FIORDLAND & QUEENSTOWN
This region is the adventure capital of New Zealand, home to glacial lakes, towering mountains, and the dramatic, ancient fiords of Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Experience world-class thrills and breathtaking natural beauty in one unforgettable South Island corner.
Why Visit Fiordland & Queenstown?
Ultimate Adventure: Queenstown is the global hub for adrenaline, offering bungy jumping, jet boating, and world-class skiing.
Fiordland’s Majesty: Cruise the spectacular, mist-shrouded waters of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound for an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Stunning Alpine Scenery: Explore Lake Wakatipu, Wanaka’s lakeside towns, and towering peaks like The Remarkables and Mitre Peak.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (March-May, September-November): Ideal for hiking and scenic drives. You’ll find pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, and stunning autumn foliage or spring bloom.
Deep Off-Season (June-August): This is Peak Winter season. Queenstown becomes a lively ski resort. Book well in advance. Fiordland can be very wet, but the dramatic waterfalls are at their best.
Peak Season (December-February): Summer brings the best weather for all activities, but expect higher prices, crowded trails, and busy booking for popular cruises and excursions.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Queenstown
The undisputed “Adventure Capital of the World,” this vibrant town sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the towering Remarkables mountain range. It offers a massive range of activities, from bungy jumping and canyon swings to fine dining and lively nightlife.
Your Smart Tip: To save time and money on peak attractions, consider purchasing a combo pass for activities like the Skyline Gondola & Luge and various water sports before you arrive.
Wanaka & Central Otago
A quieter, more laid-back alternative to Queenstown, Wanaka is set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Aspiring National Park. It’s famous for “That Wanaka Tree” and is a gateway for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the Central Otago wine region’s incredible Pinot Noir.
Your Smart Tip: For an easier drive with beautiful scenery, take the scenic Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka (ensure your rental agreement covers it and drive carefully in winter).
Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound
This UNESCO World Heritage Area is dominated by ancient rainforest and deep fiords carved by glaciers. Milford Sound, featuring the iconic Mitre Peak, is the most famous spot. Doubtful Sound offers a more remote, quieter experience with immense scale.
Your Smart Tip: The drive on the Milford Road (SH94) is one of the most beautiful in the world. Allow a full day for the return journey from Queenstown, and be sure to fill up on petrol in Te Anau.
Te Anau
Known as the ‘Gateway to Fiordland,’ this small town on the shore of Lake Te Anau is the closest major settlement to Milford and Doubtful Sounds. It’s the perfect base for multi-day hikes like the Milford, Routeburn, and Kepler Tracks.
Your Smart Tip: If you want to experience the famous multi-day hikes, book your hut passes with the Department of Conservation (DOC) as soon as bookings open, as they sell out within minutes.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is strongly alpine. Summers (Dec-Feb) are mild to warm (up to 25ºC) Winters (Jun-Aug) are cold with heavy snow in the mountains (around 0ºC to 8ºC in Queenstown). Fiordland is one of the wettest places on earth, receiving rain year-round.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: English is the main language. Māori place names are common and should be pronounced respectfully (e.g., Wakatipu is pronounced “wah-kah-tee-poo”).
Great Walks: If hiking a Great Walk, follow the DOC ‘Leave No Trace’ principle and be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Driving: Always pull over to let faster traffic pass on single-lane scenic roads. Be extremely cautious of ‘Black Ice’ in winter.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($35–$60), mid-range hotels ($150–$250), luxury ($300+). Prices double or triple during peak season/ski season.
Food: Lunch café/takeaway ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($35–$60 per person), fine dining ($80+).
Transport: Car rental ($40–$80/day), local bus (Queenstown/Wanaka) ($4–$10).
Activities: Milford Sound cruise ($90+), Bungy Jump ($200+), Ski lift pass ($150–$180).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $100–$150 (hostels, basic self-catering/small meals, free hikes).
- Mid-range: $180–$300 (mid-range hotel, restaurant meals, 1 paid activity).
- Luxury: $350+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, multiple premium activities/tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car is the most flexible way to explore both Queenstown-Lakes and Fiordland. Be aware of mountain passes (Crown Range) and winter driving conditions.
By Bus/Coach: Excellent coach services connect Queenstown to Te Anau, Wanaka, and further to Christchurch/Dunedin. Essential for getting to and from the famous hiking tracks.
By Air: Queenstown International Airport (ZQN) is a major hub connecting to the rest of New Zealand and Australia.
Must-Try Food
Fergburger: Queenstown’s world-famous, massive gourmet burger. (Expect a long queue.)
Pāua Fritter: A patty made of minced Abalone/Pāua (pron. pah-oo-ah), often found at takeaway shops.
Venison: Locally farmed deer meat, often served in pies, as a steak, or in gourmet sausages.
Gourmet Pizza: Queenstown has excellent pizza places, often using local ingredients.
Whitebait Fritter: A seasonal delicacy in Fiordland, these are small, transparent fish fried in a simple egg batter.
Lamb: New Zealand is famous for its tender lamb, often slow-roasted or served as cutlets.
Hāngi: While traditionally Māori, some tourist operators offer a hāngi (food cooked underground) experience.
L&P (Lemon & Paeroa): A quintessential Kiwi soft drink, a lemonade-like beverage.
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream with small, solid lumps of honeycomb toffee.
Afghans: A classic Kiwi biscuit (cookie) made with cornflakes, cocoa, and topped with chocolate icing and half a walnut.
Kiwi Pies: Savoury pies, usually beef mince or steak and cheese, available everywhere.
Must-Try Drinks
Central Otago Pinot Noir: World-renowned red wine, known for its complexity and deep flavour.
Craft Beer: Queenstown has a thriving craft brewery scene (e.g., Altitude Brewing, Searchlight Brewery).
Sauvignon Blanc: While primarily from Marlborough, it’s widely enjoyed in the region.
Pinot Gris: A popular white wine from the Central Otago region.
Speight’s Gold Medal Ale: A classic South Island brew, very popular in pubs.
Hot Chocolate: Essential après-ski in winter; many cafés serve luxury versions.
Flat White: New Zealand’s signature coffee; an espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
Ginger Beer: Non-alcoholic, spicy, and refreshing.
Feijoa Smoothies: Made from the unique New Zealand fruit (pron. fay-joh-ah), a seasonal treat.
Lemon and Paeroa (L&P): A sweet and fizzy local soft drink (as listed in food section).