FIORDLAND PARK & MILFORD SOUND
Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest, a monumental landscape of sheer granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and deep, dark fiords. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it embodies a raw, untouched wilderness.
This ancient, rugged land was sculpted by glaciers, resulting in a dramatic, awe-inspiring beauty that captivates every visitor. It is the definitive home of the powerful and iconic Milford Sound.
Most Popular Attractions
The Fiords and Sounds:
Milford Sound (Piopiotahi): The most famous fiord, renowned for its dramatic sheer cliffs, stunning waterfalls (like Stirling and Bowen), and iconic Mitre Peak. Must be experienced by boat.
Doubtful Sound (Patea): A larger, wilder, and more remote fiord, known for its serenity, high rainfall, and large pod of resident bottlenose dolphins.
Mitre Peak: The iconic, towering mountain peak on the edge of Milford Sound, instantly recognizable and a symbol of Fiordland’s majesty.
Bowen Falls: The highest and most visible permanent waterfall in Milford Sound, plunging 162 meters from a hanging valley into the fiord.
Stirling Falls: A majestic, seasonal waterfall in Milford Sound, standing 151 meters tall, where cruise boats often sail close for a shower.
Cascade Creek: A scenic area between Te Anau and Milford, known for its tranquil, mirror-like surface and easy-to-access walks.
Deepwater Basin: The departure point for most Milford Sound cruises, offering immediate views of the surrounding mountains and marine life.
Hiking and Trails (The Great Walks and Day Hikes):
Milford Track: Known as “the finest walk in the world,” this four-day Great Walk ends at Milford Sound, traversing mountains, rainforests, and suspension bridges.
Routeburn Track: Another world-class Great Walk on the park’s northern edge, famous for its alpine passes and panoramic views of the Hollyford Valley.
Kepler Track: A circular Great Walk starting and finishing near Te Anau, offering views of the lake, mountains, and Fiordland’s unique beech forest.
Key Summit Track: A popular, rewarding 3-hour return side trip from the Routeburn Track, offering spectacular 360-degree alpine views.
Lake Marian Track: A challenging but highly rewarding track leading to a stunning alpine lake cradled in a hanging valley.
Gertrude Saddle: A challenging, semi-technical route popular with experienced hikers, offering views over the dramatic Darran Mountains.
Chasm Walk: A short, easily accessible walk near Milford Sound leading to a series of powerful, sculpted waterfalls and unique rock formations.
Unique Sites and Driving Attractions:
Homer Tunnel: A 1.2 km long, unlined tunnel carved through solid rock, the gateway to Milford Sound and a major engineering feat.
Mirror Lakes: Small lakes on the road to Milford Sound that, on a still day, perfectly reflect the Earl Mountains, creating stunning photo opportunities.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves: Located across Lake Te Anau, a unique underground experience where you travel by boat through a dark grotto filled with thousands of tiny glowworms.
Eglinton Valley: A broad, U-shaped valley created by glaciers, known for its golden tussock grasses and being a key filming location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Lake Te Anau: The largest lake in the South Island, serving as the gateway town for most Fiordland activities and the starting point for the Kepler Track.
Lakes Manapouri & Te Anau: Two large, deep lakes that frame the eastern edge of the national park, offering boat access and scenic lookouts.
Shimmering Peaks and Tāwhiti Rahi: The vast, high mountain range and valleys, often covered in mist, that characterize the region’s interior wilderness.
Wildlife Viewing: Fiordland is home to unique species, including bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals (often seen basking near the fiords’ entrance), and the rare flightless Takahe bird.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Milford Sound Cruise: Experience the majesty of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi from the water. Cruises range from budget-friendly to luxury overnight options, offering spectacular views of Mitre Peak, waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen Falls, and local wildlife.
Hike the Milford Track (The Great Walk): Complete the world-famous, multi-day track (53.5 km) from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. Note: Bookings for this Great Walk are essential and open months in advance.
Kayak in Milford or Doubtful Sound: Rent a kayak or join a guided tour to paddle beneath the sheer cliffs and waterfalls, offering a silent, intimate connection with the fiord’s dramatic landscape.
Hike a Day Section of the Routeburn Track: Access the Routeburn Track (another Great Walk) from The Divide, near Milford Sound, and hike to Key Summit for stunning alpine and valley views.
Visit the Underwater Observatory: Descend 10 meters beneath the surface in Milford Sound to see rare black coral, sponges, and marine life in their natural, dark habitat.
Fly Over the Fiordland Wilderness: Take a scenic flight (plane or helicopter) over the park for a breathtaking aerial view of the fiords, snow-capped mountains, and glacier-fed lakes, often landing on a remote glacier.
