Top Things to do in Fiordland National Park
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The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Fiordland National Park, South Island
Hailed by Rudyard Kipling as "the eighth wonder of the world," the breathtaking Milford Sound is the star of glacier-carved Fiordland National Park, providing an emerald-green and waterfall-rich backdrop for hiking, biking and kayaking. Frequent downpours only enhance this South Island beauty, sending numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. Passionate nature lovers book in advance to hike the 33-mile Milford Track, a legendary route through alpine passes and temperate rainforest.
Restaurants in Fiordland National Park
1. Milford Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 361 reviews
Great Walks season is October - April. Outside this period facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazards to consider. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By EmmaMSmithDerby - Auckland, New Zealand
Completing the Milford really is a magical experience, you can definitely see why it is consistently voted one of the best Walks in the world. First things first, actually getting there takes quite a lot of planning and coordinating; booking your nights in the DoC (Department of Conservation) cabins is first and foremost as the track only allows 40 (non guided) walkers per day and camping in tents is not permitted on the track. I flew down the Queenstown then bused to Te Anau with Traknet, before transferring the next day to DoC transport (bus and ferry) to get to the starting point - Glade Wharf (where due to excessive rain the wharf was under water!) Day 1: this is a great introduction to the track, nice and flat and only around 5km, passing the guided walkers lodge you come up to a nice long swing bridge for some epic pictures. It’s actually nice that first night to have some time to settle into the huts and meet the other 40 people who you’ll see along your journey. Approaching Clinton hut on that first day is like entering a fairy wonderland, with everything covered in bright green moss, making it feel quite magical. I also took advantage of the resident Ranger, who conducted a late afternoon nature walk (highly recommended), takes around an hour but is only about 400m of walking. She talked us through the local plants and birds as well as showing us the best place to spy some Glowworms after dark (well worth staying up to see). With our bellies full (there are gas’s burners provided), it was off to bed (with obligatory earplugs and eye mask) to prepare for a full days walking the next day. Day 2: wow what a day, I was incredibly lucky with the weather, hot and sunny. The day takes you through some outstanding landscape, stunning valleys and alpine vistas. Make sure you take the slight excursion to the Wetlands Track (only around 10-15 minutes) which takes you out into the marshland for some great views. More swing bridges, woodland tracks and river climbs greet you throughout the day as you make your way to Mintaro Hut. Despite a pretty full on day of walking it’s great to relax down by the river (taking a dip if you dare!). I also got to the hut nice and early and with the weather due to close in the next day the DoC Ranger advised us to head up into Mackinnon Pass that afternoon to capture the views, and despite the 2.5hr round trip it was so worth it. Incredible views across both sides of the valley, even saw a small avalanche. I was able to spend some time appreciating the vista (hugely different to the experience the following day). Day 3: well the ranger was right about the weather closing in. They had advised us the night before that we had to be out of the hut by 07:00 latest to ensure we could get over the pass safely, I left at 05:45 and it’s a good job that I did, as the weather was appalling. Having a good quality rain jacket and ample pack protection (dry bags/ rain cover) was essential. Getting up onto the pass was okay despite the rain, but getting to the shelter on top of the pass was a challenge - Howling wind (+130kph), snow and hail. Make sure you stop at the Mackinnon shelter to warm up, put on some extra layers and rest your legs. If the weather is nice though, take advantage of the loo with a view! Getting over and down the other side of pass is particularly tricky in bad weather, there is little shelter from the wind and it’s a very steep decent, a lot of strain on the knees, with much of the track ankle deep in water. The challenge of a day like that definitely gives you a feeling of enormous satisfaction, as you navigate more swing bridges and rivers which come up over your knees. I was incredibly grateful when I spied the sign for Dumpling hut. If it’s been a wet day (barely in mind wet weather is far more common in Fiordland than dry), get into dry clothes as quickly as possible, get the fire lit and have some warm food/drink. Beware of the cheeky Kea’s and Weka if you dare to leave anything outside of the huts, they have become masters of backpack entry, food thefts and boot insole removal. Day 4: A lot easier conditions, warm and sunny with the track gently undulating through more stunning native kiwi forest, a lot of puddles and more wet feet as we navigated through the remnants of the previous days bad weather towards out finish line of Sandfly point. With the final mile marker (the track is measured in miles) calling out the last 400m you soon realise this is completely untrue, with it actually being about a mile to the end. And when you make it to Sandfly point it certainly lives up to its name, I have never seen so many of the nibbling little buggers! The final boat ride taking you into the Sound itself truly sums up this great walk, a marvellous end to a marvellous walk. Top Tips: Don’t forget to collect your DoC tickets from the Te Anau office before you head onto the track. Buy one of the yellow pack liners (these can be purchased at the DoC office), a good bit of extra dry protection. Take lots of layers as we experienced vast changes in weather conditions Don’t forget your ear plugs Take a good supply of insect repellent (ideally specifically for sandflies) and antihistamines if you are allergic Tap into the excellent knowledge of the DoC rangers Stop regularly, breathe and enjoy
2. Trips & Tramps
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 860 reviews
Operating from Lake Te Anau, Trips & Tramps offers small group Milford Sound cruise and walking tours, guided day hikes on the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Great Walks plus track transport. Our guides are friendly and down-to-earth, you'll love their fascinating commentary and entertaining kiwi stories.
