Te Anau - Definition and Overview

Te Anau is a town in the South Island of New Zealand. It is on the eastern shore of Lake Te Anau. The 2001 census recorded the town's population as 1,857.

Tourism and farming are the predominant economic activities in the area. Lying as it does at the borders of Fiordland National Park, it is the gateway to a wilderness area famed for tramping and spectacular scenery. Many species of bird life are also found locally, notably the endangered Takahe.

Te Anau is connected by highway with Invercargill and Gore to the southeast and east, and Manapouri to the south. Te Anau is the last town passed through when travelling to Milford Sound, which lies 120 kilometres to the north.