Perched on the edge of New Zealand’s second largest lake, the township of Te Anau is the main visitor base for Fiordland National Park. At the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre you can make plans to walk the Milford, Routeburn or Kepler Tracks. There are many places to stay, but you’d be wise to book ahead in the busy season. Restaurants are plentiful. Apart from hiking, popular local activities include lake cruising, kayaking and exploring the Te Ana-au glow worm caves. The museum has a collection relevant to both the Maori and European history of the area. There’s also a wildlife park specialising in native birds.
Functional facts: Approx. population 1785, i-SITE Visitor Centre, good range of shops and services.