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Where is Te Anau?
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park — one of the most spectacular and untouched regions in New Zealand. Surrounded by mountains and native forest, this small town is the perfect base for spotting Fiordland National Park wildlife, from cheeky alpine parrots to seals and dolphins along the fiords.
It’s about two hours from Queenstown by road, making it a great place to stop if you’re heading to Milford Sound or looking to spend more time exploring the wild beauty of the region. If you’re into bird watching in Te Anau, the area is packed with incredible spots, from the bird sanctuary to lakeside trails where you might spot native Fiordland birds in their natural habitat.
What can I see at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary?
The sanctuary is home to a variety of New Zealand native birds, many of which are rare or endangered. Some are here for rehabilitation before being released, while others are part of Te Anau conservation efforts to help protect species struggling to survive in the wild.
Kākā and takahē at Te Anau
Two of the sanctuary’s biggest stars are the kākā and takahē. The kākā is a playful, forest-dwelling parrot with a loud, distinctive call, while the takahē is a rare, flightless bird once thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in Fiordland in 1948.
Seeing a takahē at Te Anau is a special experience — they’re one of the most endangered birds in New Zealand, and the sanctuary is one of the few places you can see them up close.
Other birds you might spot include the kererū (wood pigeon), ruru (morepork owl), and the scaup (papango duck), all of which play an important role in the local ecosystem. Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or just curious about New Zealand’s unique wildlife, this is a great place to visit.
How to get to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is easy to reach, whether you’re coming from Queenstown, Milford Sound, Invercargill, or Dunedin. Located just outside the Te Anau town centre, the sanctuary sits along the Lake Te Anau waterfront, making it a quick drive, bike ride, or even a scenic walk from town. Here’s how to get there from key locations in the South Island.
From Queenstown (171 km, 2 hours)
Head south on State Highway 6 (SH6) toward Lumsden, then turn onto State Highway 94 (SH94) to reach Te Anau. Once in town, the sanctuary is just a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk along the lakefront.
From Milford Sound (118 km, 1 hour 45 minutes)
Take SH94 (Milford Road) east toward Te Anau, one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. Once you arrive, follow the lakeside road signs to the bird sanctuary, which is easily accessible from town.
From Invercargill (159 km, 2 hours)
Drive north on SH6 to Lumsden, then continue on SH94 west to Te Anau. The sanctuary is located just outside the town centre, sitting right on the shores of Lake Te Anau.
From Dunedin (290 km, 3.5 hours)
Take SH1 to Gore, then follow SH94 west through Lumsden and on to Te Anau. The bird sanctuary is an easy stop once you arrive, either by car, campervan, or on foot from town.
Best time to visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is open year-round, and every season offers something special. The best time to visit depends on what you want to see — whether it’s birds at their most active, fewer crowds, or crisp, clear mornings by the lake. Visiting early in the morning or late afternoon is ideal for spotting some of the more elusive birds when they’re most active.
Te Anau weather
Summer (December–February) – Warm temperatures (16–20°C), long daylight hours, and plenty of bird activity. A great time for walking around the lakefront after visiting the sanctuary.
Autumn (March–May) – Fewer visitors, cooler temperatures, and beautiful golden foliage surrounding the lake. A peaceful time to visit.
Winter (June–August) – Crisp air, stunning snow-capped mountains, and quieter trails. Some birds may be less active, but the sanctuary is still a great stop on a winter road trip.
Spring (September–November) – A fantastic time to visit as birds become more active and the landscapes start to bloom with new growth.
Rain is possible year-round, but that’s part of what makes Fiordland’s landscapes so lush and beautiful. No matter the season, Te Anau’s weather adds to the adventure — just be ready for anything!
Other great things to do in Te Anau
While the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit, there’s plenty more to see and do in this scenic lakeside town. Whether you’re keen to explore on foot, take in breathtaking landscapes, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings, Te Anau offers something for everyone.
Te Anau free attractions
Travelling on a budget? There are plenty of Te Anau free attractions that let you experience the beauty of the region without spending a cent.
Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre – Learn more about the area’s unique wildlife, conservation efforts, and history with interactive displays and helpful staff.
Ivon Wilson Park – A peaceful spot just outside town with walking tracks, picnic areas, and a small lake perfect for fishing.
Kepler Track (short walks) – While the full Kepler Track is a multi-day hike, you can do shorter sections for free, including the easy walk to the Te Anau control gates or the more adventurous climb to Luxmore Hut for incredible panoramic views.
Stargazing – With minimal light pollution, Te Anau is a fantastic spot for stargazing. On a clear night, you’ll see thousands of stars, and if you’re lucky, even the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights).
Te Anau camping grounds
Te Anau is a fantastic base for exploring Fiordland National Park, and staying in a campervan lets you soak in the stunning scenery at your own pace. Here are a few top places to park up for the night.
Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park
Right in the heart of town, Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park is a convenient and comfortable option for campervan travellers. It offers powered sites, modern facilities, free WiFi, and even a hot tub — perfect for unwinding after a big day of exploring. It’s also within walking distance of the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, making it a great choice if you want to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park
For lakefront camping with incredible views, Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park is a fantastic choice. Located just outside the town centre, it has powered sites, well-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, and direct access to Lake Te Anau. It’s a peaceful spot while still being close to all the main attractions.
Henry Creek DOC Campsite
If you prefer a more off-the-grid experience, Henry Creek DOC Campsite is a scenic and budget-friendly option. Located 20 minutes north of Te Anau on the way to Milford Sound, this basic, first-come, first-served campsite offers a true wilderness feel, with stunning lake views and plenty of space for self-contained campervans.