Top Things to do in Fiordland National Park
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Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. Fiordland Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 708 reviews
Fiordland Tours Milford Sound small group Coach & Cruise.We maximise your opportunity to capture one of the finest alpine drives in the world in a unique and unhurried way.Our leading small boat operation gives you a chance to see Seals, Dolphins and Penguins with an in depth, fun commentary about the rich history of Fiordland.We do personal pick-ups from your accommodation. Departs Te Anau 8-00am Returns 6pm
4. Southern Discoveries - Go Milford
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 152 reviews
Southern Discoveries very own personal small group tour. Travel in luxury with our local drivers providing fantastic commentary in the heart of Fiordland. Enjoy the comfort of our modern coaches with leather seats, temperature controlled comfort and panoramic views (some coaches have a glass roof for optimal viewing). In Milford Sound you will join our 3 hour Discover More Cruise.
5. 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.
6. Fiordland Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Cruise the fiords of Doubtful Sound aboard the Southern Secret, sightseeing and exploring the history and splendor, pause at features for photographs and to observe marine mammals, cast a line for fishing, check the crayfish traps and savor the spectacular scenery and wildlife. Activities onboard can include fishing, mammal watching and star gazing on clear evenings. Wildlife is often sighted in Doubtful Sound. Space is limited to 5 Private Cabins per departure, book now. Highlights of our Doubtful Sound / Patea Overnight Cruise Personalized Overnight Cruise with a maximum of just 12 guests Wildlife such as dolphins, penguins and seals may be seen Spectacular and untouched scenery 21 hours on Doubtful Sound Kayaking* Fishing* And the opportunity to enjoy the fish you catch Checking and resetting of crayfish traps* Private Double or Twin Cabin with own toilet and shower Meals provided include luncheon, evening meal and breakfast prepared on-board
7. Fiordland Massage Clinic
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
We offer Relaxation / Deep Tissue / Hot Stone / Foot Revival / Couples massage treatments. Our clinic is at Shakespeare House - 10 Dusky Street, Te Anau. Fiordland Massage Clinic is open 6 days a week from 9am - 8pm during the summer months. We are open during winter but on limited hours (please check our website for hours). We have three therapists during summer. All are fully Qualified Massage Therapists and highly professional. We have a beautiful restorative treatment room. We look forward to offering you our services soon.
Reviewed By doolough - Queenstown, New Zealand
Amazing massage, a lovely relaxed atmosphere and very professional. Steff makes sure to check it's the right pressure for you and adjusts if necessary. So easy to book now with online system too. Can't wait for the next one ????
8. Fiordland Escapes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Fiordland Escapes offers the option of two uniquely Fiordland-themed immersive adventure games in which players work together to interpret clues, solve puzzles and find keys and codes to “escape” the game. Games are usually available every two hours between 10am and 6pm but other times can be arranged by appointment.
Reviewed By SouthernTori
Clues not too difficult or too easy, range of different types of problem solving, we were a family group of adults and children (aged 13,9,7,4)and even the 4 year old got to be involved searching for clues.
9. Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,476 reviews
Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves - an underground network of limestone caves lit by hundreds of glowworms. In the darkness they produce a glittering display. Carved out by the force of the river, the underground world is surprisingly beautiful with whirlpools and roaring waterfalls. Begin with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau and then our nature guides will take you in groups through the caves and then in a small boat into the grotto. Departs Te Anau.
Reviewed By 554michaelr554 - Umina Beach, Australia
I know there are many sites around the world you can see glowworms but this tour is so different. Harry (Potter) our guide was full of very interesting information on all things glowworm and also provided a lot of information on the formation of the underground caves,. After a short walk through the cave we reached an underground jetty where we stepped into a small dinghy and in complete darkness Harry used a wall mounted chain to pull us along a section filled with glowworms. What an absolutely marvellous experience. Once back at the kiosk we were given a short slideshow lecture on the life and times of the glowworm, overall a fantastic experience. I should add that the boat ride to the glowworms was also interesting with informative information on Lake Te Anau as well as a slight detour along the way to highlight some of the more picturesque aspects of Lake Te Anau
10. Fiordland Vintage Machinery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
