Te Anau > Introduction to Te Anau

Te Anau is internationally renowned as the "Sightseeing Walking Capital of the World" as it is located close to the main southern walking tracks. These tracks offer a sense of freedom, an escape seldom found in any other areas of the world. Walking allows access to towering snow capped peaks, tussock clad alpine plateau, rain forest and the dramatic beauty of this southern paradise. All walking tracks are accessible for independent walkers, guided options are available on the Milford, Hollyford, Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks. The Kepler circular track starts and finishes in Te Anau and is the newest track in Fiordland. 

The unique Te Anau Glowworm Caves are another main feature of Te Anau and accessible by a thirty minute boat trip to the other side of the Lake to view the Glowworms. These caves are geologically active and the only ones like this in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Visitors to Te Anau can choose from scenic flights, boat cruises, sea kayaking, underwater diving, cycling, fishing half to three day wilderness walks, golf. 

Te Anau offers seven days a week shopping facilities with a wide variety of competitively priced goods. Visitor service is excellent with two major banks, rental cars, medical and dental services. 

Te Anau is also known for its very fine restaurants with their extensive selection of award winning New Zealand wines. Access to Te Anau/Fiordland is served by local airlines. Coach services bring passengers in from the West Coast of the South Island, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill. 

Te Anau Highlights 

Wildlife Park - Ten minutes walk from the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre on the Te Anau lakefront. View takahe, kaka, tui, kea, parakeet and waterfowl with Fiordland mountains and Lake Te Anau as a backdrop. 

Ivon Wilson Park - Five minutes walk from the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre. A 13 hectare park with both introduced and native trees alongside Lake Henry has wonderful views of the Fiordland mountains. 

Dock Bay - Thirty minute walk from the start of the Kepler Track. This well defined track follows the lakeshore passing through stands of attractive native forest. A pleasant bay with views across the lake to Te Anau. Good swimming and picnicking. 

Ata Whenua-Shadowland
Contact Fiordland Cinema, 7 The Lane, Te Anau
www.fiordlandcinema.co.nz   info line (03) 249 8812

Fiordland Cinema was purpose built to house ‘Ata Whenua-Shadowland’. Filmed by award winning cinematographers, with an outstanding original musical composition; see the real Fiordland in first-class comfort. Enjoy 32 minutes of breathtaking Fiordland scenery shot on 35mm film across extremes of season, climate and terrain. Mysterious, evocative, exhilarating and utterly spectacular.

The cinema’s large curved screen and digital sound make viewing the journey through one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth a theatre experience to remember. In addition to ‘Ata Whenua-Shadowland’, we have mainstream movies and art house releases, with all projection being 35mm film. You can relax with a wine during your movie as the cinema is licensed. ‘Ata Whenua-Shadowland’ screens daily. 

Department of Conservation Visitor Centre - Situated on the Te Anau lakefront the Visitor Centre has many displays on historical and current uses of Fiordland National Park. Information and bookings on local tracks, walks, maps and up to date weather reports. 

Audio Visual Display - Available at the D.O.C. Visitor Centre this twenty minute presentation offers the viewer an overview of the Fiordland region, the Park, the natural and cultural values, the power of nature and is a must-see for all visitors to Te Anau.