Fiordland National Park is the largest national park in New Zealand and one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on earth. Covering 1.2 million hectares in the southwest corner of the South Island, it is part of the UNESCO-listed Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area — a vast landscape of ancient rainforest, glacier-carved fiords, towering waterfalls and some of the most remote terrain in Australasia. Within its boundaries lie two of New Zealand's most famous destinations: Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Two of the country's greatest multi-day hikes — the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track — thread through its valleys. And deep within its wilderness, rivers teem with trout and waterfalls appear by the hundred after rain.
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At a Glance
Size1.2 million hectares
UNESCOWorld Heritage Site
Main TownTe Anau
From Queenstown2 hrs to Te Anau
Milford Sound4 hrs from Queenstown
RainfallUp to 9m/year
Great WalksMilford & Routeburn Tracks
Nearest AirportQueenstown (ZQN)
Things to Do
Milford Sound Cruise
The crown jewel of Fiordland. Cruise beneath Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls, spot fur seals and dolphins. The fiord is spectacular in all weather — rain creates hundreds of temporary waterfalls that cascade down the cliff faces.
Must DoDoubtful Sound
Three times the length of Milford Sound and far less visited. Reached by boat across Lake Manapouri and bus over Wilmot Pass. An overnight cruise here is one of the most profound wilderness experiences in New Zealand — silence, stars and complete isolation.
RemoteMilford Track
Described as "the finest walk in the world." This 53.5km Great Walk takes 4 days from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound, passing through glacial valleys, over alpine passes and through ancient rainforest. DOC hut passes sell out months ahead — book early.
Multi-DayRouteburn Track
Another of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Routeburn runs 32km between Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks over 2–4 days. Remarkable alpine scenery above the bushline and one of the South Island's finest tramping experiences.
Multi-DayKayaking the Fiords
Paddle through Milford or Doubtful Sound at water level for an intimate perspective on the towering cliffs and waterfalls. The Sunriser Kayak at dawn in Milford Sound — when the fiord is completely still — is considered the finest way to experience it.
ActiveTe Anau Glowworm Caves
Journey by boat across Lake Te Anau and into an underground limestone cave system lit by thousands of glowworms. A magical and genuinely uncrowded alternative to Waitomo. Tours depart from Te Anau township several times daily.
NatureBook Fiordland Tours
Milford Sound cruises and Great Walk hut passes sell out months ahead in peak season.
Essential Fiordland Tips
- Base yourself in Te Anau: Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland and far better base than trying to day-trip from Queenstown. Staying overnight allows early starts and avoids the worst crowds at Milford.
- Book Great Walks early: Milford Track and Routeburn Track hut passes open in October for the following season and sell out within days. Book the day bookings open if the walks are on your list.
- Milford Road can close: The road to Milford Sound closes without warning due to avalanche risk, flooding or rockfall. Always check nzta.govt.nz before travelling and have a backup plan.
- No mobile coverage: There is no phone signal at Milford Sound or much of the Milford Road. Download maps, tell someone your plans and carry emergency supplies.
- Rain is good: Fiordland receives some of the highest rainfall in the world. Rain creates hundreds of spectacular temporary waterfalls. Embrace the weather — the park is beautiful in all conditions.
- Sandflies: The sandflies at Milford Sound are legendary. Bring strong insect repellent, wear long sleeves and cover up. They are tiny, persistent and bite hard.
