Canterbury → Southland & Fiordland
Travelling from Rangiora to Te Anau is one of those New Zealand journeys where the route matters as much as the destination.
Te Anau sits in Southland & Fiordland — Fiordland's sheer walls of rock and water, plus the wide green south. Travel privately with a local driver-guide and the day becomes yours: stop for the view, take the short walk, and let someone else handle the wheel.
Southland & Fiordland
A taste of what a day around Te Anau can hold.
Around Southland & Fiordland you'll find the fiords, waterfalls and sheer cliffs of Milford and Doubtful Sound. Ask your guide about fiord cruising — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Around Southland & Fiordland you'll find Great Walk trailheads and beech forest. Ask your guide about wildlife spotting — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Around Southland & Fiordland you'll find big skies over southern farmland. Ask your guide about kayaking — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Around Southland & Fiordland you'll find a rugged southern coast facing Antarctica. Ask your guide about Great Walk day hikes — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Ways to travel between Rangiora and Te Anau.
A big day out with your own guide — viewpoints, short walks and the landmarks that pull people to the South Island in the first place.
Move between towns the slow way, stopping at lake edges, passes and lookouts that most travellers drive straight past.
Guided time on foot, from gentle lakeside strolls to a genuine day walk, matched to your fitness and the conditions.
String several highlights together in one private vehicle, with the flexibility to linger where it's worth lingering.
Premium vehicle, a hand-picked guide and a day shaped around cellar doors, private walks and quiet corners.
Going private means the day belongs to you: no fixed departure times, no coach-load of strangers, and no rushing past something you wanted to photograph.
Te Anau sits in Southland & Fiordland, which means the fiords, waterfalls and sheer cliffs of Milford and Doubtful Sound and Great Walk trailheads and beech forest are both within reach on the same outing.
Starting in Rangiora puts you on the doorstep of Canterbury, so you can layer a local highlight into the start or end of the day.
Make the most of both ends of your journey.
Before you set out, Rangiora is a good place to slow down — Canterbury is known for whale-watching and volcanic harbours on the coast and the Southern Alps and turquoise glacial lakes.
Once you arrive, Te Anau opens up Great Walk day hikes, kayaking and wildlife spotting in and around the wider Southland & Fiordland area.
Tell us what you'd like to do and we'll come back with a private itinerary and a clear quote.
