Top Things to do in Fiordland National Park
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Top 10 Hiking Trails 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. 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.
3. Lake Marian Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By StephenSue - Canberra, Australia
Having come straight from the Key Summit Walk, we didn't have the fitness or time for another long trek, and just did the short 20 minute hike to the falls. This is one of the best returns you'll get for a hike - there's heaps of parking, toilets, a great swing bridge entry across a spectacular river, a short mostly flat walk alongside the river and through some nice forest, and then a boardwalk hanging out over the falls. You could just about push a pram here if needed, but this short, easy walk also makes it very popular with tour groups, so be prepared to share the path. A nice short walk to finish off a long day, or for those who want a bit of a walk and some views without the effort on the way to, or from, MIlford Sound.
4. Luxmore Hut Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By nzp0ppy - Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand
We took the kepler water taxi to Brod bay and then did a day walk up to Luxmore Hut and Mt Luxmore and back down. Its a pleasure to walk. the gradiant is great for walking. stunning beech forest, fern gullies, limestone bluffs, then above the bushline stunning views of lake and mountains. Luxmore hut is very comfortable with great views
5. Gertrude Saddle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By KazSydAustralia - Sydney, Australia
This is no ordinary NZ tramp. Tough because it does not have a normal track. Mostly rocks, streams, snow and everything in between. Best not to take young children because of the terrain. Just make sure you are fit and properly equipped. Good boots, nordic walking sticks, snacks, water bottle etc. Extraordinarily beautiful views along the way and right at the top, provided the weather is good on the day. So please check forecast before starting. So good luck.
6. Mirror Lakes Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Crispforest - Hobart, Australia
A short walk in the Fiordland with Lake Matheson vibes, Gondwanan plants and lots of birds. The perfect stop to stretch your legs between Te Anau and Milford Sound!
7. Kepler Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 502 reviews
Reviewed By k-fairbrother-nz - Upper Hutt, New Zealand
A multi day walk not for the faint-hearted or unfit but in saying this i managed to complete this walk after having broken my ankle a few months prior and then needing surgery and a moon boot which was removed 4 weeks before the trip. I was way out of shape and found this much harder for not having had enough time to build my fitness back up. Absolutely loved it though and would do it all again with the same barriers which is mostly down to my own stubborness and determination. Would definitely prefer to be fitter though! Kea on the top of Luxmore, South Island Robins and Whio along the Iris Burn section, well equipped huts and knowledgeable rangers, stunning scenery including mountain peaks, clear rivers, diverse bush/forest, amazing views, beautiful lake. All in all this was an incredible tramp and highly recommended.
8. Dusky Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By connollyrj20 - Melbourne, Australia
I would recommend this walk to anyone who enjoys a pure wilderness experience and is prepared to put in the 'leg-work' to get there. Due to the sheer isolation of the track, with no road access at any point, I strongly advise the carrying of a personal locator beacon on this walk. A high level of fitness is required and huts are provided at intervals of about ten kilometres. Progress is slow for most of the track due to the steep terrain and uneven track. Be prepared for constantly wet feet, wet weather and sandflies in abundance. All river crossings are via 'three wire bridges' which can be quite daunting! The Dusky Track was formerly one of New Zealand's Great Walks; now it is not included, probably because of the greater difficulty that this track entails.
9. The Chasm Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 619 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By ksufan88 - Wichita, United States
This is a very easy loop walk (slightly uphill for the first half) from the parking area that affords excellent views of a dramatic waterfall with several interesting rock formations. One of my wife’s personal favorites was the holes that have been created in the rocks by pebbles. There are ferns and other plants to observe along the walk. Total time to walk round trip is 20-30 minutes.
10. Lake Gunn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Arriving at the Cascade Creek car park (toilet here) we started the 30 minute loop track to Lake Gunn. Some of the Southern Beech trees in this forest are at least 600 - 700 years old and are amazing. The walk to the lake was easy and we were joined by a couple of cheeky NZ Robins. Well worth the stop to see these giant trees.
