Great Kiwi Escapes | Fiordland | AA New Zealand Travel Guide

Fiordland, the wildest, wettest and loneliest part of New Zealand, is a heart-stopper, with one natural wonder after another heaped all the way to the horizon. Whether you seek the relaxed solitude of an untouched fiord, the challenge of completing one of the 'Great Walks' with a group of friends, or a romantic overnight cruise, Fiordland is the ultimate wilderness escape.

Milford Sound

A finalist in the New 7 Wonders of the World, this glacial carved fiord is incredibly grand. Sheer granite cliffs tower into the sky and plunge into the depths of clear water, while Mitre Peak stands like a massive sentinel, guarding the amazing landscape. Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins are resident in the fiord and can be viewed up close from the launch cruises or kayak trips.

Doubtful Sound

This remote fiord is a haven of nature with ancient rainforest, abundant wildlife and superb physical grandeur. Practically untouched by man, the fiord has a deep stillness, a sense of solitude and serenity - it is quite simply and unquestionably breathtaking. New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins can be seen on many of the small islets in the entrance to the fiord, while bottlenose dolphins can often be sighted as they swim alongside the boats. Several outstanding waterfalls adorn the bush-clad walls.

Te Anau & Manapouri

These attractive resort towns both lie nestled on the shores of beautiful lakes and are framed by mountains of the Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is the closest service base to Milford Sound. It still exudes plenty of pioneering spirit among the seven-days-a-week shops and main boulevard around which can be found more than 20 restaurants. This place is promoted as the walking capital of the world, so take a hike! Manapouri is a cosy gateway to the scenic wonders of Doubtful & Dusky Sounds.

Milford Road

Every New Zealander knows of Milford Sound and wants to visit, but not everyone is aware that the 119km road connecting Milford Sound to the rest of New Zealand is a destination in itself. This stunning alpine drive is heaped with spectacular scenery and provides access to some beautiful valleys and high alpine walks. Coming down the Cleddau Valley to Milford is an entrancing, jaw-dropping drive. Surely nowhere else have glaciers carved such a precipitous route.

Walking in the Fiordland National Park

The park is home to some fantastic tramping tracks - the Milford, Routeburn, Hollyford, Greenstone and Caples, Kepler and Hump Ridge. These three-to-four-day hikes take trampers through beech forests with fern-covered floors and up steep slopes onto alpine topsoils to experience breathtaking views of this vast, untouched terrain. The abundance of day and short walk options provides access to these vistas for people of all ages and abilities.

Hollyford Road

For a memorable diversion off the Milford Rd, turn left down the Hollyford Rd to the start of the Hollyford Track, the only lowland route through to the coast in Fiordland. Along the way is Gunn's Camp, a collection of old roadmen's cottages that you can rent for $15 a night each, with dry firewood thrown in. Down these parts, things don't change that fast.

The Te Anau Wildlife Centre

Just a 10min walk from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and with stunning views of Lake Te Anau, this unique park provides a rare chance to view native birdlife at very close quarters. This includes the takahe, a bird very special to Fiordland, given that it was thought to be extinct for more than forty years until live birds were rediscovered in a remote valley near Lake Te Anau. Entry to the park is free – introduce yourself to Bruce and Alpine, the two local 'tarks' (as they are affectionately referred to), along with other species such as kea, kaka, bellbirds and tui.

Manapouri Circle Track

Hire a rowboat or catch the local water taxi across the river from Pearl Harbour at Manapouri. This half-day walk takes in spectacular views over the lake and into the valley below. Expect to see an abundance of birdlife and take your togs for a refreshing swim on the secluded white-sand beach.