TE ANAU & SOUTHLAND
Te Anau is one of those towns that feels like the perfect balance of peaceful and adventurous. Sitting right on the shores of Lake Te Anau — New Zealand’s second-largest lake — it’s the ultimate base for exploring Fiordland. Whether you’re heading off to Milford Sound, cruising Doubtful Sound, or lacing up your boots for a hike, chances are you’ll be starting here.
The lake itself is stunning, with endless spots for a quiet walk, a picnic, or just sitting back to watch the light shift across the water. One of Te Anau’s most unique experiences is the glowworm caves — you take a boat into an underground cave system where thousands of tiny glowworms light up the darkness. It’s seriously magical. And if hiking’s your thing, the Kepler Track starts right here. It’s one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, taking you through native forest, alpine ridges, and along the lake shore with views you won’t forget.
Beyond Te Anau, the wider Southland region is where New Zealand really shows off its wild side. The Catlins one of our favourite areas (it sits over both the Otago Region and Southland Region) — rugged coastline, waterfalls hidden in rainforest, and wildlife encounters around every corner. You can spot sea lions stretched out on the sand, penguins waddling in at dusk, and albatross soaring above the cliffs.
And then there’s Stewart Island, sitting just off the mainland. Life moves slower there, and it’s one of the best places in the country to see kiwi in the wild. Most of the island is protected as Rakiura National Park, so expect untouched forest, birdlife everywhere, and hikes that feel a world away from everyday life.
Southland really is about space, wilderness, and wildlife. It’s raw and beautiful, with that end-of-the-world feeling that makes it so special. Whether you’re kayaking on Lake Te Anau, exploring glowworm caves, chasing waterfalls in the Catlins, or spotting a kiwi on Stewart Island, this southern corner of New Zealand is one of the best places to slow down and just soak up nature.
If you see “blog coming soon,” don’t worry—it won’t be for much longer! We’re working hard behind the scenes to finish everything in the next few weeks. We’re also adding heaps more guides, updating older blogs and making it SO much easier for you to plan your trip around New Zealand!
The lake itself is stunning, with endless spots for a quiet walk, a picnic, or just sitting back to watch the light shift across the water. One of Te Anau’s most unique experiences is the glowworm caves — you take a boat into an underground cave system where thousands of tiny glowworms light up the darkness. It’s seriously magical. And if hiking’s your thing, the Kepler Track starts right here. It’s one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, taking you through native forest, alpine ridges, and along the lake shore with views you won’t forget.
Beyond Te Anau, the wider Southland region is where New Zealand really shows off its wild side. The Catlins one of our favourite areas (it sits over both the Otago Region and Southland Region) — rugged coastline, waterfalls hidden in rainforest, and wildlife encounters around every corner. You can spot sea lions stretched out on the sand, penguins waddling in at dusk, and albatross soaring above the cliffs.
And then there’s Stewart Island, sitting just off the mainland. Life moves slower there, and it’s one of the best places in the country to see kiwi in the wild. Most of the island is protected as Rakiura National Park, so expect untouched forest, birdlife everywhere, and hikes that feel a world away from everyday life.
Southland really is about space, wilderness, and wildlife. It’s raw and beautiful, with that end-of-the-world feeling that makes it so special. Whether you’re kayaking on Lake Te Anau, exploring glowworm caves, chasing waterfalls in the Catlins, or spotting a kiwi on Stewart Island, this southern corner of New Zealand is one of the best places to slow down and just soak up nature.
If you see “blog coming soon,” don’t worry—it won’t be for much longer! We’re working hard behind the scenes to finish everything in the next few weeks. We’re also adding heaps more guides, updating older blogs and making it SO much easier for you to plan your trip around New Zealand!
Explore an 150-MILLION-year-old petrified forest at the beach, in the wild Catlins. There are seals and penguins to spot too!
YOUR GUIDE TO TE ANAU
Discover Te Anau's stunning landscapes, adventures and unique wildlife experiences with our travel guide.
Blog coming soon! |
Along the Southern Scenic Route is a beach full of beautiful stones where you can find garnet, jasper, quartz and nephrite if you're lucky!
WHAT TO DO IN TE ANAU WITH KIDS
A picturesque town in Southland which is the gateway to the 8th wonder of the world, there is plenty to do as a family.
Blog coming soon! |
A serene jewel nestled in New Zealand's South Island, enchanting visitors with its mirror-like waters and breathtaking alpine surroundings.
TE ANAU BIRD SANCTUARY
Experience Fiordland's unique avian treasures up close at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, home to rare species like the flightless takahē.
Blog coming soon! |
SEND US A MESSAGE, WE LOVE GETTING MAIL! |
DISCOVER |
FOLLOW US
BORING (BUT IMPORTANT LEGAL) STUFF |
