Fiordland National Park is a must-see destination. The largest national park in New Zealand stretches from Martine Bay in the north to Waitutu Forest in the south and from the magnificent eastern lakes of Te Anau, Manapouri, Monowai, and Hauroko to 14 spectacular fiords on the West Coast.
‘A cherished corner of the world where mountains and valleys compete with each other for room, where scale is almost beyond comprehension, rainfall is measured in meters and scenery encompasses the broadest width of emotions.’
This is how the author of the book “Mountains of Water – The Story of Fiordland National Park” described this stunning National Park. First reserved in 1904 and covering over 1.2 million hectares the Fiordland National Park was established in 1952. The largest National Park in New Zealand it stretches from Martins Bay in the north to Waitutu Forest in the south and from the mighty eastern lakes of Te Anau, Manapouri, Monowai, and Hauroko to the fourteen spectacular fiords of the west coast. The Department of Conservation (DOC) is the government organization that administers the park to preserve its natural and historic resources and to provide opportunities for us all to enjoy them.
A 500-kilometer network of walking tracks and over 60 huts allows the public to explore the primeval world of mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and moss-carpeted valleys, DOC also runs endangered species programs, conservation projects, and manages all recreational and other activities within the park.
The extraordinary beauty of Fiordland was recognized by the United Nations in 1986 when it was made a World Heritage Area. The Fiordland National Park was described as having ‘superlative natural phenomena’ and ‘outstanding examples of the earth’s evolutionary history’.
In 1990 the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area was extended to include Fiordland, Westland, and Mt Cook National Parks. It now covers 10 percent of New Zealand’s land mass. To find out more about World Heritage Areas around the world visit the UNESCO World Heritage website http://whc.unesco.org
The best time to visit Fiordland National Park largely depends on what you want to experience:
Doubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets - all deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Known for its pristine beauty and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals - both of which are often seen. In season, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. A day excursion into this pristine fiord begins with a cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri to West Arm. You will then board a coach and travel the sub-alpine road over Wilmot Pass, pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. On arrival in Doubtful Sound, board our spacious catamaran Patea Explorer for a three-hour cruise through som....
Coach & Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises & Coach - from Queenstown Your excursion begins with a short cruise across island-studded Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass. You will then descend to Doubtful Sound to meet the crew of the Fiordland Navigator awaiting you in Deep Cove. The Fiordland Navigator is designed along the lines of a traditional sailing vessel, combining the charm of a bygone era with all modern comforts including spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon/fully licensed bar and an observation lounge. During the afternoon, you will cruise the full length of the fiord, weaving through hidden coves and waterways. Bottlenose dolphins are often encountered, fur seals bask on the rocks and, at times, rare penguins can be seen. As evening draws near, the crew will drop anchor in a sheltered cove, allowing you to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender craft (small boat) with a ....
Take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound. You'll experience the world famous fiord - rich in dense rainforest, glacier carved valleys and beautiful waterfalls. Journey across the Southern Alps and travel deep into the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through solid rock. Uncover Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls, take photos of the stunning Mirror Lakes, then walk across The Chasm. At the deep waters of Milford Sound, board your 1 3/4 hour Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise. See the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. Departs - 7:20 am, Athol Street in the middle of the car park Returns - 7:45 pm, Athol Street in the middle of the car park ....
Journey across the Southern Alps and travel deep into the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through solid rock. Uncover Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls, take photos of the stunning Mirror Lakes, then walk across The Chasm. At the deep waters of Milford Sound, board your 1 3/4 hour Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise. See the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. After your cruise return to Te Anau by coach. Highlights: • Te Anau • Eglinton Valley - ancient alpine beech forest, stunning waterfalls • Mirror Lakes - photo opportunity • Homer Tunnel - • Fiordland National Park • Knobs Flat • Christie Falls • The Chasm (subject to road and weather conditions) • Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise DEPARTS: 10:15 am, Kiwi Country, 2 Miro St or....
Coach & Milford Mariner Overnight Cruises & Coach - from Queenstown An overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner is the ultimate dinner, bed and breakfast experience. Depart from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon and cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea accompanied by a specialist nature guide. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. The Milford Mariner then anchors in a sheltered cove, where you can join the nature guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) and kayaks. Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax on deck. As evening falls, enjoy a lavish carvery buffet in the dining saloon. Then relax in the company of fellow travellers or indulge in some star-gazing before retiring to your private cabin. • Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon/fully l....