Fiordland National Park is located on New Zealand’s South Island and forms part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. With an area of about 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares), Fiordland is New Zealand’s largest national park. The park features stunning fiords (narrow, long and deep coastal inlets between steep slopes), lakes, forests, waterfalls, mountains and valleys. It is home to extraordinary fauna and flora, including over 700 types of plant unique to Fiordland.

The Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre is located at the township of Te Anau. Here you can obtain walking track guides, information on weather and track conditions, and can fill out an ‘intention form’ as a safety measure if you plan to venture into the park.

Accommodation

A range of accommodation is available in and around the park. A number of campsites and basic hikers huts are located within the park. If you wish to stay in one of the huts, arrangements must be made in advance. A backpackers hostel is located at Milford Sound, a road-accessible fiord. If hotel, motel or boutique accommodation is preferred, visitors may stay in townships such as Te Anau or Manapouri.

What can I do at Fiordland National Park?

Walks

Walks in the national park range from short to long (spanning a number of days). The park’s Milford, Kepler and Routeburn tracks are considered three of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’. Take a guided walk or hike to learn about the rare flora and fauna you will encounter. The weather conditions in the region can change swiftly so it is important to be prepared for rain and cold temperatures. In winter, the tracks into alpine areas may be impassable.

Scenic Flights

Scenic flights (fixed wing, helicopter and float plane) operate in the area. Flights can offer outstanding views of the wilderness and glaciers and offer superb photo opportunities. Some flights include high mountain or glacier landings.

Fishing and Hunting

Fishing (for brown and rainbow trout) in the park’s lakes and rivers, and hunting (deer, chamois, wapiti, goats, wild pigs and possums) are allowed with a permit.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering suitable for experienced mountaineers is possible in the Darran and Wick Mountains.

Kayaking

Tour the fiords and lakes on hired kayaks or as part of a guided experience. Kayakers may have the opportunity to intermingle with dolphins, seals and penguins.

Diving and Snorkeling

Diving in the waters of Fiordland is a unique experience, due mainly to a tannin-stained layer of freshwater that reduces the amount of light reaching the sea water below. At shallow depths, divers can view one of the world’s largest populations of black coral trees. In addition, see red coral, anemones, fish, sponges and crayfish.

Fiord and Lake Cruises

Cruises can take less than two hours or extend over a number of days. Depending on which cruise you opt for, you may observe fur seals colonies, dolphins, little blue penguins and Fiordland crested penguins, in addition to the fantastic scenery.