Banks: 09:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 12:00 Saturdays
Government Departments: 08:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; early closing on Saturday and Sunday

The main point to be aware of when visiting Te Anau and Fiordland is the changeable weather. While the weather in Te Anau itself is fairly predictable, the weather around the Milford and Doubtful sounds is prone to rapid changes and packing for wet weather is advised. Milford Sound receives around 20ft of rainfall every year and conditions towards the end of the tramping season are particularly hazardous.

The Milford Track is only serviced part of the year. From May to mid-October when the track is open, anyone tramping it needs to be careful with regards to the weather as avalanche paths cross parts of the track. Facilities at the independent walkers’ huts during these months are also removed, as are some bridges.

Packing accordingly when tramping at any time of year including items such as sand fly repellent, sunscreen, a coat, and a first-aid kit. Boiling or chemically treating water is also a must as the waterborne disease gardia is present in the region.

In Te Anau itself, crime levels and pick-pocketing are very low and shouldn’t be a cause of concern. The driving can be quite demanding around the Fiordland region where switchbacks and changing weather make conditions a little tougher than usual. Petrol stations are also thin on the ground, particularly on the Milford road, and thus filling up whenever possible is a must.

Taking out travel insurance to cover for all eventualities is recommended when visiting Te Anau, especially for those who plan on going tramping. Many policies don’t cover for accidents when partaking in adventure activities so it is worth checking the small print. 

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz

There are minimal health risks when simply visiting the town of Te Anau. Not many people come here just for the town, however, and there are some serious risks to be aware of when tramping.

The Milford Track is both beautiful and potentially dangerous. There are very steep and high drop-offs, particularly so around MacKinnon Pass, and the threat of being washed away by torrential storms towards the end of the walking season is also very real. Walking the track in either direction out of season is possible but not recommended, as avalanches are common and can cross parts of the track.

The Kepler and Routeburn tracks, while not as dramatic as Milford, also have there health risks. Wherever you walk, make sure you carry lots of spare water, a first-aid kit, insect repellent and sun-block.

The waterborne disease gardia is present in Fiordland and visitors are at risk when drinking directly from springs. To forego a nasty stomach upset and diarrhea, simply boil any ground water thoroughly or chemically treat it before drinking.

Regards dangerous fauna, New Zealand doesn’t have many potentially dangerous creatures except the elusive poisonous Katipo spider. This spider is rarely seen and therefore shouldn’t be of concern to visitors. Sand flies can be a nuisance but aren’t dangerous, and having a good insect repellent is recommended.

Te Anau doesn’t have its own hospital and the nearest one by road is Southland Hospital in Invercargill. If you become seriously ill, you may have to be flown to Invercargill, Queenstown, or Christchurch, and having travel insurance is thus essential. For minor ailments, Te Anau Pharmacy on Milford road has generic medicines and offers free medical advice.

Emergency services: 111

English is the official language of New Zealand, along with the traditional Maori tongue, and all government literature and road signs are in English.

New Zealand used the New Zealand dollar (NZ$), which is traditionally worth slightly less than the Australian dollar. New Zealand dollar notes come in denominations of NZ$5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and NZ$1 and 2.

New Zealand dollars are available at most banks and currency exchangers around the world and having some local currency in your pocket before you land is always a good idea. It is not advisable to change too much local currency outside New Zealand, however, due to better rates being available onshore.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of New Zealand dollars, but visitors will need to declare anything over NZ$10,000, or the equivalent in any other currency. All major currencies can be changed in banks and bureaux de change in Te Anau, as well as at Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown airports. You can also change money at some of the more upmarket hotels across the country.

Traveller’s cheques are still widely used around the world and can cashed at Te Anau’s banks and hotels. American Express and Thomas Cook are the main traveller’s cheques providers.

When holidaying in Te Anau, visitors can use local currency, traveller’s cheques or withdraw cash from an ATM. ATMs are ubiquitous to Te Anau town centre and drawing on your bank account back home and obtaining commercial banking rates of exchange is the most convenient method of obtaining local currency. Many ATMs accept foreign debit cards of major banks as well as Switch and Maestro systems. Drawing cash using credit cards is also possible.

The duty-free limits for New Zealand are: 200 cigarettes, or 250 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars, or a combination of all three not exceeding 250 grams; and 4.5 litres of beer or wine and 1.125 litres of spirits. In addition, gifts exceeding a value of NZ$700 will be charged a 12.5 per cent goods and services tax.

There are not that many countries in the world that can be classed as laid-back, and New Zealand is one of the few. The people here are great, easy to get on with and eager to meet tourists. Simply having common sense and showing respect for the locals will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable holiday. New Zealanders commonly greet each other with a handshake.

Dining Etiquette
Te Anau is largely given over to day-trippers from Queenstown and thus the dining scene is quite casual. There are far more cafés in Te Anau than full-service restaurants with diners mostly breezing in and out for snacks or to stock up on food for their journey along the Milford or Kepler tracks.

There are a few upmarket restaurants in town along with some good hotel restaurants where you will need to observe certain unspoken dress codes. Gentlemen will not need anything more elaborate than a collared shirt, slacks and shoes.

There is no need to tip in New Zealand unless you feel the service was especially good. In fact, many eateries discourage their staff from accepting tips. Visitors who choose to tip can round the bill up to the nearest NZ$10, or at the most 10 per cent.

Most nationalities don’t need a visa to enter the country and tourists from the UK, most of the rest of Europe and North America will be granted three months stay provided their passports are valid for three months beyond their stay. UK citizens can enjoy stays of up to six months without a visa. All visitors must have a return or onward ticket, as well as sufficient funds for their stay.

The two main tourist information offices in Te Anau are the Fiordland i-Site Visitor Centre and the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. The Fiordland i-Site Visitor Centre on Lakefront drive at the end of Milford road is an excellent resource on the region and is open daily. Phone: +64 3 249 8900.

The Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre is for those who are interested in tramping (hiking) the Milford, Hollyford, Routeburn, Kepler, and Caples tracks and is also on Lakefront drive and open daily. Phone: +64 3 249 7924; website: www.fiordland.org.nz.