Te Anau, nestled in the mountains and rolling hills of New Zealand's South Island, attracts tourists mainly because it is known as the gateway to the awe-inspiring Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I first visited Te Anau in 2018 when I traveled to New Zealand for the first time with my Dad. He of course had to show me Milford Sound, and Te Anau splits the drive from the nearest hub, Queenstown, in half. In contrast to Queenstown, Te Anau feels quiet, quaint, and somehow, still undiscovered. It is, however, popular due to its proximity to Milford; large tour buses roll through on a daily basis, along with hikers and trekkers. But it has somehow maintained its small-town vibe.

Te Anau is situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. There is a wonderful lakeside path that is condusive to walking and biking. The town is also popular because it’s the start of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. I’m not a spiritual person, but there’s something about Te Anau that feels like going back in time. It’s a majestic place.

There are many great AirBNBs in town of various sizes depending on what you’re looking for. The locals are excellent hosts and will go out of their way to make sure you’re comfortable. Typical Kiwis!

The local grocery store, FreshChoice, is perfect for grabbing picnic lunches or cook-it-yourself dinners. For breakfast/lunch, I’d recommend the Sandfly Cafe.

If you visit, please do leave a comment to let me know how you liked it.

Happy travels,

Katherine