Te Anau - Gateway to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound
Te Anau is a small town, seldom mentioned except as a stop along the way to the Sounds. But the scenic little town, lying on the edge of Lake Te Anau, is beautiful and peaceful and a haven for the weary traveller looking for a rest to recharge his batteries.
Easily reached by road from Queenstown or Invercargill, Te Anau has plenty of small family-run motels and bed & breakfast lodgings to choose from, cosy little waterfront cafes to enjoy a quiet meal and warm drink, even two decent supermarkets for those who like to indulge in a little spot of cooking.
There's even some beautiful trips to be made, and things to see. Across the lake, by ferry, there's the glow-worm caves, a series of limestone caves cut by running water, where a series of walkways bring you through to several caverns to admire the beautiful glow-worms overhead.
Up north, there's the road, and walking track, to Te Anau Downs, and up toward Milford, through the steep Homer Tunnel, and a beautifully scenic drive. Do make sure you have adequate time to stop, admire the scenery, and take a few photos.
Down south, off Manapouri, across Lake Manapouri, there's the engineering miracle of the hydroelectric power station, built almost completely underground and built within conservation guidelines to prevent any ecological destruction.
Take a cruise out of your choice of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound. Both are scenic, Doubtful Sound is far less crowded, and they have equally scenic waterfalls, glacier cut valleys, and offer you the chance of seeing penguins, fur seals and even bottle-nose dophins.
Stay at least a week, to experience the warm local hospitality, and spend a few afternoons and evenings by the lake to experience the beauty that this town has to offer.
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