Te Anau & Manapouri
Gateway to Fiordland National Park
We would like to share our experiences and help you to discover the beauty of Fiordland.
The township of Te Anau together with Manapouri village are great bases to discover Fiordland and the surrounding area.
Te Anau provides all you need to enjoy Fiordland with several restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, banks, a big variety of accommodation from backpackers to 5 star luxury lodges, rental car company, bike and tramping gear rentals, etc.
Manapouri is smaller, situated 20 kms south of Te Anau and nestled against the shores of Lake Manapouri and the Waiau river. The village provides 2 cafes, a garage, general store, a hotel with restaurant and a variety of accommodation. It is also the departure point for all excursions to Doubtful Sound and cruises on Lake Manapouri.
Join one of our local tours to experience REAL Fiordland
Private Tours
Any dreams you would like fulfilled? Just ask!
Self Drive Itinerary tailored just for you
Do you prefer to drive your own or a rental car? We can prepare a self drive tour tailored just for you. Fiordland has so much to offer. We know majority of local services and know their pros and cons. According to your wishes and expectations we will offer you the best options to ensure you get the experience you want. We can create an itinerary to suit you - perfectly.
How to get to Fiordland?
There are airports with regular flights in Queenstown and Invercargill, both towns are approximately 2.5 hours away from Te Anau and Manapouri. You can take a bus, rent a car or book a private flight - either in a plane, helicopter or perhaps even a floatplane!
Suggestion: If you don't like to drive all the time, perhaps take a bus to Te Anau and you can enjoy a day walking or cycling and another day to rent a car directly in Te Anau to discover some destinations a bit further.
Escorted trip from Queenstown or Invercargill
You might arrive at one of these local airports and stay there overnight (ask us for tips regarding what to do in Queenstown or Invercargill). Both routes from Invercargill and Queenstown offer several scenic stops. You can be escorted in a private minibus to sit back and enjoy the scenery. On the way your driver-guide will tell you important and interesting information about the area and answer your questions, so you will be better prepared to enjoy Fiordland.
Weather in Te Anau and Manapouri
Yes, many parts of Fiordland get lots of rain and you should be prepared for it, however Te Anau township actually receives annually less rain (1194mm) than Auckland (1284mm).
Te Anau township is sheltered by mountains of Fiordland and therefore gets a decent amount of sunshine making living nice and pleasant.
Suggested local trips outside of Te Anau
Milford Sound
Doubtful Sound
Lake Manapouri Cruise - 2 hours
Lake Manapouri Cruise and Walk - half a day / day trip (including some short walks or perhaps a climb up to the Monument)
One day trip to Lake Hauroko and Wairaurahiri River - including a jet boat ride or a scenic cruise
One day trip to Borland Road - Lake Monowai & Mt Burns (nature, mountains, walking)
One day trip to Lake Hauroko, Tuatapere, Te Waewae Bay, Orepuki and Cosy Nook
One day trip to Riverton including an excursion to Guyton's Food Forest
One day trip for machinery / train / airplane enthusiasts
Learn about Milford Sound & Milford Highway, the whole Fiordland or Fiords of Fiordland