Fiordland, South Island | New Zealand Destinations

Overview

Fiordland is one of the southern hemisphere’s great wilderness regions, and one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand.

Dominated by the snow-capped Southern Alps, deep lakes and ocean-flooded, steep valleys – Fiordland has achieved World Heritage status for its stunning natural features and its role in demonstrating the world’s evolutionary history. Your clients can absorb the breath-taking treasures of this region by water, air or on foot.

Climate

Summer
Dec—Feb

19°C Avg. High

10°C Avg. Low
Winter
Jun—Aug

10°C Avg. High

2°C Avg. Low

Things to do

- Your clients can easily access Milford Sound via a coach journey through the glacier-carved wilderness of the country’s largest national park, followed by a cruise in the fiords. Alternatively they can fly in by helicopter, or take a scenic flight and cruise.
- Your clients can lose themselves in Doubtful Sound’s pristine wilderness on a daytime or overnight cruise, or get even closer in a sea kayak. Tell them to keep their eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and the Fiordland crested penguin.
- Three of New Zealand’s Great Walks can be found in the vast wilderness of the Fiordland National Park – the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks. Guided multi-day walks and day trips can be arranged for those clients looking for a shorter or more comfortable options. The Hollyford Track can also be booked as an all-inclusive guided wilderness experience.
- Cruise across Lake Te Anau, before experiencing an underground network of caves lit by hundreds of glow worms. Or your clients can explore Lake Te Anau onboard a historic sailing ship, Faith in Fiordland.

Tips & Suggestions

Te Anau and Manapouri are the closest towns to Milford and Doubtful sounds, offering a range of accommodation options. They are also good bases from which to explore Fiordland’s Great Walks.
Track accommodation is limited and books out quickly for the Great Walks – check the Department of Conservation website to see when hut bookings will open for the coming season.