* Te: This is a definite article, similar to "the" in English.
* Anau: This comes from the word "ana", meaning "cave" or "grotto," and "au", which means "large" or "great."
Therefore, Te Anau translates to "the great cave" in English.
This name reflects the geological features of the area, which features several caves and gorges, including the famous Te Anau Caves.