Fiordland is located on the South West side of the Southern Island of New Zealand. The landscape was carved by glaciers more than 100 thousand years ago, rainforests remain untouched by man and waterfalls cascade deep into black fiords.

  • What is Fiordland known for?
    • Fiordland is home to one of the last great wildernesses in the world and has earned World Heritage Status for its contribution to key evolutionary history and stunning natural landscapes. Known as the walking capital of the world, Fiordland has some of the best and most accessible sightseeing.
  • What is the geography of Fiordland like?
    • The west coast of Fiordland spans 215 km with 14 fiords known as the most dramatic landscape in New Zealand. The Milford Sound, located in Fiordland National Park, is what the region is most well known for; however, Lake Manapouri, and the Doubtful Sound, and other tourist attractions are also popular.
  • Who was the first European to visit Fiordland?
    • Captain Cook was the first European to visit the Fiordlands in 1773.
  • How did the Maori use Fiordland?
    • The Maori used the region as a seasonal hunting ground but did not settle here.
  • What valuable resource is found in Fiordland?
    • The area is a hot spot for New Zealand Jade, or Takiwai—a greenish, translucent gemstone.
  • What is Fiordland's current status?
    • European exploration continued well after the mid-19th century and the area is nonresidential, being protected as Fiordland's National Park.
  • What are some things to do in Fiordland?
    • Te Anau Bird Sanctuary - Some of the rarest native birds in New Zealand make their home in Fiordland and the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary protects many of them such as the Takahe and Kaka—a forest parrot native to the Fiordland. Penguins also make a home here including the Fiordland crested penguin during the July-November mating season and the Little Blue Penguins which are the world's smallest known penguins.
    • Te Anau Glowworm Caves - These caves are more than 12,000 years old and carved by the river off the western banks of Lake Te Anau. Boat cruises take visitors across the lake and into the cave systems of limestone where they will see subterranean waterfalls, whirlpools, and thousands of glowworms making the cave walls look sparkling. These tours are suitable for all ages and last around 2 hours with Real Journeys.
    • Fiordland Expeditions and Fiordland Outdoors Company - These companies take visitors fishing. Freshwater and saltwater fishing trips are available where you can catch rainbow and brown trout, go jet boating, or sail into the ocean to catch tuna, blue cod, and other large fish. These companies offer trips for people with no experience.
    • Great Walks - Three of New Zealand's nine Great Walks are in the Fiordland. These treks take 3-4 days and are suitable for experienced hikers and backpackers. Huts and tents are slept in on the foot journey. Other walks that are accessible and take as little as thirty minutes are also available throughout Fiordland National Park. Visitors are encouraged to walk by themselves or with a guide for hire.
    • Overnight Cruise - If you have the time, a cruise boat can take you deep into the Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound to watch for bottle-nosed dolphins, seals, and penguins. Boats anchor in a bay where guests can embark on a coastline kayak adventure. Dinner, a private cabin, and breakfast are included with cruises departing from Te Anau.
    • Helicopter/Boat Tours - There are many companies that offer helicopter and small aircraft tours of Fiordland. Most of these include a lunch stop and other activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, or hiking. Boat tours are also offered of the lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and glaciers.
    • Fiordland National Park - This national park combines snow-peaked mountains with rainforest and waterfalls. The Fiords were described by Kipling as the 8th wonder of the world and the National Park features both of the Sounds, untouched beech forest and podocarp forest as well as more than 500 km of walking trails.
    • Camping - There are 50 hikers' huts found in Fiordland National park along the 3 main tracks (Kepler, Milford, Routeburn) that provide better than average wilderness lodging. Basic huts that are just shelters with mattresses, toilet, and water supply are available on other tracks.
  • What accommodations are available in Fiordland?
    • Visitors not wanting to camp in the Fiords can find the traditional hotels, bed and breakfasts, motels, and private rentals in Te Anau and Manapouri.
  • What is Te Anau like?
    • Te Anau - Just outside of Milford Sound and the glowworm caves, Te Anau is a lakeside community and serves as the base for visitors to Fiordland National Park. There are many restaurants and hotels, as well as the Department of Conservation Visitor's Center and a bird sanctuary. Bus transportation is regularly available to Queenstown and Christchurch.
  • What is Manapouri like?
    • Manapouri - A small town on the edge of the National Park, Manapouri is a community on Lake Manapouri, the second deepest lake in the country. Doubtful Sound is accessible for boating and kayaking through Manapouri.

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