Explore Doubtful Sound (Patea): Take a longer, quieter, and more remote cruise or overnight excursion into the massive Doubtful Sound, known for its serenity and frequent dolphin sightings.
Walk the Kepler Track (The Great Walk): Complete a shorter section or the entire multi-day track (60 km) loop from Te Anau, offering diverse landscapes from lake shores to mountain ridges.
Go Deepwater Diving or Snorkeling: Explore the unique underwater environment of the fiords, characterized by a dark tannin layer that allows deep-sea species like black coral to grow near the surface.
Take the Lake2Lake Cycle Trail: Rent a bike in Te Anau and cycle the scenic trail that follows the Waiau River, connecting Lake Te Anau with Lake Manapouri.
Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves: Take a boat trip across Lake Te Anau to a subterranean world where you can view thousands of tiny glowworms in an underground grotto.
Look for Wildlife: Keep an eye out for dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin (Tawaki), particularly around the fiord entrances.
Local Tips & Transport
Driving the Milford Road (State Highway 94):
Essential Experience: The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is a destination in itself. Allow at least two hours non-stop, but plan for 3-4 hours to stop at scenic points like the Mirror Lakes, Hollyford Valley lookout, and the Chasm.
Fuel & Supplies: There is no fuel station between Te Anau and Milford Sound. Fill up your tank and carry food/water.
Safety: The road includes the Homer Tunnel, a one-way, unlit tunnel. Drive cautiously, be aware of weather-related closures (especially in winter due to snow/avalanches), and always check road conditions (e.g., on the NZTA website) before setting off.
Cruises and Coaches: Most people combine transport with their cruise by booking a coach and cruise package from Te Anau or Queenstown. This eliminates the stress of driving and navigating the Homer Tunnel.
Parking: Parking at Milford Sound (especially for cruises) can be expensive and fills up quickly, particularly in summer. Arrive early or use the shuttle bus service from the main parking lot.
Sandflies (Ngāro Wēwē):
Be Prepared: Fiordland is famous for its dense population of sandflies, especially near the water and in shaded areas. They are a significant annoyance.
Protection: Wear long sleeves and trousers, and use a strong insect repellent with DEET. Don’t leave exposed skin untreated.
Weather and Rainfall:
Embrace the Rain: Fiordland is one of the wettest places in the world. Rain is common, but it’s often when the fiords are at their most spectacular, with hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down the sheer cliffs.
Bring Layers: Weather changes quickly. Pack waterproof and windproof outerwear, regardless of the forecast.
A Māori Cultural Connection: The Māori name for Milford Sound is Piopiotahi (the place of the single piopio bird), and for Doubtful Sound it is Patea (the silent place). Respect for the land, or kaitiakitanga, is deeply ingrained.
Accommodation and Booking:
Te Anau: This is the main gateway town for the park, offering the most choice for accommodation, dining, and supplies.
Milford Sound: Accommodation is very limited and expensive. Book well in advance if you plan to stay overnight.
Great Walks: The multi-day hikes (Milford, Routeburn, Kepler) have very strict quotas. Hut and campsite bookings must be secured immediately when they become available (usually around June).
Hidden Gems:
Eglinton Valley: Located on the Milford Road, this glacier-carved valley features vast grasslands and offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunrise.
Cascade Creek: A beautiful, accessible, short walk that meanders through beech forest and alongside a crystal-clear stream—a great spot for birdwatching.
Lake Manapouri: Often overshadowed by Lake Te Anau, the boat trip across this lake is the first step on the journey into Doubtful Sound and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Chasm: A powerful waterfall that has carved spectacular swirling shapes into the rock. It’s a short, accessible stop on the road to Milford Sound.
Cell Service: Cellular service is extremely limited or non-existent once you leave Te Anau. Enjoy the digital detox, and let others know your plans before you head into the park.
Top Restaurants
Redcliff Café [$40-$70] – A long-time local favorite set in a charming early settler’s cottage, known for its focus on simple, yet tantalizing New Zealand cuisine, especially wild Fiordland venison and local seafood.
The Fat Duck Gastropub [$35-$60] – A modern gastropub experience in the town center, offering an extensive menu of contemporary New Zealand flavors, with standout lamb, venison, and award-winning chef-crafted meals.
MacKinnon Room [$50-$80] – Located in the Distinction Hotel, this offers a more romantic, fine-dining experience with stunning views of Lake Te Anau and a menu combining European and New Zealand dishes.
Pio Pio Restaurant & Bar (Milford Sound Lodge) [$40-$70] – The premier dining option actually within Milford Sound, offering a beautifully set restaurant and bar where you can enjoy local produce and contemporary New Zealand fare for dinner, lunch, or breakfast.
