Fiordland

Fiordland is a place everybody who visits New Zealand must see. Words or photos cannot justify the beauty that is Fiordland.

Milford routeburn track guided walking trips.

Te Anau is located close to the main famous southern walking tracks. These great tracks offer something that is not found in any other areas of the world. Remember to bring your coat as Fiordland has the highest amount of rainfall of anywhere in New Zealand

The road to Milford is known as one of the world's finest alpine drives. From Te Anau the road winds down the Eglington and Hollyford valleys, then through the Homer Tunnel to be met by Mitre Peak rising from the glassy still waters of the most accessible glacier cut fiord, the Milford Sound.

Drive from Queenstown to Te Anau

Sur la route entre Te Anau et Milford Sound

Fiordland is one of the very few places in the world where black and red corals live in depths of less than 20 metres. These and a multitude of other marine animals can be seen in the clear waters of the fiord. Milford Sound has an underwater observatory with viewing facility to enable visitors to experience life below the surface. Boat trips on the Sound are a way to experience the fantastic views of the scenery. Dolphins alongside your boat are often seen on the cruises, and seals relaxing on the rocks are a common sight.

The Milford Track allows you to view and tour towering snow capped peaks, tussock clad alpine plateaus, rain forests, waterfalls and the natural beauty of Fiordland. All tracks are accessible by the independent walker and many tracks offer the option of fully guided tours including the Milford, Hollyford, Routeburn and Greenstone. The Kepler Track is a circular track starting and finishing at Te Anau.

Choose from scenic flights, launch cruises, sea kayaking, diving, caving, nature walks, hiking, cycling, horse trekking, golf, fishing, hunting.

For a real New Zealand nature experience the Fiordland region will give you everything.

Fiordland Map

Fiordland’s climate:

Average summer temperature; 21c
Warmest months; December to March
Average winter temperature; 9c
Average Hours of sunshine per year; 1800hrs
Average annual rainfall; 6500mm

Popular Fiordland activities

Swimming with dolphins
Walking the Milford Track (must be booked well in advance), Kepler, Hollyford Valley or Routeburn Track)
Taking a scenic flight
Kayak Doubtful sound

Key Features Magnificent Milford Sound Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ Milford Sound is always spectacular. Feel the mist of the waterfalls, look for seals on the rocks and marvel at the steep sides of the fiord. The deepest fiord At 421 metres, Doubtful Sound is the deepest of New Zealand’s fiords. It’s a haven for nature, with resident bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins. Kayak tours and eco-cruises reveal the mysteries of the fiord. Wonderful walks Three of New Zealand’s ‘great walks’ are found in Fiordland – the Routeburn, Milford and Kepler tracks. For those with less time, a range of short walks lets you dip into the wilderness for a few hours. Key Tips Scheduled daily coach services link Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill to Te Anau township. Air Fiordland and Wings & Water Te Anau operate scenic flights and charter services from Te Anau airport. The extreme geography of the region means that weather can be unpredictable. When travelling, be prepared for sudden changes. The Homer Tunnel is a highlight of the road to Milford Sound. It was carved from solid rock in the 1850s.

FIORDLAND   Population: 3,200 Area: 12,000km2