The Te Anau bird sanctuary is located just a fifteen minute walk from the town centre, along the Te Anau Lake walking path and through a short bush track. It is home to injured and rehabilitating bird life from the local area and just upon dusk comes alive with bird song and whistles.

Along the way to the Bird Sanctuary you pass by the Department of Conservation (D.O.C) centre which is worth a visit.

Entry to the Bird Sanctuary is by donation you are welcome to bring your camera along to capture some shots of birds such as the Native Pukeko, a thin blue flightless bird which looks similiar to the rarer Takahe. The native stubby Takahe roam there enclosure feeding waiting for a photo opportunity. The playful and ever moving Kia and Morepork owl so named for it's call that sounds eerily like "More Pork".