Te Anau, New Zealand: the gateway to the fjordland in New Zealand
The small town of Te Anau is located on the South Island of New Zealand and is considered the gateway to theFiordland National Park. Numerous hikes in the mountains start from here and therefore the place is perfect as a base for people who are enthusiastic about trekking. Around 3,000 people live in the city who either make a living from tourism or agriculture. Due to its location on Lake Te Anau of the same name, the second largest lake in New Zealand with an area of 344 square kilometers, the place is particularly picturesque. The small Te Anau Wildlife Center, run by the Department of Conservation (DOC), is definitely worth a visit. Various birds from New Zealand can be found here, including the relatively rare Takahe.
Particularly fascinating are the Te Anau caves, in which countless fireflies create an almost eerie atmosphere. In the immediate vicinity is also the Manapouri power plant, the largest hydroelectric power plant in New Zealand.
Te Anau – small but nice
Even if the town of Te Anau in the Southland on the South Island of New Zealand is quite small, its importance for the entire country is quite large. Because almost all hikes in the nearby mountain ranges begin or end here. The Kepler Track, a four-day circular hiking trail that leads through a fascinating mountain landscape as well as through meter-high ferns and a dense jungle, even begins right there and at the lake. The view from the first hut is particularly beautiful, because you can either see the lake and the town of Te Anau or everything has disappeared under a thick cloud.
In addition, the Milford Track, one of the most famous trekking routes in all of New Zealand, begins right here in Te Anau with transport to the starting point. But also the nearby Dusky Track or the Hollyford Track near the Milford Sound start or end in this small place. That is why Te Anau also has several supermarkets, banks and, above all, a rich tourist offer. Study trips to this part of New Zealand are particularly fascinating and suitable for young and old alike.
Hikes from Te Anau
Since numerous hikers stop in Te Anau before setting off on a trekking tour, the village also has numerous hotels, motels, backpacker accommodations and a large campground. Here is an overview of the advantages of Te Anau as a travel destination:
- Located directly on Lake Te Anau
- good infrastructure with shops and accommodation
- Starting point for interesting hikes (e.g. Kepler Track, Milford Track, Dusky Track)
- Te Anau cave system with fireflies
- Bird park with native birds
- nearby New Zealand’s largest hydroelectric power station
