Fiordland National Park
Things to Do in Fiordland National Park
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.
BEST Things to Do in Fiordland National Park
Useful Fiordland National Park Resources
You´ll ❤️ these great things to see & do…
- Take a hike through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring and diverse landscapes
- Experience the excitement of taking off & landing in the South Island’s only operating Seaplane and experience breathtaking quintessential Fiordland scenery.
- Journey deep into the heart of Fiordland’s remote wilderness: silent fiords, hanging valleys, and waterfalls. Land at Mt Pender in Dusky Sound, one of the most remote fiord
- Explore the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound with RealNZ.
Discover the Untamed Beauty of Fiordland National Park
‘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.
te wahipounamu WORLD HERITAGE AREA
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
What is the best time to visit Fiordland National Park Southland New Zealand?
The best time to visit Fiordland National Park largely depends on what you want to experience:
Summer (December to February)
Weather: Warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.
Activities: Ideal for hiking, kayaking, and boat tours. The long daylight hours allow for extended exploration.
Crowds: This is the peak tourist season, so popular spots like Milford Sound can be busy.
Autumn (March to May)
Weather: Cooler temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 15°C, with vibrant autumn foliage.
Activities: Great for hiking and photography, with fewer crowds than summer.
Crowds: Less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience.
Winter (June to August)
Weather: Cold, with temperatures between 0°C and 10°C. Snow is common in higher elevations.
Activities: Perfect for those who enjoy snow-covered landscapes and winter sports. Some tracks may be closed due to snow.
Crowds: Least crowded, providing a peaceful and serene environment.
Spring (September to November)
Weather: Mild temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 15°C, with blooming wildflowers.
Activities: Excellent for hiking and wildlife spotting, as animals become more active.
Crowds: Moderate, with increasing numbers as the season progresses.