Ten Swiss alphorn players struck up a short impromptu concert on Te Anau's lakefront helipad today (20 Jun), to the delight of both tourists and locals.

Hand-made in spruce and dating back to the 14th century, the horn was traditionally used in the mountainous regions of Switzerland, Germany and Austria as a way for herdsmen to communicate between each other.

The band, all members of the Taranaki Alphorngruppe, are on a 7-day tour of the South Island and came to Fiordland to support budding local alpine horn players Steve McElroy - now an honoury member of the group - and Hans-Peter Anderson.

Fiordland local Steve McElroy strikes up as part of an impromptu concert on Te Anau's lakefront. Photo: Southland App

McElroy, 72, said his interest in the alpine horn was sparked about 5 years ago after buying a $6000 instrument online.

Since then he has been teaching himself, with occasional WhatsApp calls - and a trip last year - to the Taranaki group.

Band spokesperson Alan Beck said while their founder had been playing for more than 20-years, the group had only really come together 4-years ago.

Beck said the group had gone from strength to strength.

He said they now practiced weekly and, along with a Swiss singing group, were in demand for performances at funerals, clubs, shopping centres and retirement homes.

The Taranaki Alphorngruppe plan to perform again in Queenstown and Tekepo before returning home.