Possum Lodge

The marshes of Rakatu Wetlands (15 minutes’ drive) spread over a whopping 278 hectares. Nine kilometres of walking tracks snake through the area, allowing sightings of the wading birds that call these waters home, including mallard ducks, Canada geese and black swans, plus fishes like long-finned eels. If you’re after feathered creatures specific to New Zealand, head to Punanga Manu o Te Anau / Te Anau Bird Sanctuary (15 minutes), home to a range of native (and largely endangered) birds that you might not be able to spot in the wild, like the flightless takahē and the parrot-like kākā. Ready for a cruise with a difference? Instead of sailing on the lake or the river, you can book a spot on one of the vessels exploring the underground stream leading to Te Anau Glowworm Caves (15 minutes). Sail past a subterranean waterfall, limestone passages and whirlpools to a quiet grotto shimmering with glowworms.