An abundance of awe awaits at Fiordland.
In a land renowned for tough beaut and celestial wilderness , Fiordland National Parkstands apart for its almost otherworldly splendor . Made up of nearly 5,000 square knot ofNew Zealand ’s southwesternmost reaches , it ’s the biggest of the state ’s 13 internal parks , and perhaps the most imperial . Fiordland ’s wide-ranging landscape encompasses everything from craggy coastlines to glaciated peaks , thick forests mark with turquoise - tinged lakes to sheer cliff faces veiled by free - precipitate cascades — much of it populated with endangered wildlife found nowhere else on ground . Simply put , Fiordland is as New Zealand asNew Zealandgets .
For those thinking about get across this vast terrain , an abundance of awe awaits . And yes , there will befjords . It ’s just important to carry off expectations : You ’re not going to see it all . Even lifelong Kiwis do n’t get to do that . As a visitant with a affair of days to work with , the upright you could go for for is to focus on the “ can’t - miss ” category . Let us help oneself you with that . Here ’s your cheat sheet for lay down the most out of a raid into Fiordland .
Cruise around Milford Sound
Described by fabled novelist Rudyard Kipling as the “ Eighth Wonder of the World,”Milford Sound , also known as Piopiotahi , is undoubtedly the most famous fiord in all of Fiordland . But no amount of Instagram post will mentally set up you for the grandeur of gazing upon this serene inlet IRL . On opposing sides of the urine , snowcapped palisade zoom towards the sky . Carved by glacier over millions of year , some boast sheer drop up to 4,000 feet in height . The triangular contour of air mile - high Mitre Peak loom large at the mouth .
glorious as Milford Sound is , it ’s also a misnomer ; sounds are imprint not from glaciation , but when river valleys are flooded by the sea . You ’ll learn all this and more during aday cruise through the region . A 90 - instant drive withdraw you nearly to the ending of the inlet , slowing down at several scenic points of interest group throughout . You might even enjoy a cameo appearance from the aboriginal wildlife . Fur seals , penguin , and bottlenose dolphins are all frequent visitors .
Because of the acute corrugation of the hem in topography , navigating here from the nearest universe center of Queenstown involves a roundabout four - hour parkway . The serious news is that it ’s one of the most scenic routes on the planet . It should be regarded , at a minimum , as a full day trip , with copious stops along Lake Wakatipu and Te Anau along the way ( more on that below).Of course you’re able to also get here by room of a30 - hour helicopter ride above the deal . These depart from Queenstown daily and start at just over $ 500 per person . Extended excursions allow for multiple touchdowns in Milford Sound — and adjoining fjords — during a two - and - a - half - hour - long round trip .
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Explore a hiker’s paradise
Fiordland National Park is home to some of the country ’s good hiking trail . There are literally thousands of established routes at your fundament . And while there ’s never a bad clip to explore , the parking area is best explored on foundation between tardy October and May , when it ’s more likely to be cooler and dryer .
TheKepler Trackis one of the most iconic option within the parking area . hike as a grummet , it ’s 37 miles out and back from the trail head in Te Anau . Many venturer opt to make this a four day / three night camping digression . But you may distill it down to a twenty-four hour period cost increase by trekking up to Luxmore Hut to admire one of the most reveal vista of the entire road . The government hold many such huts along its so - called , “ Great Walks . ”
They can often be hold for as little as $ 10 a nighttime . If you want to persist in a hut , you ’ll want to batten it well in feeler , though , especially if you ’re trek during mellow time of year .
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The 11th — and most recent add-on — to the Great Walks mesh is theTuatapere Hump Ridge Track . It ’s just about the same distance as Kepler , but this one start further in the south , along the coastline of Te Waewae Bay . As a result , it offers a beachier vibe at first , straddling the Baroness Dudevant before slowly ascending 3,000 feet on its way to Okaka Lodge .
If you desire something far short — and much more kinsfolk - friendly — theLake Gunn Nature Walkchecks both boxes . Less than an hr in the south of Milford Sound on State Highway 94 , the well - proceed trail follows its namesake water feature through thickets of moss-grown beech . It ’s just 45 minutes roundtrip but you ’ll still get to take in some peak view .
If you may , be sure to chip at out some time for a journey into the Te Anau Glowworm Caves , too . From townspeople , take a quick cruise across the eponymic lake to arrive at a twisting cavern web lit only by bioluminescent beetles . The subterranean phenomenon was only chance on in 1948 , but since then it has become an stomach local magnet . Tours start at $ 60and let in the boat drive .
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How to get to—and around—Fiordland National Park
Thenearest major airportto Fiordland is locate inQueenstown . sandwich between the Southern Alps and stunningLake Wakatipu , it is a little slice of Switzerland far south of the equator . You ’ll want to allocate at least a day here before and after your time in the national park to properly bookend your head trip . While you ’re there , you’re able to line up exactlyhowyou want to navigate your travels . Renting a car is a popular option , though you should look into four - cycle - drive options in pillow slip you face any inclement weather .
Motor coach are another common way to get in and out of the park . New Zealand ’s turgid bus web , InterCity , operates daily busbar to Milford Sound each morning out of Queenstown and the ballpark ’s elementary hub ofTe Anau . For just about $ 100 , you ’ll touch the inlet by lunch and make your elbow room back to Te Anau by dinner . But if that ’s not fast enough for you , whirlybird and seaplanes are yours for the reservation — so long as you ’re willing to expend a premium and the weather condition ’s uncoerced to cooperate .
Where To Stay
If a hovel is n’t for you , get into New Zealand’sFreedom Campinglaw , rend a camper van , and overnight on the side of the road in designate motorcar green throughout Fiordland . However , if you ’re in search of something with indoor plumbing , your best bets are in Te Anau . A duet of four - maven selection here are well - deserving the $ 150 per night agio . Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te AnauandLakefront Lodge Te Anau , we ’re looking at you . Further up the route , you ’ll witness even more pampering at theutterly scenic Milford Sound Lodge . Upmarket cabins here commence at $ 300 per night , but they book up fast , so be sure to reserve them multiple months in approach .
Where to grab a bite to eat
You in all likelihood did n’t amount to this part of the earthly concern for the fine dining . If you did , we spat your appetency . And you ’ll be happy to note that there are some amazingly cosmopolitan offerings in Te Anau . The Fat Duckis a dependable standout . It ’s a boisterous gastropub plating everything from pâté to Cucurbita pepo gnocchi and appealing to meat eaters and vegans in equal measure . Across the street , Dittospecializes in oversized bao englut with an raiment of well - temper proteins .
In contrast , there ’s slender taking to be had in Milford Sound , so you ’ll want to buy in up on supplying and sundries before heading up from Te Anau . Unless , of course , you ’re abide at the Milford Sound Lodge , where guests can savor nightly spread at the acclaimedPio Pio Cafe . There , you ’ll discover slow - braised beef cheeks , topically - sourced lamb , and goat cheese croquettes give a most satisfying conclusion to a full sidereal day of fjording .
Ready to hit the park? Check out our tool kit to get started:
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Milford Sound Lodge
Milford Sound Lodge
