Fiordland National Park: complete New Zealand guide

Fiordland National Park in New Zealand is every adventure lover's dream. Its vast, untamed natural beauty is what attracts visitors from near and far every year.

Filled with adventure, wildlife, photo stops, and towering mountains be sure to pencil in a decent amount of time in the deep south so you can fit it all in.

Why you should visit

Fiordland National Park is a celebrated and cherished part of the world. From glacial lakes, waterfalls, and packed with activity it has something to suit all who visit. Way back when our mate Rudyard Kipling coined Milford Sound the 8th wonder of the world, and we think he’s right.

The National Park covers 1.2 million hectares of land and is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to internationally recognised icons such as Mitre Peak, Milford Sound, and the iconic multi-day Milford Track. The rainforest environment and temperamental weather patterns make each day of the year unique.

How to get there

Fiordland National Park is located in the South-West corner of the South Island. The town of Te Anau acts as the gateway to Fiordland and many choose to base here for a few days and explore deeper into the area.

Driving from Queenstown will take around two hours and if you are heading straight toward Milford Sound then allow at least five hours. The drive is breath-taking and you will need time to take it all in along the way.

Fiordland is also part of the Southern Scenic tourist route. A route that leaves Dunedin and passes through the south before returning to Queenstown. The Milford Road is the only road from Te Anau to Milford Sound and it is spectacular.

When to go

Fiordland is temperamental. The weather patterns here are like no other, from magnificent storms to calm, clear bluebird days. It can change within hours so it is always best to pack for all seasons. Fiordland is magic, whatever the weather and with 200 days of rain on average a year we suggest you prepare to get a little wet.

The remarkable natural environment is why we see Fiordland the way it is. The rainforest is lush, the waterfalls are pumping and the wildlife is thriving down here in the south. The remarkable environment is celebrated and now is the time to visit.

What to do

1. Hike

Did you know Fiordland is home to three of New Zealand’s great walks? The Milford Track, The Kepler Track, and The Routeburn track all wind their way through this incredible national park. These multi-day tramps are not for the faint-hearted and a network of backcountry huts play home for the night, three nights on each to be exact.

If multi-day hiking isn't your jam but strapping on your boots and heading into the hills is then be sure to check out the plethora of day hikes on offer. The incredibly alluring Lake Marian is beautiful, albeit very chilly for a dip. Key Summit, Gertrude Saddle, and Luxmore Summit are all awesome days hikes that will connect you with this epic environment.

2. Cruise

Did you even visit Fiordland if you didn’t hop on Milford Cruise though? Cruising through the Fiords is an absolute must-do. To truly appreciate the scale of this place you need to head out onto the water to the base of these towering mountains.

Fiordland was carved by glaciers, the landscape is other-worldly and has to be seen to be believed. You can cruise in Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, both incredible and worthy bucket list ticks.

3. Fly

Can you appreciate the grandeur of a national park that covers 1.2 million hectares unless you get above it? A scenic flight in Fiordland National Park is the ultimate experience. Departing from Te Anau or Milford Sound the pilots know how to show off their backyard.

For a unique flying experience jump on the Wings and Water floatplane, fly through the air, and land on the ocean in Doubtful or even Dusky Sound. Fiordland is made up of fourteen Fiords and flying gives you a real sense of how wild and untouched this area of the world is.

Where to stay

Te Anau and the surroundings are a road-tripper's dream. Packed with awesome places to park your home on wheels from holiday parks, free DOC sites, and a campground in the rainforest, you are spoiled for choice.

Tasman Holiday Parks – Te Anau

It’s time to slow down in Te Anau. Nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau this idyllic escape has everything you need for your Fiordland holiday.

Powered and unpowered sites, Hot Tubs, Sauna, gas BBQs, laundry, and Free WIFI are available for all guests.

Prices start at $35.

Cascade Creek – Milford Road

Luckily for those who love to get off the beaten track, the department of conservation has peppered a few campsites on the road to Milford Sound. Cascade Creek is the perfect location for a night under the stars.

Great for larger vehicles and home to some of the best scenery in the area. These campsites are only suitable for those who are fully self-contained and sufficient. Payment is made to the ranger, the doc office, or in the honesty box.

There are no facilities here so be sure to have everything you need.

Prices start at $15 pp per night.

Milford Sound Lodge

We are saving the best till last. The Milford Sound Lodge is the only place to stay in Milford Sound and is home to one of the best campgrounds on the South Island of New Zealand. Park up your home on wheels surrounded by Fiordland rainforest and wake to nature's very own soundtrack.

Don’t be surprised if a cheeky Kea bird or Weka visits you and prepare to watch in awe from your window as waterfalls cascade off the surrounding mountains. Facilities include laundry, camp kitchen and lounge, hot showers, and an on-site restaurant and bar in case you fancy a night off cooking.

Prices start from $50 per pitch.

Hire a van for your road trip through Fiordland National Park

Is Fiordland National Park on your bucket list? Check out vans for hire on the South Island and get ready to hit the road. For more information, check out our guide to camping in National Parks in New Zealand.

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