Te Anau

The focus of many of these is Lake Te Anau itself. The second largest in the country, several scenic cruises operate on the lake, and there are also opportunities to hire rowing boats, motor boats, kayaks and jet-skis. Perhaps the most popular and well-known excursion on offer is the cruise to the Te Ana-au caves. Located on the western side of the lake, these are impressive limestone caverns of underground waterfalls, whirlpools and a magical glow-worm grotto.

Te Anau’s National Park Museum and Wildlife Centre offer the chance to get acquainted with the ecology and wildlife of the region and one of its rare birds, the endangered and flightless takahe.