Fiordland Lodge Restaurant [$70-$120] – A highly-regarded, upscale dining experience located just outside Te Anau, offering spectacular views and a multi-course menu focused on Southland’s finest ingredients.
The Ranch Bar & Grill [$25-$45] – One of Te Anau’s busiest and most reliable spots for a relaxed evening meal, serving hearty pub-style food like steaks, burgers, and Fiordland venison with local beers on tap.
The Moose Bar & Armadillos Restaurant [$25-$45] – A classic, family-owned Kiwi pub right on the lake, offering good honest pub grub and a lively atmosphere perfect for a casual drink or meal.
Alpine Centre Cafe & Bar [$20-$35] – A popular stop for a quick bite or takeaway, known for offering decent cafe fare and what some consider the best value fish and chips in town.
Miles Better Pies [$8-$15] – A local institution famous throughout Southland for its gourmet, gravy-dripping pies, including regional specialties like Venison, perfect for a quick and satisfying takeaway lunch.
Bailiez Cafe & Bar [$20-$35] – Offers a spacious, cozy atmosphere with comfortable booth seating and a menu that caters to families, serving up reliable and hearty casual fare.
Naturally Fiordland [$20-$35] – A charming and highly-praised eatery that focuses on delicious food and cozy atmosphere with generous serving sizes, a great choice for reliable Kiwi comfort food.
Manapouri Lakeview Motor Inn Cafe & Bar (Manapouri) [$25-$45] – Located in the nearby settlement of Manapouri, this is a local’s spot offering simple, reliable dining and a bar for those staying outside of Te Anau.
Ditto [$20-$40] – A casual but creative spot serving fresh, Asian-inspired street food with a “south-meets-east” fusion approach, famous for its flavourful bao buns and loaded fries.
Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso Da Toni [$25-$45] – An authentic Italian restaurant famous for its wood-fired pizza cooked right in front of you, with traditional and unique local variations like venison pizza.
Thai Anau Restaurant & Take Away [$20-$35] – A reliably good Thai restaurant offering generous portions of classic curries and noodles, available for both a relaxed dine-in experience or a quick takeaway.
Radha’s Indian Restaurant [$20-$35] – Offers delicious and authentic Indian cuisine, known especially for its distinctive rich flavors and highly-praised, traditionally cooked naan bread.
La Toscana Pizzeria [$25-$45] – Te Anau’s original Italian restaurant, serving up traditional and unique pizzas and pasta since 1990, with a takeaway option that is very popular with travelers.
Ming Garden Chinese Restaurant [$25-$40] – A reliable and decent Chinese restaurant, offering a familiar taste of Asian cuisine for those looking for a change from the local Kiwi fare.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Fat Duck Gastropub: Located centrally in the lakeside township of Te Anau, this popular gastropub offers a warm welcome and a great selection of New Zealand beers, wines, and standard bar spirits, making it a perfect spot for post-hike refreshments.
The Ranch Bar & Grill: Situated in the heart of Te Anau, this long-standing local favourite is a relaxed spot that often hosts live entertainment and DJ tunes on weekends. It has a dedicated ‘Top Bar’ with a pool table, dance floor, and a separate bar, making it the closest thing to a lively club/pub atmosphere in town.
Black Dog Bar: Found within the Fiordland Cinema complex in Te Anau, this sophisticated yet casual bar boasts an impressive local wine list, a cosy open fire, and a good selection of whiskeys and spirits. It’s an ideal place for a quieter, more intimate evening drink before or after a movie.
Pio Pio Restaurant & Bar: This is the only licensed establishment directly in Milford Sound, located within the Milford Sound Lodge. It offers a refined sanctuary with a bar serving wine and spirits in a setting surrounded by the wilderness, perfect for enjoying a drink after the day-trippers have left.
Redcliff Restaurant and Bar: A favourite spot for locals and visitors in Te Anau, the Redcliff is known for its excellent food but also features a bar with a focus on local, Central Otago, and New Zealand wines, providing a high-quality evening venue.
Bailiez Cafe & Bar: A casual dining and drinking option in Te Anau’s town centre, providing a relaxed spot for a glass of wine or beer.
Te Anau Club: A social club in Te Anau that welcomes visitors and is proud of its bar area. It often features a range of craft beers (including its sole distribution of FWF Pale Ale) and offers free activities like pool and darts, providing a communal, friendly atmosphere.
The Ranch Bar & Grill – Top Bar: As the closest venue to a club, the ‘Top Bar’ within The Ranch in Te Anau includes a spacious dance floor, a pool table, and a separate bar, often featuring live entertainment and DJ tunes on Saturday and Sunday evenings until late.
The Fat Duck Gastropub: This pub in Te Anau’s centre occasionally hosts live music, especially during the summer, providing a vibrant atmosphere for an evening out.