10 Interesting Facts Every Visitor Must Know About Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a masterpiece crafted by Mother Nature herself. With 14 stunning fiords, including the renowned Milford Sound, the park is a treasure trove of natural wonders. According to Māori beliefs, it was shaped by the demi-God Tu-te-raki-whanoa, but regardless of its origins, the park represents the pinnacle of biodiversity.

Covered in ancient trees and rocks with centuries of stories, the land is a haven for beautiful and rare birds and animals. Encounter seal pups, penguins, dolphins, and even the occasional breaching whale during your trip. The forests are adorned with diverse shrubs, ferns, mosses, lichens, and the majestic black coral trees, some of which are over 200 years old.

For nature enthusiasts, the park is the ultimate playground. Explore the skies, waters, forests, and mountains with scenic flights via helicopter or vintage biplane. Cruise over the serene Manapouri and Te Anau lakes. Witness the beauty of Milford Sound on an unforgettable overnight cruise. Marvel at the glow worm caves, and embark on a scenic road trip along the mesmerizing Milford Road. Dive into the fiords, kayak to gushing waterfalls, or fish on the tranquil lake. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the breathtaking sunrise over Milford Sound at dawn.

Fiordland Park is a place of endless adventure, where each day brings new wonders to explore. One visit won't be enough to fully appreciate the magnificence of this natural masterpiece.

Key Features and Highlights:

Fiords and Glaciers: The park is famous for its deep, glacier-carved fiords, including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. These majestic waterways are surrounded by towering cliffs and lush rainforests, creating a breathtaking and serene environment.

Milford Sound: Often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," Milford Sound is the most well-known and visited fiord in the park. It offers stunning views of waterfalls cascading down the sheer cliffs and is a popular spot for boat cruises and kayaking.

Doubtful Sound: Larger than Milford Sound and less visited, Doubtful Sound is equally captivating, providing a more secluded and tranquil experience for visitors.

Te Anau: The town of Te Anau, located at the gateway to Fiordland National Park, serves as a base for many travelers exploring the area. It is situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island.

Kepler Track: One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Kepler Track is a 60-kilometer (37-mile) hiking trail that takes visitors through stunning landscapes, including beech forests, alpine ridges, and valleys.

Milford Track: Another Great Walk, the Milford Track is a world-renowned hiking trail that offers an unforgettable journey through glacial valleys, rainforests, and mountain passes, culminating in the spectacular views of Milford Sound.

Wildlife: Fiordland National Park is a haven for diverse wildlife. Visitors may spot fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, penguins, and a variety of bird species, including the iconic kea, the world's only alpine parrot.

Remote Wilderness: Much of Fiordland remains untouched and inaccessible, contributing to its pristine and remote wilderness status.

Sutherland Falls: Among the park's many waterfalls, Sutherland Falls stands out as one of the tallest in New Zealand, cascading from a height of 580 meters (1,904 feet).

Glowworm Caves: The park is also home to some stunning glowworm caves, including the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where visitors can take guided boat tours to witness these bioluminescent creatures light up the darkness.

Tips for Visitors:

- Fiordland National Park experiences a temperate and wet climate, so it's essential to pack appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions.
- To experience the best of the park, consider taking guided tours, especially for activities like boat cruises and multi-day hikes.
- Respect the natural environment and adhere to park regulations to help preserve this pristine wilderness for future generations.

How to get to Fiordland National Park:

There are different ways to reach the national park – suitable for every budget.

By Car: Drive from Queenstown to Te Anau via State Highway 6 or you can choose State Highway 94. The latter is a longer route, which takes more than 2.5 hours, however it is extremely scenic.

By Plane: During the summer season, you have the option of three flights a week that go from Queenstown to the Te Anua airport. If you’re flying from Auckland and Wellington, the closest airports to fly to are Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill.

By Bus: From Queenstown to Te Anua you can catch the daily bus to the national park.

Fiordland National Park is a place of awe-inspiring beauty, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.