Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island and the second largest in New Zealand. It marks the beginning of Fiordland National Park, a corner of Aotearoa so beautiful I could cry just thinking about it.

There are so many places to admire the lake, but one of the best lookout points is Te Anau Lions Lookout. Unlike other popular photo spots around Te Anau, Lions Lookout is much quieter and more peaceful. This viewpoint is a 5-minute detour off the main road in and out of Te Anau and gives stunning 360° views over the town, Lake Te Anau, and the Southern Alps.

How to get there

The lookout is located along Kepler Track Road, just five minutes from Te Anau town centre. To get there, follow Golf Course Road towards the Fiordland Golf Club, then turn onto Kepler Track Road. There is a small gravel pull-off area where you can park your car, but there are no toilets.