Immerse yourself in the spectacular New Zealand environment and experience Fiordland on the water, on land and in the air.

This World Heritage Area on the edge of the great southern ocean is a natural sanctuary for fascinating wildlife.
Fiordland
Wildlife cruise, Fiordland

By Chris Sisarich

This World Heritage Area on the edge of the great southern ocean is a natural sanctuary for fascinating wildlife.

Fiordland from the water

The pristine beauty of Fiordland can be seen close up from the water.

  • Cruise around Milford, Doubtful, Dusky or Breaksea sounds. The pristine forest, sheer rock walls and tumbling waterfalls are a breathtaking sight. Local inhabitants include New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins.
  • Cruises range from half a day to several nights. Some companies also offer fishing and diving experiences or ecology-based tours.
  • Sea kayaking is an active way to explore Fiordland in a small, personalised group. Several specialist companies offer a range of trips - from overnighters to six-day adventures.
  • You can also cruise or sail the clear, glacial waters of Lake Te Anau, the South Island's biggest lake. Lake Manapouri, smaller but just as pristine, is also nearby. 
  • Take a 2 1/2 hour guided trip to the caves and glow-worm grotto on the edge of Lake Te Anau. These caves are geologically active - quite unique in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • For a faster thrill, try jet boating on the upper Waiau River. This same river featured in The Lord of the Rings trilogy as the River Anduin. 
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    The Kepler Track takes you through mountains, native forest, waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys.
    Fiordland
    Kepler Track, Fiordland

    By Destination Fiordland

    The Kepler Track takes you through mountains, native forest, waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys.

    The 'Walking Capital of the World'

    Three of New Zealand's nine Great Walks are located in Fiordland. Walk for a day, or do the full track and stay in hikers' huts along the way.

    • The Milford Track is New Zealand's most famous walk. It has been thrilling travelers for more than 100 years.
    • The Kepler Track takes you through mountains, native forest, waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys.
    • The Routeburn Track is one of the shorter Great Walks. It links Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland National Park, showing off mountain peaks and jewel-like lakes along the way. 
    • The Hump Ridge Track is a 3 day loop track along the coast and through native forest. Though less well-known, it is just as stunning as the Great Walks.
    • Whichever walk you choose, take along an experienced guide to explain the unique flora and fauna and techniques for surviving in the bush.
    • If you're not one for walking, try a quad bike adventure through the back blocks of Fiordland; it's fun for all ages.
    Take a spectacular scenic flight over Fiordland National Park - either fixed wing, floatplane or helicopter.
    Fiordland
    Helicopter sightseeing, Fiordland

    By Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters

    Take a spectacular scenic flight over Fiordland National Park - either fixed wing, floatplane or helicopter.

    A bird's eye view of Fiordland

    Some of the sights of Fiordland are best appreciated from the air.

    • Take a spectacular scenic flight over Fiordland National Park - either fixed wing, floatplane or helicopter.
    • View crystal clear lakes, glacier carved fiords and endless snow clad mountains.
    • Land in Milford Sound for a cruise of the fiord.
    • If a scenic flight is out of your budget, you can enjoy aerial views of the region from your armchair; watch 'Fiordland on Film - Ata Whenua' at the Fiordland Cinema.
    Under the fiords, deep-water species roam dive able depths.
    Fiordland
    Milford Sound underwater, Fiordland

    By Destination Fiordland

    Under the fiords, deep-water species roam dive able depths.

    Underneath the fiords

    A phenomenon called 'deep water emergence' creates an environment similar to the deep ocean only a few metres beneath the water surface of the fiords. 

    • Guided diving tours take you to black coral and other Fiordland submarine mysteries.
    • The Milford Discovery Centre underwater observatory enables non-diving visitors to view the unique marine environment.
    A range of experienced operators offer guided freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing.
    Fiordland
    Fishing, Fiordland

    By Destination Fiordland

    A range of experienced operators offer guided freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing.

    The fish are always biting

    Fiordland's fishing is almost as spectacular as its scenery.

    • A range of experienced operators offer guided freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing.
    • Licenses are required and are readily available at a number of outlets in Te Anau and Manapouri.
    • Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri are open for fishing all year round. The rivers are generally open for the summer months. 
    • Look for wild brown and rainbow trout.

    Where to next?

    Horse riding in Glenorchy

    Queenstown

    Lake Wānaka township

    Wānaka

    Waipapa Point, The Catlins

    Southland

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