Come and Explore Fiordland
Local Info
Local Information
Fiordland is the largest National Park of New Zealand and consists of 1.2 million hectares of rugged terrain including lakes, mountains, rivers, fiords and vast native forest of the South-Western part of the South Island. Although much of it is remote, it is the mystery of untouched wilderness that makes it so appealing to visitors, hunters, fishermen, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
There aren’t a lot of roads into Fiordland, in fact, the Milford Road is the only road that will take you deep into the wilderness – but you are able to see Fiordland through the multitude of day walks, multi-day hikes, flights, boat tours and coach tours that are on offer.
Milford Sound is the jewel in the crown of Fiordland National Park and has been described by Rudyard Kipling as the 8th Natural Wonder of the world. Milford Sound is famous for its sheer peaks and waterfalls, and the alpine drive between Te Anau and Milford Sound is spectacular in itself.
Te Anau is the closest town to Milford Sound and is the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the area. Drive yourself, or even better, take a Coach & Cruise tour from Te Anau to make the most of your day at Milford Sound. Local guides will be sure to take you to the best-hidden spots and offer information about the history, geography, flora & fauna that are unique to this fascinating environment.
Several operators offer the full day Coach & Cruise tour from Te Anau as follows:
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Trips & Tramps:
Small group Coach, Cruise and Walk tours. Local, experienced guides inform and show you the scenic stops along the Milford Road. Includes a 2 hour cruise.
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Southern Discoveries:
Coach and Cruise tour from Te Anau to Milford Sound, includes scenic stops and cruise in Milford Sound. Optional add-ons with the cruise: kayaking and/or a visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory.
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Real Journeys:
Coach and Cruise tour from Te Anau to Milford Sound, includes scenic stops and cruise in Milford Sound. Optional visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory.
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Tracknet:
Small bus tour with a locally owned company. Enjoy a day tour to Milford Sound with scenic stops and knowledgeable guides, joins a 2 hour cruise in Milford Sound
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is 120 kilometres each way, allow 3 hours each way so you can make stops along the way and immerse yourself in the impressive surroundings.
Once at Milford Sound you are able to take a cruise or kayak tour of your choice. It is best to pre-book your tour to avoid disappointment. Depending on the experience you are looking for, operators offer Cruise Only, Kayak only, Cruise & Kayak, Cruise & Observatory – so choose the tour perfect for you and enjoy!
Tour operators in Milford Sound:
Te Anau township is located at the Southern end of Lake Te Anau and has a population of approximately 2000 people. Lake Te Anau was carved by glaciers about 20,000 years ago and has the only inland fiords in New Zealand, the others all being on coastal Fiordland. This is the second-largest lake in New Zealand, and at 65 kilometres long and over 400 metres deep in places, is also the largest body of fresh water in Australasia.
Te Anau is known as the Gateway to Fiordland National Park and is set up to cater to visitors. The town has all that you require to stock up for your adventures in Fiordland and has many activities on offer to allow you to make the most of your visit.
Flights
What better way to experience Fiordland, than by air?! Take the tour of a lifetime and get a local company to show you the majesty of Fiordland. There are flights available to many remote areas of Fiordland at prices to suit all budgets.
- Southern Lakes Helicopters
- Wings & Water – Fiordland by Seaplane
- Te Anau Helicopter Services
- Fly Fiordland
Around Te Anau & Manapouri
Other activities in and around Te Anau:
- Faith in Fiordland
- Fiordland Vintage Machinery Museum
- Fiordland Escapes
- Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
- Punanga Manu o Te Anau – Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
- Te Anau Bike Hire and Mini Golf
- Lake 2 Lake Bike Trail
- Te Anau Trout Observatory
- Te Anau Golf Course
- Fiordland Jet
- Westray Horse Treks & Quad Bike Tours
- Kepler Water Taxi
- Ivon Wilson Park
Restaurants & Bars
Te Anau has a wide range of cuisine to suit everyone’s tastebuds. Take a look at the websites below to check out their menus:
- Redcliff Café
- The Fat Duck Te Anau
- La Toscana
- Sandfly Café
- Bao Now & Fumi Foodtrucks
- The Ranch Café Bar & Grill
- Mainly Seafood
- Olive Tree Café
- Thai Anau Restaurant & Takeaway
- Radha’s Indian Restaurant & Takeaway
- Bailiez Café
Day Walks
Experience Fiordland and get amongst the rainforest, rain or shine. There are day walks suitable for families or multi-day hikes for those wanting more of a challenge, see the Fiordland National Park visitors centre for more options and to check the latest track conditions.
Doubtful Sound is the deepest of Fiordland’s Fiords and covers a much larger area than Milford Sound. It isn’t accessible by road, but you are able to take day cruise tours, overnight cruises or kayak tours which include the boat trip across Lake Manapouri and bus over Wilmot pass necessary to get access to Doubtful Sound.
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Sound of Silence’, Doubtful sound is even more impressive due to the remoteness and the journey through the wilderness required just to get there. Doubtful Sound tours start from Manapouri, or transfers can usually be arranged from Te Anau.
Operators in Doubtful Sound Include.
Reception hours are from 8:00am to 8:00pm, 7 days. Check-in is between 2:00pm and 8:00pm. Check-out is before 10:00am (or by prior arrangement). All prices quoted are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include GST of 15%. Dusky Motels have a 48 hour cancellation policy.