Te Anau Bird Sanctuary (Punanga Manu o Te Anau) allows you to see some of New Zealand's most iconic and rare birds up close.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau in Fiordland National Park, the sanctuary is home to a range of incredible species, including the rare flightless Takahē, Kākā, beautiful native forest parrots, Kererū, New Zealand's stunning wood pigeons, and Tūā, with their distinctive white throat tufts (poi).

The birds here have either been injured and cannot survive in the wild or have been involved in captive rearing programmes. They are rehabilitated and if possible, released back into the wild when they are strong enough.

The sanctuary is just a short 500m walk from the Fiordland Visitor Centre, and the walk itself is stunning as it follows the shoreline of Lake Te Anau. If you’re looking for a peaceful experience away from the typical adrenaline-packed activities in the area, this is worth a spot on your bucket list.