Te Anau is easily accessed from New Zealand's scenic Southern Lakes towns of Queenstown and Wanaka, with a driving time of 2 hours from Queenstown and 3 hours from Wanaka. The Southern Scenic route from Invercargill will bring you to Te Anau in 2 hours, or from Dunedin your journey will take approximately 3 hours.
From Queenstown take SH6 south towards Invercargill for 74km or 1hr. Just before Lumsden take the right hand turnoff to SH94 and Te Anau- 78km or 1hr.
Total time 2 hrs.
On the way, take a trip back in time and steam through the countryside with a 30 minute ride aboard the infamous Kingston Flyer. Running beside the highway between Kingston and Fairlight this historical steam train operates from the beginning of October to the end of April.
From Dunedin take SH1 to Gore - 150 km or 1:45hrs. From Gore take SH 94 following it through to Te Anau - 140km or 1:45hrs.
Total time 3 hrs.
From Invercargill take SH6 north to Lumsden - 74km or 1hr . Just past Lumsden take the left hand turnoff to SH94 and Te Anau - 78km or 1hr.
Total time 2 hrs.
When you arrive in Te Anau turn left as signposted to drive down the main street of the Te Anau town centre. Continue through the shops till you till you meet the lake front. Here turn left and you will find Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas almost immediately on the left-hand side, across the road from the lake.