Te Anau, Tourist gateway town in Southland District, New Zealand
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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