3. Hollyford Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By lachie_n_load
Stepping into the dramatic Hollyford Valley is like entering a world that’s remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. Geologically spectacular and ever changing, the sheer diversity of vegetation and wildlife in this one valley is truly unparalleled and makes for an utterly amazing guided walk. So many stunning photo opportunities, and some interesting historical characters bring the settlement stories of the area to life. ????% would walk 40km in the rain again for this amazing experience.
4. Westray Adventures - Horse Treks & Quad Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
A great trip just 5 minutes from Te Anau. Experience 360 degree views of New Zealand's spectacular Fiordland landscape from Horse back or Quad Bike. Beautiful horses or Honda ATVs are available for all levels of rider experience and your guide is a wealth of information on the local area.
5. Fly Fiordland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Scenic flight tour of Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound with informative commentary and friendly pilot/guides.
6. Wings & Water
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 117 reviews
Wings & Water, Te Anau offers picturesque scenic flights through the rugged and beautiful Fiordland National Park. Our seaplane services Milford Sound, as well as providing stunning flights into Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and within the local Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri area.
7. VIP Milford Sound Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
VIP Milford is the ultimate way to visit Milford Sound. Sit back and relax in our luxury coach while your local driver takes you to explore the beautiful sights. You will get a buffet lunch and Scenic boat cruise included in this amazing day out.
8. Cruise Te Anau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 88 reviews
DISCOVERY CRUISE Join Peter (your local born & breed skipper) on 'Cruise Te Anau' for a personalized boutique 3 hour 'Discovery Cruise' to the scenic South Fiord of Lake Te Anau, including a relaxing bush/nature walk to discover the Hidden Lakes. Cruise Te Anau have been operating personalized boutique cruises on beautiful Lake Te Anau, (New Zealand's 2nd largest lake) for over 15 years. With a maximum of 12 people per trip you are assured of the untouched tranquility of the beautiful South Fiord of Lake Te Anau. Cruises Depart Daily at 1pm (also 5pm during summer months) - Bookings essential - you can book through our website.
9. Fiordland Helicopters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
"The Ata Whenua Helicopter Experience"...Join us on a spectacular scenic flight into the heart of the Fiordland National Park. Fly over breathtaking scenery as you learn about Fiordland's rich history and culture. Land amongst the dramatic landscapes that earn Fiordland its reputation as one of the last great places on earth. We will show you the most spectacular areas of Fiordland. We give you more freedom on flight paths and landing locations and can tailor any flight to your own requirements. Ask us about our exclusive fishing, hunting, diving, kayaking, cruising and tramping packages to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and/or Dusky Sound. All flights include wilderness landings AND complimentary admission per person to our award winning film of Fiordland "Ata Whenua - Shadowland"
10. Wild Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 167 reviews
Life is an adventure so grab it by the wheels. Wild Rides Fiordland is an adventure based company. We offer bicycle and electric bicycle rentals and tours to explore our world renowned scenic bike trails. Explore the Wilderness with Wild Rides. Bike rental, shuttles, bike tours, Bookings and information centre at Wild Rides HQ
