Built on the edge of pristine lakes and surrounded by World Heritage-status mountains, Te Anau is the "living heart of Fiordland". Tourists usually go there because is the closest town to Milford Sound — which includes a two-hour scenic drive. But the town deserves much more than just a cursory stopover. Invercargill reporter Luisa Girao took her camera to see what makes Te Anau so special.
Neighbouring Fiordland is also home to the takahe, an indigenous threatened flightless bird that has become a symbol of Te Anau. Punanga Manu o Te Anau, or the Te Anau bird sanctuary, has daily feeding tours at 10.30am.
The Department of Conservation says the takahe has clung to existence despite the pressures of hunting, habitat destruction and introduced predators.
Gaby and Steven Hall were originally from Noosa, Australia, but the fiords attracted them to the southern town.
They said that despite some bad-weather days, Te Anau was an amazing place to meet interesting people from all over the world.
Diane Holmes and her husband bought the petrol station in the centre of town five years ago and she said it was the best decision of her life.
They used to live in the North Island but were attracted to this "nice, safe, friendly and beautiful place".
Mrs Holmes said the majority of her customers were from overseas. "Our credit card statement shows that 83% of our clients are international tourists."
Lake Te Anau was originally named Te Ana-au for "the cave of swirling water".
It covers an area of 344sqkm and has a spectacular backdrop of Mt Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains.
