Spectacular Fiordland

Fiordland is one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. Absorb the breathtaking treasures of this region by water, air or  hiking.

Carved by glaciers over 100,000 years the landscape is one where waterfalls cascade hundreds of metres into deep black fiords; where  ancient rainforest clings to mountains and where shimmering lakes and granite peaks look as they did a thousand years ago.

Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site and includes Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds. Milford Sound was described by  Rudyard Kipling as the Eighth Wonder of the World; take a scenic flight over it and you will understand why. Some of the fiords can be  explored by kayak but if you’d like to see the less accessible fiords, eco-tours can be arranged.

Fiordland National Park has three of New Zealand’s ‘great walks’, the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks. Milford Track is arguably New  Zealand’s most famous walk. Starting in Te Anau, it takes you over 53 kilometres through the most breathtaking scenery: mountains, lakes  and enormous valleys right up to the Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand.

Soak up the vast panoramic views of the glacial – carved fiords, wander through lush unspoiled rainforests, reach the unreachable by flight or  cruise and cycle your way through spectacular terrain. By the end of your stay you’ll wish you had taken more time off here.

Te Anau

Being at the heart of the deep south, Te Anau is blessed with extra long days. That means you get more time to explore, discover, relax and  enjoy Te Anau and surrounding areas. The picturesque township of Te Anau is the main visitor base for the glacier-carved wilderness that is  Fiordland National Park. Home to a wide range of accommodation including lodges, hotels and campgrounds, Te Anau is the perfect place to  stay when visiting Milford Sound.

Restaurants are plentiful and give visitors the opportunity to sample delicious local fare like venison, lobster and seafood. At the Department  of Conservation Visitor Centre you can make plans to walk the Milford, Routeburn or Kepler Tracks. Apart from hiking, popular local  activities include scenic flights, lake cruising, fishing, kayaking and exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. There’s also a bird sanctuary  that specialises in native birds.

Whether it’s thrill seeking or slowing down, dipping your toes in or soaking it up, take time to experience all that Te Anau has to offer.