5 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey from Invercargill to Te Anau
Invercargill to Tuatapere via SH 99 - 1hr 12min, 88.8km
SIDE TRIP: Manapōuri to Doubtful Sound via ferry over Lake Manapōuri & Wilmot Pass Rd
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Tuatapere to Te Anau via Clifden Blackmount Rd - 1hr 15min, 102km
SIDE TRIP: Te Anau to Milford Sound via SH 94 - 1hr 43min, 118km
Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track © Southland Tourism
Depart Invercargill for Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Along the way you’ll cross checkerboard-like plains, rugged rural settings and extraordinary coastal scenery with deserted beaches, large forest plantation sand wildly beautiful flora and fauna.
First head along SH 99 to Tuatapere, the home of wilderness activities such as hunting and hiking.The drive is just over an hour and will take you through hospitable service towns, each with their own fascinating history.
After you take in the sights of Tuatapere, you’ll cut inland to Te Anau where the magic kicks into overdrive.
TE ANAU
Te Anau town centre © Murray Cardno
Perched on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the eponymous town is quite the treasure trove of geological phenomena. From a limestone grotto of glowworms and an underground waterfall in the local caves to its beautiful glacial lake – the largest in the South Island.
Te Anau glowworm cave © Real Journeys
Lake Te Anau is unquestionably a highlight. With the main body of the lake running north to south and three arms stretching out from the western side – North Fiord, Middle Fiord and South Fiord – its commanding presence is enhanced by the majestic mountains and majestic forest set to the west, and the sweeping countryside to the east. Among the many things to do here, a cruise on the lake is essential. The town of Te Anau has a lot appeal though; prepare to spend time here.
HIGHLIGHTS
RIVERTON - Well worth the 30-minute drive from Invercargill. Almost 200 years old, Riverton is one of the earliest European settlements in New Zealand. Get to know its rich history at the Te Hīkoi South Journey Heritage Museum, featuring authentic life-size displays telling stories of how our Māori and European ancestors adapted to survive on nature’s edge.
LAKE MANAPŌURI - Often described as ‘The loveliest of all lakes’, Lake Manapōuri is located in Fiordland National Park. Its cluster of 33 small islands each plays their part in enriching the beauty of the area. The second deepest lake in New Zealand, it has a giant hydropower station that you can see through pre-arranged tours. Explore this awe-inspiring area by sea kayak or two-hour boat cruise.
Lake Manapōuri
Destination Fiordland
TUATAPERE - This historic sawmill town is your gateway to Fiordland National Park, and the Hump Ridge and Waitutu tracks. Within reach of world-class jet boating and hiking, enjoy its surrounding wilderness, including Blue Cliffs Beach.
Tramping in the Tuatapere Hump
MAVORA LAKES RD - East of Fiordland National Park, two long, narrow lakes glisten seductively. Follow the Mavora Lakes Rd to find them and continue on until you reach historic Walter Peak Station.
SIDE TRIP to DOUBTFUL SOUND
ISOLATED SPLENDOUR - Doubtful Sound is also located in Fiordland. There is no direct road access here; you’ll need to take a day or overnight cruise across Lake Manapōuri, along with a coach trip.
Similar to its smaller but more famous sibling Milford Sound, magical, isolated Doubtful Sound is truly incredible. The highlights are mind-blowing, including Browne Falls at 619-metre-high and Helena Falls at 220 metres. Bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins are regularly spotted here.
Doubtful Sound © Getty Images
Doubtful Sound boasts a dynamic landscape, glistening rainforests populated with perching plants, ground ferns and podocarp, and pristine inky-coloured waters. It is also home to a designated marine reserve known as The Gut. Measuring 93 hectares, it is teeming with wildlife.
NATURE
More than 1.2 million hectares in size, Fiordland National Park varies from mountains and lakes to fiords and rainforest.
Routeburn Track © Miles Holden
FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE - Use the visitor’s centre in Te Anau to plan trips, sort hunting permits, book walks and get real-time info on tracks, roads and weather.
With its powerful waterfalls and water-sculpted rock shapes, THE CHASM is a must-do in Fiordland National Park. This walk is off the Milford Rd, about half way between Milford Sound and the Homer Tunnel, which is also a must-see. It’s only 400 metres return via the same track and takes no more than 20 minutes.
LAKE MONOWAI - Get ‘off the beaten track’. Granting access into a very attractive part of Fiordland National Park, Borland Rd ascends Borland Saddle before dropping down to the dazzling Lake Manapouri.
FIORDLAND CINEMA - Sink into the plush chairs with a vino in hand at this award winning boutique cinema in Te Anau.
SIDE TRIP to MILFORD SOUND
Accessible from Te Anau via Milford Road, Milford Sound is a fixture on most tourists ‘to do’ lists. Its unsurpassed natural beauty will leave you reeling. From cruising, kayaking and snorkelling to scenic flights and sailing, you will have plenty of opportunities to appreciate its ethereal beauty.
Milford Sound © Getty Images
Mitre Peak is one of the most photographed land forms in the country. It has five summits, the highest of which is 1683 metres from the water. Climbing the peak demands experience and skill; you can more easily marvel at Mitre Peak from the comfort of a cruise through Milford Sound. Another special attraction here is the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, the only one of its kind in New Zealand. Descend 10.4 metres below the surface to check out sponges, sea stars, horse mussels, diverse fish life and rare black coral.
Cruise in Milford Sound © Real Journeys
MILFORD SOUND MUST-DO'S
> Mitre Peak
> Cruise the Sounds
> Kayaking
> Scenic flights
> Underwater observatory
> Milford Track
