Welcome to Fiordland National Park

Discover Fiordland National Park: A Journey through New Zealand’s Untamed Wilderness

Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand's most dramatic and stunning regions, offers visitors an awe-inspiring landscape of towering peaks, deep dark fiords, and emerald rainforests.

Nestled in the southwestern corner of New Zealand's South Island, this vast wilderness sprawls over 12,000 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in New Zealand, and part of the Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Whether you're an adventurer seeking thrilling outdoor activities or a nature lover looking to soak in this sublime landscape, Fiordland is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences.

This article explores the park's most notable sounds, Milford and Doubtful, delves into the rich history of the park, and highlights the charming service towns of Te Anau and Queenstown.

Enjoy.

Majestic Milford Sound

Milford Sound is the crown jewel of Fiordland National Park. This world-renowned fiord is a natural wonder where dramatic cliffs rise vertically from the ink-dark waters, and cascading waterfalls tumble down in splendid displays of nature’s power. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the "eighth wonder of the world," Milford Sound captivates every traveler with its mysterious beauty and serene ambiance.

Activities in Milford Sound

Scenic Cruises: Perhaps the most popular way to experience Milford Sound is by cruising its waters. Various operators offer daily cruises that take you right up to the base of thundering waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen Falls, providing the chance to observe seals lounging on rocky outcrops and, occasionally, pods of dolphins frolicking alongside. To fully immerse yourself in the wonder of Milford Sound, an overnight cruise on the beautiful Milford Mariner is an experience not to be missed. Cruise on Milford Sound, enjoy a hearty evening meal, then fall asleep in your private cabin. Heaven.

Kayaking Adventures: For those who wish to explore the fiord at their own pace, guided kayaking expeditions offer a more intimate encounter with the natural world. Paddling silently through the fiord allows for close-up views of its wildlife and a deeper connection with this remote wilderness.

Scenic Flights: experience Milford Sound from the air. You can choose from a range of scenic flights by helicopter and fixed wing aircraft. These flights are weather dependant but offer a once in a lifetime experience.

Hiking: The Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, a 53.5-kilometer track leading adventurers through lush rainforest, alongside roaring rivers, and across high mountain passes. The full trek takes approximately four days, but the stunning scenery makes every step worthwhile. You can see a few of the more popular organised tours below:

Getting to Milford Sound

While its remote location adds to its allure, getting to Milford Sound requires a bit of planning. The most common starting point is the town of Te Anau, located about 118 kilometers away. From Te Anau, visitors can drive along the scenic Milford Road—a journey that can take around two hours under normal conditions but might be longer if you choose to stop for photos and short walks along the way. This is, without doubt, one of the most spectacular drives on the planet. The area around the Homer Tunnel and into the Cleddau Valley is like a scene out of a Jurassic Park movie, with sheer cliffs that disappear into the clouds. And when it rains, dozens of waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres down the mountains. 

For those coming from further afield, driving from Queenstown to Te Anau can take around two hours, followed by the drive to Milford Sound. So in total, it can take up to four and a half hours to drive each way from Queenstown to Milford Sound. That makes for a huge day, on unfamiliar roads.

A much better option is a guided bus tour from Queenstown. These offer a stress-free option, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and expert local commentary, without the worry of driving.

The serenity of doubtful sound

Less visited but equally beautiful, Doubtful Sound is a truer wilderness experience, where tranquility and solitude reign. Patea, the traditional Maori name for Doubtful Sound, translates to "place of silence," and visitors are often left in awe by its size and remoteness.

Activities in Doubtful Sound

Wilderness Cruises: Embark on a day-long adventure deep into Doubtful Sound, where you'll discover hidden inlets and dramatic landscapes that change with the shifting light. These cruises are perfect for those who appreciate the majesty of untouched nature.

Overnight Cruising: For a more immersive experience, some operators offer overnight cruises that include deep-water kayaking and the rare chance to see the fiord in the quiet solitude of dawn and dusk.

Wildlife Watching: Doubtful Sound is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, home to a wide range of animals including bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and even the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Observing these creatures in their natural habitat is a thrill not to be missed.

Scenic Flights: see Doubtful Sound from the air. There's a range of scenic flights by helicopter and fixed wing aircraft that offer a once in a lifetime experience. Please be aware that these flights are weather dependant. 

 Getting to Doubtful Sound

Accessing Doubtful Sound is a unique adventure in itself. The journey begins at the village of Manapouri, with a boat trip across Lake Manapouri. This is followed by a drive over Wilmot Pass, New Zealand's most expensive road due to its remote location and challenging construction conditions. The reward at the end of this journey is the magnificent Doubtful Sound, a truly World Heritage wilderness.

Starting points for visiting Doubtful Sound are usually Te Anau or Queenstown. A round trip from Te Anau involves both a boat and bus segment, making the travel part of the day's adventure.

The History of Fiordland National Park

Fiordland's history is intertwined with Maori legend and European exploration. Long before the area was a national park, it was a place of importance to the Maori people, who hunted and gathered resources here. The fiords were integrated into their spiritual landscapes and oral traditions, explaining the origin of their rugged terrain through mythology.

The first European reputedly to visit Fiordland was Captain Cook in the 18th century, although he did not enter the fiords. Later, explorers and sealers ventured into the Sounds, discovering the abundance of seals, which were hunted for their pelts.

Fiordland became a national park in 1952, and its preservation became a priority as the unique ecosystems and spectacular landscapes attracted increasing numbers of visitors. Now part of the Te Wahipounamu–South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, Fiordland stands as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of nature.

The Service Towns: Te Anau and Queenstown

Two towns serve as gateways to the wonders of Fiordland: Te Anau and Queenstown.

Te Anau

Te Anau is the closest town to Fiordland's major attractions and is known as the “Gateway to Fiordland.” Situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, this charming town offers a more relaxed atmosphere and immediate access to Fiordland's wilderness.

Visitors can explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, marvel at the dazzling display of bioluminescent insects, or enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake. Te Anau has a good range of accommodation ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury lodges, and its variety of restaurants and cafes ensure a pleasant stay.

Queenstown

Queenstown, often referred to as the "Adventure Capital of the World," offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of exhilarating activities to fill your itinerary. Known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning lake and mountain vistas, and plethora of outdoor pursuits, Queenstown is a destination in its own right.

From bungy jumping and jet boating to hiking and wine tasting, Queenstown provides an endless array of activities. While further away from Fiordland than Te Anau, it serves as a convenient base for those seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and proximity to the park's attractions. Need more information about Queenstown? Just explore the links in the Nav Menu on this page.

Come and see what everyone is talking about

Fiordland National Park is a place where nature's grandeur inspires and rejuvenates. Its fiords, shaped over centuries by glaciers, are timeless marvels waiting to be discovered. Whether you choose to cruise, hike, kayak, or simply savor the serene vistas, Fiordland invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey.

Beyond Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the entire region offers endless opportunities for exploration. From the tranquil beauty of Lake Te Anau to the buzzing energy of Queenstown, the surrounding service towns enhance the Fiordland experience, catering to a wide range of preferences and interests.

DOC Visitor Centre

If you are heading to Te Anau, the Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centre, located on Lakefront Drive at Te Anau, has loads of great information about the park.