Australia & New Zealand Holidays is a subsidiary of the Travelcation Group
Fiordland National Park, located on New Zealand’s South Island, is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, offering some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Covering over 12,000 square kilometers, it is the largest national park in New Zealand and part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area. Known for its majestic fjords, ancient rainforests, towering mountains, and pristine lakes, Fiordland is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
The park’s most famous attractions include Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, two breathtaking fjords that attract visitors from around the globe. Milford Sound, often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world,” is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the towering Mitre Peak. Boat cruises through the sound allow visitors to experience the grandeur of this natural wonder up close, with opportunities to spot bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins. Doubtful Sound, on the other hand, offers a more remote and tranquil experience, with its expansive waterways and mist-shrouded peaks providing a sense of serene isolation.
Beyond the fjords, Fiordland National Park is home to a network of stunning hiking trails, including some of New Zealand’s Great Walks like the Milford Track, Kepler Track, and Routeburn Track. These trails offer access to some of the park’s most beautiful landscapes, from alpine meadows and crystal-clear rivers to dense beech forests and panoramic mountain vistas. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day trek or a shorter day hike, Fiordland’s trails provide a chance to immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness.
The park is also characterized by its untamed rivers and mirror-like lakes, such as Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri. These lakes serve as gateways to the fjords and provide a peaceful setting for kayaking, fishing, and scenic cruises. Lake Manapouri is particularly known for its role in the journey to Doubtful Sound, with boat rides across the lake offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains before continuing on to the fjord.
Fiordland National Park’s wild beauty, combined with its array of outdoor activities and natural attractions, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience New Zealand’s most iconic and untouched landscapes.
Speak to our Travel Experts now to find the perfect resort, travel dates, and room options within your budget.
Submit your request for a bespoke itinerary, crafted just for you.
Book now for a quick, simple, and easy-to-use booking experience with great rates and instant confirmation.
Email our friendly travel experts today.
Fiordland National Park is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique perspective of its stunning landscapes. The best time to visit depends on your preference for weather and the type of activities you wish to enjoy.
The summer months (December to February) are the warmest time to visit Fiordland, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Summer is the ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and scenic cruises, as the longer daylight hours allow you to make the most of your time in the park. The weather is generally mild, but the region’s reputation for sudden rainfall means it’s important to come prepared. Summer is also the peak season for tourism, so expect more visitors at popular spots like Milford Sound and the Milford Track.
Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are excellent times to visit for those seeking cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. During these shoulder seasons, temperatures range between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F), providing comfortable conditions for exploring the park’s trails and enjoying the changing scenery. Autumn brings vibrant foliage to the forests, while spring sees the park’s wildflowers in bloom, adding splashes of color to the landscape.
Winter (June to August) is a magical time in Fiordland National Park, with snow-capped peaks and misty fjords creating a striking, moody atmosphere. Temperatures during winter can range from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F), and while some hiking trails may be snow-covered or difficult to access, the quieter season offers a peaceful experience for those looking to escape the crowds. Winter is also a fantastic time to enjoy scenic flights, as the snow-covered mountains add a new dimension to the already stunning vistas.
Explore Milford Sound
Milford Sound is the crown jewel of Fiordland National Park and a must-see for any visitor. Known for its dramatic cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and the iconic Mitre Peak, Milford Sound is best experienced on a scenic cruise. These cruises allow you to get up close to the towering rock walls and waterfalls that plunge directly into the fjord. For a more immersive experience, consider joining a kayaking tour, which offers a unique perspective of the sound’s serene waters. Even the journey to Milford Sound along the Milford Road is an adventure in itself, with stunning viewpoints like the Mirror Lakes and the Chasm along the way.
Discover Doubtful Sound
For those seeking a more remote and tranquil experience, Doubtful Sound is an excellent alternative to Milford Sound. Known as the “Sound of Silence,” Doubtful Sound is larger and less accessible, making it a perfect choice for those looking to escape the crowds. Access to Doubtful Sound requires a boat trip across Lake Manapouri and a scenic drive over Wilmot Pass, adding to the sense of adventure. Once there, visitors can enjoy guided cruises or kayaking trips through the calm waters, surrounded by lush rainforest and dramatic cliffs. Doubtful Sound is also a great place for wildlife spotting, with opportunities to see dolphins, seals, and penguins in their natural habitat.
