Scenic Highlights

Top Fiordland scenic highlights

Vast, remote and isolated, Fiordland is an incomparable, ancient wilderness of calm lakes, majestic snow-topped peaks, dense rainforest and steep-sided fiords.

Selected highlights at a glance

Fiordland National Park

Created in 1952, Fiordland is the largest national park in New Zealand, and one of the largest in the world. It stretches 230 kilometres from north-east to south-west. At its broadest it is 80 kilometres across. The isolation of the region has encouraged endemism - over 700 plants are found only in Fiordland. Three of the country's 'great walks' (the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks) are located within the park's boundaries; there is also a variety of short walks to enjoy.

Fiordland's famous walks

Milford Track (53.9 kilometres) follows several glaciated valleys, ascends an alpine pass and traverses some spectacular scenery. The walk takes four days and involves boat travel at both ends. You can walk the track independently or take a guide.

From the Milford end of the track, you'll start your journey at aptly named Sandfly Point. Maori legend imaginatively explains the presence of Fiordland's famously large sand flies: The goddess Te Hine-nui-te-po released the sandfly to stop people from lingering too long in the beauty of the fiords.

Routeburn Track (39 kilometres) starts from the divide between the eastern and western sides of the Southern Alps and ends in the beech forests 80 kilometres from Queenstown. Dramatic alpine views, lakes and changing forest types can be experienced on this three to four day walk. You can walk independently or take a guide.

Kepler Track (67 kilometres) starts and finishes at Lake Te Anau. You'll see lake edges, mountain beech forest, exposed mountaintops and glacial valleys, along with excellent views of the Southern Alps. This track offers independent walks only.

Hollyford Track (80 kilometres) leads the walker from the sheer rock walls of the Darren Mountains down to the sand dunes of the Tasman Sea at Martins Bay. Experience the splendid isolation of the Fiordland forest, the rushing energy of the Hollyford River and the sand and windswept beauty of Martins Bay. Both independent and guided walks are available on this track.

Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track (53 kilometres) is New Zealand's newest track. It offers commanding views of the south coast, Lake Poteriteri, Lake Hauroko and mountain ranges deep in Fiordland National Park. Both independent and guided walks are available on this track.

The magic of Milford Sound

Milford Sound is the most famous and accessible of the grand, glacier-carved fiords along the South Island's lower western coast. While it was named a 'sound', it's actually a fiord, because it was created by glaciers. A sound is a river valley that has been flooded by the sea.

The road to Milford is a wonderful alpine drive - allow plenty of time to stop and take in the photographic and walking opportunities along the way. Coach tours leave daily from Te Anau and Queenstown, if you'd prefer to let someone else do the driving. Scenic flights take off daily from Te Anau. Aerial views include the Southern Alps, Milford Track and Lake Te Anau. Scenic flights also connect with boat cruises on the sound.

Boats cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, pausing at various points to view waterfalls and marine life. Cruises leave from the main wharf at Milford Sound. You can also experience Milford Sound by sea kayaking, diving and a visit to the Underwater Observatory in Harrison Cove.

Into the deep heart of Doubtful Sound

The deepest of all the fiords, Doubtful Sound has ancient rainforest and abundant wildlife. Virtually untouched by man, the fiord is a wonderful place to visit. Single day and overnight cruises leave from Pearl Harbour at Manapouri, a short drive from Te Anau. The experience begins with a lake crossing, which allows you to see the beauty of Lake Manapouri and the West Arm Underground Power Station. A coach ride over Wilmot Pass takes you to Doubtful Sound where you'll board a launch for a cruise of the fiord. You have the option of a sea kayaking tour of the sound, if you'd like a more adventurous experience. Diving and fishing charters are another way to explore the fiord.