Fiordland

General Info

Fiordland is a remote and stunningly beautiful region located in the southwestern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. Known for its dramatic fjords, rugged mountains, and pristine wilderness, Fiordland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.

The region is sparsely populated, with the population of Fiordland itself numbering under 4,000 people. The nearest major town is Te Anau, which serves as the gateway to Fiordland National Park and has a population of around 2,000 people. Fiordland offers a variety of natural attractions, including the world-famous Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the Kepler Track.

Top 10 Tourism Activities

1. Take a Scenic Cruise in Milford Sound – Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most iconic natural attractions. Visitors can experience the beauty of the fjord through scenic cruises, where they’ll encounter towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests.

2. Explore Doubtful Sound by Boat – Known for its tranquility, Doubtful Sound offers a more remote experience compared to Milford Sound. Cruises allow visitors to take in its spectacular scenery, including isolated beaches and the surrounding Fiordland mountains.

3. Hike the Kepler Track – The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, providing stunning views of Fiordland’s landscapes. The track takes hikers through beech forests, alpine meadows, and along the shores of Lake Te Anau, making it a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Visit the Fiordland National Park – Fiordland National Park is a vast protected area known for its dramatic fjords, rugged mountains, and dense rainforests. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the park’s pristine landscapes.

5. Take a Scenic Flight Over Fiordland – One of the best ways to appreciate the full grandeur of Fiordland’s fjords and mountains is by taking a scenic flight. From the air, you’ll get unparalleled views of places like Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the surrounding landscapes.

6. Explore the Milford Track – Often considered one of the finest walks in the world, the Milford Track leads hikers through dense rainforest, past majestic waterfalls, and over the stunning Mackinnon Pass. This four-day hike is ideal for those looking to experience Fiordland's natural beauty up close.

7. Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves – A visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves provides an enchanting experience. Guided tours take you through limestone caves filled with thousands of glowworms, creating a magical light show in the darkness.

8. Experience Jet Boating on the Dart River – The Dart River offers an exciting adventure for thrill-seekers. Jet boating through its waters lets you experience the region’s remote wilderness, offering a unique way to take in the stunning scenery.

9. Go Fishing in Fiordland – Fiordland is known for its pristine rivers, lakes, and fjords, which are ideal for fishing. The region offers world-class fishing opportunities, with species like brown trout and rainbow trout found in its lakes and rivers.

10. Visit the Fiordland Cinema – Located in Te Anau, the Fiordland Cinema offers a unique movie experience, showcasing the beauty of the region through films like “Ata Whenua – Shadowland,” which captures the breathtaking scenery of Fiordland’s fjords and wilderness.

Top 10 Natural Attractions

1. Milford Sound – Milford Sound is the most famous of New Zealand's fjords, known for its dramatic landscapes, with towering cliffs and waterfalls that plummet into the fjord below. It’s one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks.

2. Doubtful Sound – Doubtful Sound is another majestic fjord in Fiordland, offering a quieter, more remote experience compared to Milford Sound. Its untouched beauty, with deep waters and steep cliffs, is perfect for nature lovers.

3. Lake Te Anau – Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island and a key feature of Fiordland. The lake offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for boating and fishing.

4. The Kepler Track – The Kepler Track takes hikers through a variety of ecosystems, including beech forests, alpine meadows, and lakeshores, offering stunning views of the region’s natural beauty along the way.

5. The Milford Track – The Milford Track is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, which include lush rainforests, towering mountains, and stunning waterfalls, making it one of the most scenic hikes in the world.

6. Fiordland National Park – Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s largest and most scenic national parks. It is home to many of the country’s famous fjords, mountains, and rainforests, offering an array of outdoor activities and opportunities to explore pristine wilderness.

7. Lake Manapouri – Lake Manapouri is known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic alpine scenery. It is a popular spot for kayaking and boating and provides access to some of Fiordland’s most remote wilderness areas.

8. Homer Tunnel and the Cleddau Valley – The Homer Tunnel, an engineering marvel, cuts through the Southern Alps, connecting the Milford Sound area with Te Anau. The surrounding Cleddau Valley is known for its alpine scenery and waterfalls.

9. The Routeburn Track – The Routeburn Track, which extends into Fiordland National Park, offers hikers an unforgettable journey through valleys, beech forests, and alpine terrain, showcasing the region’s diverse natural beauty.

10. Murchison Mountains – The Murchison Mountains, part of Fiordland National Park, are a remote and rugged range. They are home to the endangered takahe bird and offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring pristine wilderness.

Fiordland is a haven for nature lovers, offering dramatic fjords, dense rainforests, and breathtaking alpine landscapes. With its remote location and spectacular scenery, Fiordland is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience New Zealand’s wild, unspoiled beauty.