New Zealand
Description
Te Anau sits on the eastern shore of Lake Te Anau, surrounded by the Kepler and Murchison mountain ranges at the entrance to Fiordland National Park. The town stretches along the waterfront with accommodation, restaurants, and visitor facilities serving three of New Zealand's Great Walks.
History
The settlement started when European explorers C.J. Nairn and W.J. Stephen reached the lake in 1852, guided by Māori people through unexplored territory. European settlement accelerated in the 20th century as the region became recognized as a gateway for Fiordland exploration.
Culture
The name Te Anau comes from Māori language meaning 'cave of swirling water', reflecting the natural features of this lake region. This heritage shapes how locals and visitors understand the place and its connection to the land.
Practical
The town serves as a departure point for excursions to Milford Sound and cave tours, with numerous accommodation and dining options available. The infrastructure supports multi-day stays, making it convenient to plan visits to the surrounding walking trails.
Did you know?
The Te Ana-au cave system contains thousands of glowworms that illuminate limestone formations with their natural light in the underground network. These living lights create an experience found in only a few places worldwide.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Southland District).
New Zealand's South Island has many places that show the variety of this region in the South Pacific. The landscapes range from the deep fjords of Milford Sound to the glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef, from the snowy peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook to the golden beaches of Abel Tasman. Towns like...
Fiordland National Park
29.1 km
Sutherland Falls
68.3 km
Te Wahipounamu
52.4 km
Browne Falls
49.4 km
Te Ana-au Caves
13.3 km
Southern Lakes
59 km
Walter Peak
73.4 km
Deep Cove
44.3 km
Pearl Harbour, New Zealand
19.2 km
Clifden Suspension Bridge
68.5 km
Greenstone and Caples Tracks
72.7 km
Mount Luxmore
10.4 km
Lady Alice Falls
44.3 km
Mount Titiroa
31.7 km
Helena Falls
43.3 km
Rakatu Wetlands
33.2 km
Waters and seabed of Fiordland
56.8 km
Mount Moturau
27 km
Anderson Cascades
69.4 km
Christie Falls
72.2 km
Big Takahe
516 m
Dudleigh Falls
69 km
Lindsay Falls
69.2 km
Hirere Falls
61.8 km
Te Anau Library
90 m
Forward Peak
12.5 km
First Arm
59.8 km
Commander Peak
48.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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