Our 2015 holidays: Te Anau

Te Anau is larger than many of the places that we have stopped on South Island. The main reason for coming here is to walk the tracks of the Fjordlands and see the fjords (or sounds), of which the most famous are Milford and Doubtful sounds and there are plenty of offerings of trips.

The main aim of our stay here is to have a break from the driving, to relax, walk and to take an overnight trip on Doubtful Sound.

On the first day, we resisted the temptation by our hosts of also visiting Milford Sound, and went for a walk on the Kepler Track.

The Keplar track is a circular 60km track on the Fjordlands between LakeTe Anau and Lake Manapouri. Those walking the entire track usually sleep 3 nights in the huts available on the trail, otherwise, you simply need to turn round halfway through!

Our first walk started at the Rainbow Reach car park on the Waiau River and we walked for 1.5 hours before turning round. We reached the wetlands which is about halfway to the first overnight hut.

The walk is through forests covered in moss and ferns, making lovely shapes and patterns. I expect that we would think of The 'Lord of the Rings' films, if we had seen them.

Te Wahipounamu

A very wobbly bridge - scary

The wetlands, our furthest point, were colourful with mosses

Interesting fungus on the way back

A very friendly South Island robin.

The cottage that we are staying I is one of 3 rented out by a New Zealand/Japanese couple, Kevin and Keiko. The cottages are large and very comfortable and there is a Japanese breakfast option available. We have had three breakfasts, all different and very enjoyable. Our first morning

So we are in practice for the Kapan leg of our trip.

The following day, we walked another part of the Kepler track from the (water) control gates to Brod Bay via Dock Bay, but first we visited the wildlife centre. This is spacious, does not have many exhibits, but all are rare and endangered.