Fiordland is a dramatic landscape carved thousands of years ago as glacial rivers ground valleys through granite mountains. One of the largest national parks in the world, Fiordland is also part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area in recognition of its precious status. Even arriving here is unforgettable; immense landscapes enthral visitors on the journey from quaint Te Anau to Milford Sound and unforgettable Mitre Peak.
Highlights
Fiordland National Park Deep in the heart of southwest New Zealand, this is a vast wilderness of mountains, glaciers, deep lakes and rainforest. Milford Sound Soaring forest-clad cliffs and roaring waterfalls surround Milford Sound – this is one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions and was described by Rudyard Kipling as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’. Mitre Peak One of New Zealand’s most recognisable icons, Mitre Peak, rises from the south shore of Milford Sound. The best angle for viewing is from the Milford Hotel at the head of the Sound. Fiord wildlife The fiords are a unique environment containing some of the world’s largest populations of black coral trees, some up to 200 years old – they are visible at the Milford Discovery Centre – as well as seals and dolphins. Te Anau glow-worm caves Accessible only by boat, the Te Anau glow-worm caves are a fascinating wonderland of twinkling lights. Te Anau A lovely resort village offering restaurants, shopping and accommodation on the shores of Lake Te Anau (the largest lake in the South Island). Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound Widely regarded as the prettiest lake in New Zealand – and a real wilderness experience.
Destinations
Milford Sound Tiny settlement with limited facilities on the shores of mystical Milford Sound. Te Anau Regional centre offering plenty of accommodation options and base for exploring Milford Sound and Fiordland. Manapouri Departure point for Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound cruises.
Getting There and Around
Air Fiordland’s nearest domestic airports with scheduled services are at Queenstown and Invercargill. Queenstown has domestic and trans-Tasman flights, while Invercargill provides domestic flights only. Chartered flights and flight-seeing operators land at Te Anau Airport. Road Te Anau is on State Highway 94. It is 2 hours, 25 minutes from Queenstown and 2 hours, 10 minutes from Invercargill. Regular coach services operate to and from the region, and from Te Anau to Milford Sound. It is a 1-hour, 45-minute drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Suggest a guided tour to ensure clients get the most out of this region. Christchurch to Te Anau [652 km; 9 hr, 20 min] Queenstown to Te Anau [170 km; 2 hr, 25 min] Invercargill to Te Anau [152 km; 2 hr, 10 min] Te Anau to Milford Sound [121 km; 1 hr, 45 min] Te Anau to Manapouri [21 km; 20 min]
