Lake Te Anau

Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island (344 sq.km), lies in the northeast of Fiordland National Park. With three arms branching off (South, Middle and North fiords), it reaches deep into the mountain country of the national park with its dense rain forests. The shores of the lake vary considerably in character; the east side is flat, with less rain, and is almost treeless.

The surface of Lake Te Anau is around 200m above sea level, but the bottom of the lake, which is 417m deep, reaches well below sea level.

Lake Te Anau is linked with Lake Manapouri and is thus an important element in the Manapouri hydroelectric scheme.