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Lake Te Anau is New Zealand’s second largest lake, and enjoys a wonderful location on the edge of Fiordland National Park.

The township is beautifully situated on the tranquil lakeshore and serves as a great base from which to explore the local countryside, a virgin world where waterfalls tumble hundreds of meters into forested valleys under looming granite peaks.

Manapouri

From Te Anau you can also cross the lake to visit glow-worm caves, or drive for 20 minutes to Manapouri, with a population of just 300, set on another lake scattered with islands, framed by the spectacular Cathedral Mountains.

This is the gateway to Doubtful Sound, and is also the starting point for several excellent walking options, including the Routeburn, Milford and Kepler Tracks, three of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks.

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Start planning your tailor-made trip to Te Anau & Manapouri by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists

Suggested itineraries featuring Te Anau & Manapouri

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Te Anau & Manapouri, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Te Anau & Manapouri

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Te Anau & Manapouri

    Accommodation choices for Te Anau & Manapouri

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Te Anau & Manapouri. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Te Anau & Manapouri

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Te Anau & Manapouri, and which use the best local guides.

    • Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
      Hall Arm, Doubtful Sound

      Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

      Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

      Once on board the Fiordland Navigator you will cruise through hidden waterways where bottlenose dolphins are frequently seen playing and riding the waves under the bows, fur seals bask on outcrops around the fiord, and at times the rarest penguins in the world can be observed.

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    • Milford Sound Nature Cruise
      Milford Sound, New Zealand

      Milford Sound Nature Cruise

      Milford Sound Nature Cruise

      Once in Milford you will board the Milford Mariner for a nature cruise of two and a half hours which leads you the full length of the sound and into the Tasman Sea.

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    • Te Anau Glowworm Caves
      Glow worm caves, Te Anau

      Te Anau Glowworm Caves

      Te Anau Glowworm Caves

      Travel by small boat and walkways in small groups through cathedral-like caves with waterfalls, whirlpools and beautiful rock formations before drifting through the 'glowworm grotto': an unforgettable experience.

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