We stayed in Te Anau as a gateway to Fiordland and honestly didn’t expect much at all, just somewhere to sleep before heading out.

But we ended up loving it. It’s such a cute little town and way prettier than I thought it would be, right on the lake with the mountains around it. It feels calm, easy, and really peaceful after a full day of exploring.

We loved walking along the water, letting the kids run around, and just slowing down for a bit. It’s the perfect base for Fiordland, but also one of those places that ends up being a highlight in a quieter way.