Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 22-Te Anau & Breakfast-5/2/2024

Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island and the second-largest in all of New Zealand. It stretches about 40 miles in length and covers an area of 133square miles, surrounded by dramatic mountains and native beech forests. The lake was carved out by glaciers during the last Ice Age, which explains its deep basins and stunning fjord-like arms that extend into Fiordland National Park.

The name Te Anau comes from Māori: Te Ana-au, meaning “the cave of swirling water currents.” It refers to the nearby Te Anau Caves, famous for their underground waterfalls and glowworms. For Māori, the lake and surrounding lands were rich in resources, they fished for eels and birds, and the area was an important seasonal food-gathering place.

Today, Lake Te Anau is the gateway to Milford Sound and the great walks of Fiordland, like the Kepler Track and Milford Track. Near Blue Gum Point, you get some of the best panoramic views of the lake, with the surrounding mountains reflecting beautifully in the water, making it a peaceful and scenic stop

 At Blue Gum Point, there is a metal boardwalk stretching out over the calm water, with a small sign marking it as a spot where passengers can board a boat.

It felt like a quiet gateway to the lake, a place where adventures begin, whether it’s a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau or a trip toward the hidden glowworm caves.

It was calm standing there, with the mountains rising in the distance and the gentle ripples of the lake against the boardwalk.

 Early in the morning, the lakeshore at Blue Gum Point was perfectly still. The boarding area was quiet, with no one around.

 Moored nearby was a boat named Faith, a graceful cruise vessel resting calmly on the water. Seeing it there, with the mountains reflected in the lake and the soft morning light touching the surface, gave the scene a timeless feeling, as if the boat was patiently waiting for its passengers to arrive and begin a new journey across Lake Te Anau.

As we continued our walk along the lake, the path led us onto a beautiful wooden boardwalk that hugged the shoreline. The smooth timber planks blended naturally with the landscape, guiding us gently over the water’s edge. From there, the views opened wide across Lake Te Anau,

“Taming the Trout” is a cheerful nod to Te Anau’s deep connection with trout fishing and the area's angling culture. Te Anau and the surrounding Fiordland region are indeed well-known among anglers.  Lake Te Anau is famous for its robust populations of brown trout and rainbow trout, making it a top destination for both fly-fishing and spinning enthusiasts.

The wooden bench overlooking the lake is likely placed there for people to pause, rest, and take in the peaceful view of Lake Te Anau, and it is a perfect spot to sit quietly and watch the water and mountains.

Panoramic view of the Lake

 The white square board floating could be a marker buoy or navigation aid. It is often used on lakes to guide boats, mark safe channels, or designate areas for activities like fishing, swimming, or docking. Sometimes they’re also used for scientific monitoring, measuring water quality or lake levels. From the shore, they can look like simple floating boards or boxes.

The lake is very still and the view from here is totally Zen.

The curve shore of the lake.

 As we continued our walk, the shoreline opened into a small harbor area where many boats were moored together.

Some were sleek cruise vessels, others smaller fishing or leisure boats, all gently rocking with the ripples of Lake Te Anau. Their masts and hulls reflected on the water, creating a patchwork of shapes and colors against the deep blue of the lake. The scene had a lively yet peaceful fee, a reminder that this quiet town is also a hub for lake excursions, fishing trips, and adventures into Fiordland.

Boats in the Habor

We are now leaving the area and going to get breakfast.

After our morning walk, we stopped by Sandfly Cafe for breakfast.

Sandfly Cafe consistently ranks among the best places for breakfast or brunch in Te Anau, so we definitely had to stop here.  The interior is really cozy and the waitresses are super friendly.

We ordered eggs, toast with butter on the side, roasted tomatoes, hash brown, and their coffee is also really good.

NEXT... Driving to Queenstown