Good weather and popular events drew the crowds to Te Anau last weekend, offering a boost to local businesses.

The two large events - The Kepler Challenge Mountain Race and Hop ‘n’ Vine beer, food and wine festival brought thousands of visitors to the area between them. 

Kevin Downie, co-organiser of Hop ‘n’ Vine says the event hosted over 1000 people on the day, including up to 300 door sales.

Te Anau locals Jess Connell and Luke Bovie man the Catlins Brewery stand at this years Hop 'n' Vine festival in Te Anau. Photo: Douglas Thorne Photography 

“Everyone had a great time, and the feedback has been outstanding.”

“It really brings vibrancy to the whole town. I know a lot of the bar owners, restaurant owners in town, even the bottle shop and supermarket, they all had a huge weekend.”

Cameron Davies, owner of restaurant and bar The Fat Duck, says the town was buzzing. 

“We are so lucky as a small town to have high-quality events like these, and ones that are so well supported too.”

“These types of things bring people to town the day before and the day after, so we had a great weekend.” 

Steve Norris, Race Director of the Kepler Challenge, says the beautiful day on Saturday brought happy runners and a steady stream of spectators.

He says surveys have shown each runner brings 1.8 spectators with them, so with around 600 runners at the event this would mean an influx of over 1600 people to the town.

Kepler Challenge winners (L-R), David Haunschmidt (2nd), Daniel Jones (1st) and Andy Good (3rd). Photo: Kepler Challenge

“It was really noticeable driving out [to the race start], you could see the number of no vacancy signs on hotels which was really nice to see.” 

Lake Te Anau was also busy over the weekend, with many boaties and jet skis out on the water.

Environment Southland Harbour Master Lyndon Cleaver said he had expected the lake to be quieter over the weekend due to the events held in town, however it had been anything but.