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Seeing is Believing - Fiordland
Words Kristen McKenzie

Fiordland is a place where ancient and modern cultures collide. Where rugged pioneers left an indelible mark. Whether you are up for Great Walks, taking a sunset cruise along Lake Te Anau, or enjoying some proper Southern hospitality, Fiordland is truly a place so incredible you have to see it to believe it.


Te Anau



The heart of Fiordland is positioned halfway between Queenstown and Milford Sound, providing the perfect base camp for exploring and relaxing. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine in front of the fireplace at Redcliff Cafe while locals and visitors alike share tales of the day’s expeditions into the national park.


If you’re looking for a hidden gem, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-see. As you cruise across the glittering Lake Te Anau, it’s hard to fathom that under the mountains’ surface lies a hidden network of limestone passages filled with carved rock, whirlpools and thundering underground waterfalls.


Take a tour of this fascinating underground environment where water rushes through caves and you can drift silently beneath the luminous glowworms so close that you could almost reach out and touch them. This is fairy tale material, so if you’re young or just young at heart, this should be on your to-do list every time you visit.


 Lake Te Anau is bordered by rich native forest, crystal clear water and the Kepler and Murchison Mountain ranges, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop calling out to be explored. For the history buffs, why not join Fiordland Outdoors Co. and venture out to Fiordland’s oldest back country hut on the Hidden Hankinson Experience. Take a tranquil cruise down the middle arm of Lake Te Anau to see the sights amidst the quiet serenity of the deep waters. Discover hidden gems at the edges of the lake, enjoy a short bush walk and learn about the history of the area, thanks to the informed and experienced local skippers before a gourmet picnic lunch at Hankinson Hut.

Milford Sound


Piopiotahi Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most famous fiord, is an unforgettable experience. The Milford Road, which rises through the Southern Alps, is one of New Zealand’s highest and most dramatic state highways. Take the time to explore the journey’s many short walks and breathtaking photo ops, such as the Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes and Lake Marian Falls. If you’re lucky, the cheeky keas may greet you as you enter the Homer Tunnel, an impressive engineering feat from the men of the Milford Road in the 1930s.


Once you arrive in Milford Sound, the eighth wonder of the world, take time to soak it all in. They say that seeing is believing, yet it still feels surreal. Milford Sound is a site where size is incomprehensible, rainfall is measured in metres, and the scenery is mind-blowing. Enjoy a scenic cruise or paddle through paradise on a kayak tour with Rosco’s Milford Kayaks allowing you to get up close and personal with magnificent waterfalls, sheer cliff faces and local wildlife like bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins.

Manapouri


Just a 20-minute drive from Te Anau, you will find the idyllic township of Manapouri sitting quietly on the shores of mighty Lake Manapouri. Known as New Zealand’s loveliest lake, Manapouri’s quiet and unhurried atmosphere belies the extraordinary environment it sits within and the fascinating tale of its survival – New Zealand’s first great conservation campaign.


Whether you’re sitting in the beer garden at the local pub or on the lakeshore at Frasers Beach, Manapouri delivers a feast for the eyes. Thirty-three small islands dot the lake along with countless bush-clad coves and beaches framed by the majestic backdrop of Cathedral Peaks and the many layers of Fiordland ranges which span as far as the eye can see.


Doubtful Sound


Patea Doubtful Sound, the most secluded of the two famous fiords, is best visited on a guided journey. The adventure begins with a stunning boat ride across Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus ride over the Wilmot Pass through magical alpine and native forest terrain.


Arriving in Deep Cove, you’ll board your ship for a cruise on the ‘Sound of Silence’. Doubtful Sound is 10 times larger and less inhabited than Milford Sound, with towering hills, rainforest, and twisting, hidden inlets. To truly indulge yourself in the peacefulness of Fiordland, opt for an overnight cruise.


Stargazing


At the end of a long day, Fiordland saves the best for last. Fiordland’s spectacular setting, with almost no light pollution, provides for a truly wonderful stargazing experience. Find a comfortable spot to view the sunset behind the Fiordland mountain ranges. Stargazers here have the best seat in the house to peer into the Milky Way, which extends across the southern sky. Look for the Southern Cross and its five main stars which are New Zealand’s most renowned constellation. If you are lucky you might even see the Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights, with shimmering greens, blues and purples in the night sky.


Amazing Stays


Whether you’re arranging a romantic getaway for two, gathering a like-minded group of friends for an epic week away, or creating a family vacation to remember for a lifetime, there is no shortage of incredible places to stay while in Fiordland. 


Embark on a bespoke overnight stay with Wild Fiordland. Climb aboard their boat Breaksea Girl for a stay like no other. Choose one of their set adventures or pick your favourite from a myriad of activities including sailing, kayaking, diving, snorkelling and fishing. Finish the day on the boat, find a cosy corner to curl up in with a good book, or watch the wild from the window as the sun drifts in. 


How about an exclusive retreat with exceptional snow-capped mountain views from your bedroom window? Fiordland Lodge offers elegance and privacy in a stunning rural setting. Complement your stay with fine dining and boutique New Zealand wines. Fiordland Lodge also offers professional guided experiences to give you the full Fiordland package.


For a more personable stay, Fiordland offers many B&B options. Dunluce Boutique Accommodation offers all the benefits of a B&B from the privacy of a purpose-built guest wing. Enjoy the best of both worlds here with peaceful surroundings, stunning lake and mountain views, and only a short drive into the town centre. 


If a lush rainforest setting is more your cup of tea, then head into the world-famous Milford Sound. Here you will find a collection of modern and luxurious chalets, as well as a campervan site. Milford Sound Lodge sits beneath the Darran Mountains and offers a front-row ticket overlooking the Cleddau River. This is the perfect home base for your time in Milford Sound, regardless of what type of traveller you are. 



Great Walks 


Fiordland is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts as it is home to not only three of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks, but it also has an abundance of day hikes. Favourite day hikes include Luxmore Summit on the Kepler Track. Take a water taxi across Lake Te Anau to start your hike up to Luxmore Hut, where cheeky kea and snow may be waiting to greet you at the top. From here continue up to the summit for excellent views overlooking the South Fiord.


The second is Lake Marian – short, steep and filled with native forest, bird song and waterfalls, you finish your climb at a spectacular hanging valley and glacial carved lake. A local favourite for the whole family is Key Summit – a short climb will reward you with 360 panoramic alpine views – a classic Fiordland bucket list experience.


Fiordland from the Sky


Take to the sky – seeing Fiordland from above is breathtaking. Scenic flights enable you to explore further into the untouched beauty of the national park. Catch a sunset in Tamatea Dusky Sound, land at the top of Sutherland Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the world or experience the thrill of take-off and landing on water in the South Island’s only floatplane. Flying in Fiordland is an unforgettable experience! 


Start planning your trip today at fiordland.org.nz and for more information on the Save Manapouri Campaign check out the Guardianship page.


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