Te Anau is a small lakeside town that is the practical gateway to Fiordland, so treat it as your base camp: book accommodation, Milford and Doubtful Sound boat trips, and Great Walk huts well in advance because options are limited. Expect changeable, often wet weather, so bring warm layers, a reliable waterproof jacket and good walking shoes, plus strong insect repellent for sandflies. You can pick up supplies, fuel and outdoor gear in town, but services wind down in the evening and cell coverage is patchy once you head into the national park, so plan logistics and fuel stops ahead. Timewise, Milford is a long scenic drive of a couple of hours each way and Doubtful Sound requires a boat transfer from Manapouri, so plan full days or an overnight if you want to relax and not rush.