Fiordland - South Island, New Zealand

On the southwest coast of the South Island, Fiordland is a breathtaking and remote landscape carved by Ice Age glaciers.

No region in New Zealand matches its scenic splendour; waterfalls that tumble hundreds of metres into 14 massive fiords, ancient rainforests that cling to the mountains, shimmering lakes and granite peaks that look the same today as they did a thousand years ago.

Almost all of Fiordland falls within the boundaries of Fiordland National Park - New Zealand's largest, which boasts two of New Zealand's deepest lakes, its highest rainfall and some of the world's rarest birds. This place is such a treasure that United Nations have deemed it a World Heritage Area.

Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Te Anau are the main ports of call for visitors. New Zealand's most famous walk, The Milford Track (also known as the "finest walk in the world") resides here but there are others - the Hollyford Track, the Kelper Track and the Dusty Track should not be overlooked.

Fiordland is known for its wildlife, especially its marine mammals and native birds, including the Fiordland Crested Penguin.

From the lakeside townships of Te Anau and Manapouri, you can plan your experience in Fiordland in the way that best suits your travelling style. Adventurers can embark on kayaking tours of the lakes and fiords; hikers have access to the walking tracks; scenery lovers can catch a scenic flight or enjoy lake and fiord cruises; divers can discover rare black coral growing just beneath the water's surface.

Te Anau

Te Anau is Fordland's commercial centre and is the gateway for visitors exploring Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is perched on the edge of Lake Te Anau which is the largest of the southern glacial lakes, covering an area of 344 square kilometres.

Te Anau - More Information

Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, dense bush and waterfalls. It is the deepest (420 metres) and second longest (40 kilometres) of the South Island's fiords. It is a powerful place - serene, mysterious and untouched by the modern world.

Doubtful Sound - More Information

Milford Sound

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the Ice Ages. At its deepest point, it plunges to a depth of 265 metres.

Milford Sound - More Information

Manapouri

Situated at the edge of Fiordland National Park, the lakeside town of Manapouri is a jumping off point for cruises into Doubtful Sound and is mainly a base for cruises and exhibitions.

Manapouri - More Information

Fiordland Transportation

The best way to see and appreciate the true immensity and beauty of Fiordland is by walking the many tracks, kayaking or taking a boat trip. There are also many tour buses that can take you to scenic spots.

Most people arrive in Fiordland from Queenstown, Invercargill or Dunedin by road, either driving, hitch hiking or taking one of the shuttle bus services. Or you can fly into Milford on Milford Air from Queenstown.

Fiordland Accommodation

Fiordland Activities