Te Anau
Most of the lake is within the boundaries of Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. Other than Te Anau township, the only human habitation close to the lake is the farming settlement of Te Anau Downs, close to the mouth of the Eglinton River. Between these two settlements the land is rolling hill country, but on all other sides the land is mountainous, especially along its western shore, where the Kepler and Murchison Mountains rise 1400 metres above the surface of the lake.
Several species of endangered birds live around the shores of Lake Te Anau, notably the takahe (which you can see in the Te Anau bird sanctuary, also home to the troublesome but beautiful Kea). An area between the Middle and south Fiords is a sanctuary set aside for these birds.
The western shore of the lake also features the Te Ana-au Caves, from which the lake gets its name. You can get regular trips to the caves to see the glow-worms all year around (provided that the rain hasn't flooded the caves!!).
For the more adventurous, "The Milford Track" skirts the northern tip of the lake with a regular boat passage available to take you to the start. You can also do a day walk with various companies located near Te Anau.
