New Zealand is an Antipodean land which attracts lovers of vast spaces and wild nature. Though it is mostly mountainous, the country has a diverse range of landscapes and environments: icy summits, plains with mirror-like lakes, wild coastline licked by the Pacific waters... The nature here is absolutely majestic. And fortunately ecology takes pride of place here.

New Zealand, an intense natural paradise

A lively town, surrounded by dozens of volcanoes and black sand beaches.

Oceania

Welcome to the New Zealand travel pages. In this faraway country, you can expect a harmonious mixture of lakes, mountainous and volcanic landscapes, and tropical vegetation... New Zealand is isolated in the middle of the ocean and is located halfway between the South Pole and the Equator. Even though it’s small in area (about the size of the UK), it has extremely diverse flora and fauna. Nature lovers are in paradise here. But this paradise is earned: you’ll have to spend long hours on an airplane to get here, and you can count on having 10 to 12 hours of jet lag once you arrive, depending on the season... But this land, which the Maori first called “Aotearoa,” the land of the long white cloud, is really worth the trip: abundant and diverse nature, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor activities… It’s all convenient for travellers: one of the advantages of this destination is the small size of the country, which makes all this beauty accessible, starting from your first trip to New Zealand. Your hunger for the great outdoors and desire for peace and serenity will be satisfied.

New Zealand

Auckland

Sitting by a lake in a region steeped in Maori culture, this town is a hive of geothermal activity.

Rotorua

Taupo is a small, lively town best known for its lake, which bears the same name and is the largest in New Zealand.

Taupo

With three active volcanoes, the Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park is a must for any hiking fan or visitors interested in exploring a volcanic landscape.

Tongariro National Park

On the doorstep of Fiordland, Te Anau is a town that earns its living  from tourism.

Te Anau

Samoa

Fiji

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

Te Anau is the access point to Milford Sound and also the where you can find 'Great Walks' tracks, a set of recognized long trails in New Zealand. The town itself has nothing special to offer, but it is beside the largest lake on South Island, from which it takes its name. Whilst visiting during the winter, I decided to tackle part of the 'Kepler Track', which is a 3 to 4 day hike in total. As the summits were covered in snow, after walking for 14 kilometers, I was happy to arrive at the first hostel, where I decided to spend the night before my descent the following morning. It was a tough uphill trek but the view from the peak was spectacular. It overlooks Lake Te Anau, with Fiordland and its snow covered summits as a backdrop. I was sorry that I couldn't do the entire hike but, if you're in the region for a few days, then I recommend you at least do this first part of the walk.

I enjoyed the laid back, quiet feel of this town, particularly when strolling along the banks of Lake Te Anau, South Island's second largest lake. I spent two days walking these shores, stopping every now and then for a swim, despite the annoying sand flies. They're even more irritating here than in other parts of South Island. The moment you stretch out on a deserted beach, they attack! In other words, keep your insect repellent on you at all times.  If you are planning to go on a trek, Te Anau is the departure point for two of New Zealand's 'Great Walks' -the five day Milford Track, which takes you to Milford Sound and is reputed to be the best in the world (albeit a hard one!), as well as the Kepler Track that lasts three days, finishing at Manapouri Lake. Te Anau is also the starting point of a beautiful road trip to Milford Sound. A lot of tourists just stop here to take photos, but to really appreciate the scenery, I recommend you stay for a few days and make the most of the mountain walks in this national park. I loved Gertrude Saddle, which overlooks the fjords, alongside Key Summit, with its 360° view of the neighboring ranges.

A peaceful town on the banks of a large lake, at the departure point for the Kepler and Milford Tracks, two trails that any hiking fan shouldn't miss. 

Te Anau Vacations

Te Anau: How to get there?

Te Anau: See when to go ?

Te Anau: For how long?

Te Anau: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations