Fiordland - walking capital of the world
PHOTO: Mitre Peak
Fiordland is the largest National Park in New Zealand, covering over 1.2 million hectares. The extraordinary beauty of Fiordland was recognised by the United Nations in 1986 when it was made a World Heritage Area.
High mountain ranges, bottomless lakes, meandering rivers and streams, tumbling waterfalls, dense forests, and rolling pastures are all to be found in this region, on the south-western tip of New Zealand.
First discovered by the Maori, then by European explorer, Captain Cook in 1773, it is a place where legend still lingers in the often mist-shrouded landscape of the fiords, from which the region takes its name.
Fiordland earned its reputation as the ‘walking capital of the world’, with the many excellent walking tracks that traverse its dramatic landscape. Coach and boat transfers access the major tracks, including the Great Walks: the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Track. These tracks offer a sense of freedom and escape seldom found in the world today.
The townships of Te Anau and Manapouri are convenient bases to access any of the walking tracks within Fiordland National Park. The Fiordland National Park is a mountainous area and can experience rapid changes in the weather. It is important to always contact the DOC visitor centre for the latest info about facilities and conditions.
For more information
Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
Lakefront Drive, PO Box 29, Te Anau
t 64 3 249 7924 f 64 3 249 7613
Te Anau
The attractive town of Te Anau lies nestled on the edge of Lake Te Anau, with a spectacular backdrop of Mt Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains. Te Anau provides a full range of services to visitors, and is the closest service base to Milford Sound, with a scenic 2½ hour drive from Te Anau to Milford. A wide range of accommodation within Te Anau offers over 4000 beds to weary travellers. The township offers seven day shopping facilities. Local cafés and restaurants provide a variety of dining options, from fish & chips to fine dining, and the opportunity to sample local specialities of venison and lobster. There are plenty of activities ensuring visitors can find things to do while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and picturesque surroundings.
Manapouri
Only 20 minutes from Te Anau, Manapouri is framed by the Cathedral and Hunter Mountain ranges. The township is situated on the shores of Lake Manapouri and is a popular stop on the Southern Scenic Route. Manapouri is also the gateway to the scenic wonders of Doubtful and Dusky Sound. Visitors to these areas must first cross Lake Manapouri’s island studded waters.
It is also the starting point for many walking tracks and kayaking, fishing and hunting excursions.
Milford Sound
Wet or fine Milford Sound 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 this amazing fiord.
No wonder Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the eighth wonder of the world!
Milford is by far the best known of the fiords, and the only one that can be reached by road. The fiord is approximately 16km from the ‘head’ to the open sea, which means visitors can comfortably travel via one of the cruise operators out to the Tasman Sea and return in only 1½ to 2 hours. Cruises run daily and overnight packages are also available. Spectacular kayaking and diving trips are very popular in the fiord along with the opportunity to visit the Underwater Observatory.
Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound 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 rich bush clad walls. Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords at 421m deep, and is long and winding with three distinct arms between Deep Cove and the open sea – a distance of over 40 kilometres.
So, while the unparalleled scenery of this UNESCO-rated World Heritage area is the major drawcard, there is a great deal more to be discovered and enjoyed in Fiordland, New Zealand.
For more information visit www.fiordland.org.nz
Fiordland i-SITE Visitor Centre
Lakefront Drive, Te Anau
T: 64 3 249 8900 f 64 3 249 7022