Tourism and farming are the predominant economic activities in the area. Lying as it does at the borders of Fiordland National Park, it is the gateway to a wilderness area famed for tramping and spectacular scenery. Many species of bird life are also found locally, notably the endangered Takahe which can be found at the Fiordland Wildlife Park.
Te Anau is connected by highway with Invercargill to the southeast, Queenstown to the northeast, Gore to the east, and Manapourito the south. Te Anau is the Start of the Milford Road the Highway to Milford Sound, which lies 120 kilometres to the north
