Fiordland & Te Anau

Need to know ...

Named for the fourteen fiords that carve into its western coastline, Fiordland contains some of the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand. This area is New Zealand’s largest National Park and has been designated a World Heritage Area for its unique landscapes.

Main Centres

Lake Te Anau – regional centre, base for discovering Fiordland National Park.
Lake Manapouri – departure point for cruises on Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound.

Getting There

By Air – Queenstown Airport has domestic flights and a trans-Tasman service during winter. Invercargill Airport provides domestic flights.
By Road – 2 hours, 45 minutes from Queenstown to Te Anau. 2 hours, 20 minutes from Te Anau to Milford Sound. 2 hours, 25 minutes from Invercargill to Te Anau. Regular coach services.

Getting There

A guided tour is an ideal way of ensuring you get the most out of this very special region – leaving you free to absorb the stunning scenery.

Eating Out

The Sandfly Café & Restaurant(9 The Lane, Te Anau) – tasty breakfasts and home-style lunch treats.
Bailiez Café and Bar (Town Centre, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 7526) – huge recycled beams and natural stone decor.
Café Dolce Vita (90 Town Centre, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 8895) – relaxed dining environment.
Highlights Restaurant (Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 7526) – carvery serving local produce.
Kepler’s Restaurant (23 Town Centre, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 7909) – emphasis on seafood.
Bluestone Restaurant & Bar (20 Lakefront Dr, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 7421) – à la carte restaurant.
La Toscana (108 Town Centre, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 7756) – Tuscan-style pizzeria and spaghetteria.
Beehive Café (68 Cathedral Dr, Manapouri, t +64 3 249 6652) – family-friendly.
Milford Sound Lodge (SH94, Milford Sound, t +64 3 249 8071) – homemade pizzas in comfortable surroundings.
The Village Inn (Mokoroa St, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 7911) – à la carte menu.

Where to Drink

The Ranch (Town Centre, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 8801).
The Moose (84 Lakefront Dr, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 7100).
Redcliff Café (12 Mokonui St, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 7431).

Coffee Fix

Naturally Fiordland (62 Town Centre, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 7111) – gourmet pizza.
Olive Tree Café (52 Town Centre, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 8496) – breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Blue Duck Café & Bar (SH94, Milford Sound, t +64 3 249 7982) – breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Something to Take Home

Fiordland House (3 Town Centre, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 7308).|
J&C; Boutique (104 Town Centre, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 8823).
Jade Boulder Gallery (Jailhouse Mall, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 9461). Kowhai Gifts & Souvenirs (Lake Front, Te Anau, t +64 3 249 7063).

Did you know?

Notable Culture

Lake Manapouri was called Roto-ua – ‘The Rainy Lake’ – by early Maori.

Moment in History

Milford Sound was inaccessible by road until the Homer Tunnel was completed in 1953. The tunnel took more than 20 years to complete. It is 945m above sea level and 1.2km long.

Websites to Check Out

www.fiordland.org.nz
Fiordland Travel Information

Sights

Lake Te Anau – the largest lake in the South Island and the second largest in New Zealand.
The Te Anau Glow-worm Caves – situated on the western shores of Lake Te Anau, they’re accessible only by boat.

One of New Zealand’s
most-photographed icons,
awe-inspiring Mitre Peak is situated on the south shore of Milford Sound. The best angle for capturing the peak is from the Milford Hotel at the head of the Sound – on still days the peak is reflected in the glassy water in the foreground.

Sometimes called ‘the Sound of Silence’ , Doubtful Sound has a serenity that contrasts with the drama of Milford Sound.

Action

Kayaking on Milford Sound, against a backdrop of wonderful, wild scenery.

Tramping the Milford Track
in Fiordland National Park
– a must-do for any visitor
to New Zealand.

Relax

Aerial sightseeing is an excellent way to gain a sense of perspective on this region.

Check out the underwater observatory on Milford Sound for an insight into the region’s remarkable marine life.

THE experience

A boat cruise on Lake Te Anau or Lake Manapouri – pure pleasure in astonishingly wild and beautiful scenery.