Hike the Milford Track
The Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and is often considered one of the finest hikes in the world. This 53.5-kilometer (33-mile) trek takes hikers through some of Fiordland’s most breathtaking landscapes, including beech forests, alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls. The track begins at Glade Wharf on Lake Te Anau and ends at Sandfly Point in Milford Sound, offering hikers a chance to experience the full beauty of Fiordland on foot. Highlights of the Milford Track include crossing Mackinnon Pass, with its panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, and visiting Sutherland Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in New Zealand. The trek is typically completed over four days, with spaces limited during the summer season, so booking in advance is essential.
Take a Scenic Flight Over Fiordland
A scenic flight is one of the best ways to appreciate the scale and majesty of Fiordland National Park. From the air, you can see the vast network of fjords, rivers, and mountains that make up this stunning landscape. Scenic flights depart from Queenstown, Te Anau, and even Milford Sound, offering aerial views of iconic locations like Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps. Many flights also include the option to land in remote areas, providing a unique opportunity to explore otherwise inaccessible parts of the park. A scenic flight is perfect for photographers or anyone looking to gain a deeper appreciation of Fiordland’s rugged beauty.
Visit Lake Manapouri and Lake Te Anau
Lake Manapouri and Lake Te Anau are two of Fiordland’s most beautiful lakes and serve as gateways to the region’s wilderness. Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island, is the starting point for several of Fiordland’s Great Walks, including the Kepler Track and the Milford Track. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a popular attraction here, offering a chance to see thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate the underground caverns.
Lake Manapouri, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop, is the departure point for trips to Doubtful Sound. The lake itself is a great spot for boating, fishing, and kayaking, with plenty of secluded beaches and coves to explore. The tranquil atmosphere of these lakes makes them ideal for those looking to enjoy Fiordland’s natural beauty at a more relaxed pace.
What we love most about Fiordland National Park is its untamed wilderness and the feeling of stepping into a world that has remained unchanged for millennia. The park’s raw natural beauty is on display at every turn, from the towering cliffs of Milford Sound to the tranquil waters of Lake Manapouri. This is a place where nature takes center stage, offering endless opportunities to explore, discover, and connect with the rugged landscape.
One of the standout features of Fiordland is its fjords, which are among the most spectacular in the world. We love the sense of awe that comes with cruising through Milford Sound, surrounded by sheer rock walls, cascading waterfalls, and the iconic Mitre Peak rising sharply from the water. The secluded beauty of Doubtful Sound is equally captivating, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience of the fjord’s vastness and natural serenity.
Another aspect we love about Fiordland is its hiking opportunities. The park’s Great Walks, such as the Milford Track, Kepler Track, and Routeburn Track, provide access to some of the most breathtaking scenery in New Zealand. We love how each trail offers a unique journey through alpine meadows, dense forests, and panoramic ridges, allowing hikers to experience the park’s diverse ecosystems up close. Whether you’re tackling a multi-day trek or enjoying a shorter day walk, the experience of hiking through Fiordland is truly unforgettable.
Fiordland’s rich wildlife is another highlight. The sight of dolphins playing in the fjords, seals lounging on rocky shores, and rare birds like the tui and kea adds to the magic of the experience. We love the opportunity to see Fiordland crested penguins, one of the rarest penguin species, in their natural habitat. These encounters with wildlife make each visit to Fiordland feel special and remind us of the importance of preserving such a pristine environment.
What we also appreciate about Fiordland is its sense of remoteness and tranquility. Despite being a popular destination, the sheer size of the park allows for moments of solitude and quiet reflection, whether you’re standing on a deserted beach, listening to the sound of waterfalls, or gazing at the stars in one of the world’s darkest skies. The peaceful atmosphere is a welcome escape from the pace of modern life.
Overall, what we love most about Fiordland National Park is how it offers a true escape into nature, where every moment feels like an adventure, and the landscape leaves you in awe. It’s a destination that offers both grand spectacles and quiet moments, making it a place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left.
Book now for a quick, simple, and easy-to-use booking experience with great rates and instant confirmation.
Speak to our Travel Experts now. We’ll find you the perfect resort, ideal travel dates, and the best room configurations to fit your budget and needs.
Submit your request for a bespoke itinerary, crafted just for you.
Book now for a quick, simple, and easy-to-use booking experience with great rates and instant confirmation.
Email our friendly travel experts today. We’re committed to providing you with personalised service and expert advice to ensure your trip is seamless and unforgettable.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.