We picked up the car and drove toward Te Anau, stopping in Mossburn, proudly known as the Deer Capital of New Zealand. It’s a tiny rural stop with a surprisingly big story once the heart of deer farming and home to the famous red tussock grasslands. Dotty made the most of the playground stop while I read up on how the town helped shape New Zealand’s agricultural history.
From there, it was a straight run to the Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park. After checking in, we headed into town and ducked into the Fiordland Cinema to see Ata Whenua Shadowland. Thirty minutes of pure cinematic perfection helicopters sweeping over untouched valleys, waterfalls tumbling from snow peaks, and the kind of scenery that makes you whisper “wow” without meaning to. It was epic.
When we stepped back outside, the town had transformed.
It was Halloween.
Georgia’s eyes went wide. She thought she’d miss out this year completely. The only dress she had was her gold princess bell outfit from Tokyo Disneyland, so with a few toy spiders and some creative thinking, Spider-Bell was born part Belle, part superhero, and entirely Kiwi Halloween ready.
The local shops were all taking part, handing out sweets to trick-or-treaters. We wandered through the sunny streets, past blossom trees and bike shops with costumed staff, collecting treats from every doorway. The Redcliff Café had gone all-in on the theme fake blood, skulls, and a giant “NO ONE LEAVES” sign that had the kids screaming with delight.
It felt surreal Halloween in bright sunshine, no coats or gloves, just short sleeves, smiles, and blue skies. Georgia loved every second.
By the end of the night her bucket had sweets in it, she had fun and the day was over, we’d found a bit of Halloween magic right in the middle of Fiordland.
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