Te Anau

Te Anau (Pronounced Tay anna) is 118 miles from Queenstown (2 1/2-3 hr drive). The drive seems longer than it is. Fiordland National Park, the largest in N.Z. is here... lakes, sounds, mountains, and fiords.

Check weather conditions... It may not be possible to get to Te Anau during extreme conditions of winter.

Te Anau Glow Worms: At Lake Te Anau... these worms continue glowing even with noise.

Fiordland National Park: This is the largest National Park in New Zealand... many lakes, sounds, mountain ranges, fiords, and Lake Te Anau. Milford Sound is 74 miles from here.

Milford Sound

This is a major attraction... It's a stunningly beautiful inlet, 14 miles long and varying in width from one half to three miles. This ancient glacier bed is walled by sheer granite peaks which rise 5000 feet from the water's edge, sending back tumbling waterfalls and shedding pristine reflections on the dark, calm waters below.

Milford Sound on a balmy day may be as close to the Garden of Eden as mankind has been allowed to get since the banishment. In addition to cruises, there are 1½ hour flights flying over and through some of the most spectacular alpine scenery imaginable. It is a spectacular cruise...and includes lunch aboard. Check weather conditions... It may not be possible to get to Milford Sound during extreme conditions of winter.

Scenic flight: This is a highlight of the area. It's a 1½ hour to/from trip with 20 minutes on the ground... flying over and through some of the most spectacular alpine scenery imaginable. It is also possible to fly into Milford Sound and return by road in a coach. One must check the weather. Sometimes it is impossible to get to Milford Sound.

Author of this article is Gene Gill. For more information visit his website: www.genegillminiatures.com