Fiordland National Park
Nowhere is the wildness of New Zealand more prevalent than in the breathtaking landscape of Fiordland National Park. This amazing national park has snowcapped mountains, glacial lakes, fiords, islands, forests and waterfalls. This area is New Zealand's largest natural wilderness; it contains several sounds of which the Milford and the Doubtful are the most famous ones and 215km of coastline. It provides very good tramping tracks, and offers many more good Outdoor opportunities like Fishing and scenic flights.
The main towns are Manapouri (at the shore of Lake Manapouri, population 200), Te Anau (at the shore of Lake Te Anau, population 1800) and Milford Sound (at the inner end of Milford Sound, population 175). These cities are excellent for exploring the national park's wilderness.
In 1773 Captain James Cook wrote about Fiordland National Park: "Inland as far as the eye can see the peaks are so crowded together as to scarce admit any valleys between them".
Outdoor
Aerial sight seeing
You can either choose to take a helicopter or a plain to see the magnificent landscape of Fiordland National Park.
Caving
Te Anau Glowworm Caves. These impressive caves are known in Maori legends and were discovered by the Europeans in 1948. The caves have waterfalls, whirlpools and a glow-worm grotto. You can book a tour to the magnificent caves at the shore of Lake Te Anau near the city Te Anau.
Cruising
If you would like to explore the beautiful sounds and lakes in this national park making a cruise is an excellent option. There are options to make a day or overnight tour. Both of them will be worth it.
Fishing
There are many nice spots to try to catch a fish. It is possible to make a Fishing tour in this national park.
Jetboating
At the Aaiau River it is possible to do Jetboating.
Kayaking (sea)
It is possible to kayak in this great area. You can either book a tour or rent a kayak only.
Scenic driving routes
The road from Te Anau to Milford is a route providing many fantastic views. The distance from Te Anau to Milford is approximately 100km. The first part goes through farmland and along the glaciers which formed Lake Te Anau. When passing Te Anau Downs the National Park will be entered. During the way up to Milford Sound you will come across high snowcapped mountains, lakes and rivers. There are many nice stops which have short walks. Finally Milford Sound is reached. This is the most visited sound of Southland's fiords and is one of New Zealand's biggest attractions.
Scuba diving
From for example the city Te Anau you can undertake a dive trip.
Tramping
There are many tramping opportunities in this national park. At the DOC and tourist information centers you will be able to gather more information. Here are some highlights.
To start with: the world wide known Milford Track. This Great Walk (look at Tramping) takes 4 days and is easy. The walk meanders through rainforest, alpine meadows and waterfalls. It is called the "finest walk in the world". The Hollyford Track is another option. This track takes 5 days and is easy to moderate. This tramp takes you along a rugged coast and wildlife of Martins Bay. Dusky Track is another 4 days taking track. This one is demanding and will bring you to the isolation of wilderness of the remote Dusky Sound. Another walk is the Kepler track; a four days moderate track. This is a Great Walk and contains some alpine crossings. All tracks are recommended to walk in spring till mid autumn.
There are also lots of opportunities to make a guided walking tour, for more information visit the information centers.
Culture and Entertainment
Cultural activity
Milford Deep Underwater Observatory
Here you will get a good impression of the underwater world.
Te Anau Wildlife Centre
There is a wildlife center in Te Anau this is worth seeing.