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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.

Routeburn Track - Fiordland National Park, Photo: Stewart Nimmo

 

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 

 

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.

 

Useful Fiordland National Park Resources

 

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.

 

BEST Things to Do in Fiordland National Park

Listing view

Doubtful Sound Day Cruise

Doubtful Sound Day Cruise deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park

Doubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforests & 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.

Day Cruise Highlights

A day excursion into this pristine fiord begins with a cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri to West Arm. You will then board a ....
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Doubtful Sound ex Queenstown

 

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....
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Doubtful Sounds Overnight Cruise

 

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 ....
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Milford Day Tour ex Queenstown

 

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 ....
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Milford Day Tour ex Te Anau

 

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....
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Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise

 

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....
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Milford Sound Cruise from Te Anau

Milford Sound Cruise from Te Anau Get up close & personal with Milford Sound on our leisurely Nature Cruise

Milford Sound Cruise from Te Anau: As you cruise the length of the fiord, learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Our Nature Cruises have a flexible, extended itinerary which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take in the highlights. Our experienced skippers will tailor the cruise route on the day depending on the weather and wildlife sightings to ensure you get to see the best that Milf....
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Milford Sound National Park Tour

[wonderplugin_gallery id="170"] Milford Sound National Park Tour (with Flight): Take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound and Mount Aspiring National Park. You’ll experience the world-famous fiord – rich in dense rainforest, glacier-carved valleys, and beautiful waterfalls. Departing from Queenstown by seat in coach, 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.  
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Milford Sound Plane Tour: Fly, Cruise & Helicopter

  Milford Sound Plane Tour: Milford Sound, often described as the eighth wonder of the world, is located in the Fiordland National Park on the west coast of the South Island.

Milford Sound Helicopter Tour

Milford Sound by Helicopter Helicopter flights into Milford Sound operate from The Helicopter Line's Queenstown base, located at the Queenstown Airport, just 6km from downtown Queenstown.

Milford Sound Plane Tour

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