Pros & cons
PROS
- Two DC fast chargers (50kW and 25kW)
- Central Te Anau location with cafés, park, and lakefront steps away
CONS
- Limited bays can mean waits at peak times
- Occasional reliability hiccups reported
Overview
Right in downtown Te Anau, this ChargeNet station is the pragmatic pit stop before you head for Milford Sound or anywhere deeper into Fiordland. It’s open 24/7 and sits an easy stroll from the lakefront—so you’re not stuck staring at a charging screen.
Charging Details
You’ve got two DC options: one 50kW unit for a faster top‑up and one 25kW unit if the fast bay is taken. Activate via the ChargeNet app or RFID. With only a couple of bays, expect occasional queues in the busy season.
What’s Nearby
There’s a small park across the road and the lakefront just beyond, plus plenty of cafés, restaurants, and a supermarket within a few minutes’ walk. If you need supplies or a quick bite, this is the easiest place to do it while the car sips electrons.
Why Stop Here
It’s the key fast-charge option in Te Anau—strategic, reliable enough for most travelers, and surrounded by useful amenities. Not a “destination,” but absolutely the smart play before the long, no‑services stretch to Milford.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or later evening for the least competition at the plugs. Daytime sees more turnover; late afternoon to early evening can be the busiest. Lighting is good after dark, and the 24/7 hours make off‑peak charges easy.
Need to Know
- Bring the ChargeNet app/RFID to start sessions.
- If the 50kW is occupied, consider the 25kW while you grab food nearby.
- No dedicated restrooms on-site, but public toilets are a short walk away.
Where it is
-45.4161, 167.7127Tips for Fiordland Electric Vehicle Charging Station (Te Anau)
- 01Check availability and start sessions with the ChargeNet app or RFID.
- 02Aim for early morning or late evening to avoid waits.
- 03If the 50kW bay is taken, plug into the 25kW and grab a coffee nearby.
- 04Use your charging window to walk the lakefront or pick up groceries.
- 05Only park while actively charging—turnover is appreciated here.
Amenities
Near Fiordland Electric Vehicle Charging Station (Te Anau)
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayFiordland i-SITELakefront hub for bookings, track advice, and local intelVisitor Center · Parking
0.3 mi awayTe AnauLakeside gateway town for tracks, cruises, and Fiordland adventuresVisitor Center · Lodging
0.6 mi awayFiordland National Park DOC Visitor CentreDOC’s lakeside hub for trail intel, bookings, and exhibitsRestroom · Exhibit
1.2 mi awayTe Anau Bird SanctuaryEasy lakeside stop to see rare takahē and kākā up closeTrailhead · Restroom
2.1 mi awayLuxmore Summit TrackBig alpine views above Lake Te Anau for those willing to climbChallenging · 21 mi · 9 hr
2.2 mi awayKepler TrackA classic 60 km loop: airy ridges, beech forests, and lake shores.Challenging · 37.3 mi · 30 hr
2.2 mi awayDock Bay TrackEasy lakeside stroll to a swim friendly bay on Lake Te AnauEasy · 3.5 mi · 1.5 hr
3.9 mi awayKepler Track: Rainbow Reach to Shallow BayEasy forest-and-lake stroll to a serene swimming bay.Easy · 7.5 mi · 4 hr
