Fiordland
Beautiful & Awe-Inspiring
Fiordland, in the far south-west corner of the South Island, is one of the southern hemisphere’s great wilderness regions, achieving World Heritage status for the power of its stunning natural features, which never fail to enthral travellers. Waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into massive fiords; ancient rainforest clings impossibly to the mountains; shimmering lakes and implacable granite peaks have been there for thousands of years. Milford is by far the best known of the fiords, and the only one accessible by road. Whether you are driving, flying or walking into Milford, the vista that awaits you is both beautiful and awe-inspiring.
Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords at 421 metres. Practically untouched by man, it has a deep sense of solitude and serenity, and is a haven for nature, with resident Bottlenose Dolphins, Fur Seals and Penguins.
The attractive town of Te Anau is the main visitor base for Fiordland National Park. It lies on the edge of the serene deep waters of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island and second largest in New Zealand.
The lakeside town of Manapouri also provides a base for journeys into the glacier-carved wilderness. Lake Manapouri is the second deepest lake in New Zealand and has a large hydro-power station at the end of its west arm.
There are many activities in this area including the great hikes – the Hollyford, Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks, cruising the Sounds, kayaking, day and multi-day hikes, exploring glow worm caves, wilderness fly-fishing and superb helicopter flights to remote coastlines.
Experience Fiordland
- Cruise on Milford and Doubtful Sounds
- Visit the Underwater Observatory at Milford Sound
- Tour the Manapouri Underground Power Station
- Enjoy one of the many guided walks in the area
- Visit the Te Anau glow worm caves
- Watch Ata Whenua, a cinematic experience of Fiordland at the cinema in Te Anau
Here is a small selection of the accommodation available in the Fiordland area, but we have many alternative Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs, Motels and Lodges to suit all tastes and budgets.
Lakefront Lodge, Te Anau
With an excellent location on the shores of Lake Te Anau and just a pleasant two-minute lake-front walk to restaurants, banks, and the town centre, this modern motel offers superior accommodation and friendly, helpful service. The Studio and One-Bedroom Units are all on the ground-floor and have King beds, en-suite bathrooms, kitchens, Sky TV and free Wifi. There is a guest laundry and barbecue. Continental breakfast is also available on request.
Deluxe Studio
All Studio Units have a King bed and a Single bed so they can sleep 1-3 guests.
Executive One Bedroom Unit
The One-Bedroom Units have a King bed in the bedroom and a King Single bed with a pull-out trundle bed in the lounge. This unit can sleep 1-4 guests.
Cabot Lodge, Near Manapouri
Set on 2,000 acres bordering the Fiordland National Park and overlooking Lake Manapouri, Cabot Lodge is the perfect base to explore Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Fiordland’s iconic hiking, fishing and kayaking. The four-bedroom luxury lodge can accommodate ten guests, with panoramic mountain and lake views from each suite and all desired amenities including luxurious linens, plush robes and slippers, hair straightener and dryers, elegant stationary, fresh fruit and baking, and a well-stocked minibar.
Rates are all-inclusive, with guests receiving a drink on arrival, authentic on-farm experiences; including beekeeping and farm tours, cocktail hour, farm-to-plate produce with a multi-course evening meal and extensive cooked breakfast, daily fresh fruit and baking, personalised minibar, and complimentary laundry service. Guests can also enjoy the lodge library, spa pool, hiking trails, and private jetty on the Waiau River for romantic picnics, fishing, or float-plane flights.
Premier Room
The elevated Premier Suite enjoys views over Lake Manapouri and the surrounding mountains through double height windows. The open-plan suite offers a spacious and comfortable living area and a beautifully-designed kitchen and dining area overlooking the Lodge’s rose garden. The en-suite has a clawfoot bathtub, spacious shower, and panoramic views.
Deluxe Suite
The excellently appointed Deluxe Suite has unobstructed views over the farm, Lake Manapouri and surrounding mountains with guests able to watch sheep grazing from the comfort of their Super-King bed. It has a generously sized dressing room, a separate office, and an open-plan living area with an inviting daybed and open fireplace. The en-suite provides breathtaking views from the
clawfoot bathtub and spacious shower. The Suite is situated beside an outdoor deck, perfect for al fresco dining and evening drinks.
Deluxe Courtyard Suite
The Deluxe Courtyard Suite offers a spacious open-plan living area, which flows through to the en-suite and comfortable bedroom, with its luxurious Super King bed (or two singles if preferred), elegant timber writing table, and second large picture window. Doors open out onto a private outdoor courtyard overlooking Lake Manapouri and the surrounding mountains.
Two Bedroom Suite
The elevated Two-Bedroom Suite offers adjoining rooms with a shared bathroom overlooking the farm and Takitimu mountain range. Each bedroom has a Super-King bed (which can be split into singles), timber writing table, and generous wardrobe. It also has a sitting area with elevated views of the courtyard, Lake Manapouri and the surrounding mountains.
High Leys Lodge, Patience Bay Te Anau
Located four kilometres from Te Anau along the Milford Road, High Leys is set in five acres of established garden with panoramic views of Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park. High Leys has three double rooms and guests have access to a large guest lounge to relax and enjoy the ever-changing outlook. All day tea and coffee-making facilities are available, complimented with delicious home baking. The terrace and outside courtyard areas also offer a tranquil place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
A gourmet à la carte breakfast is provided each morning, and a complimentary glass of NZ wine and cheese platter are served each evening. Much of the fresh produce is either home-grown or sourced locally.
All en-suite amenities are salon grade eco.logic with certified Fairtrade ingredients, and packaged in recycled plastic bottles
Luxmore King Room
The largest of the rooms, with a Super-King bed and stunning views of the garden towards the north end of Lake Te Anau, and across to Mount Luxmore. The room also has an outdoor deck with seating, a flat screen TV and complimentary WiFi.
South Arm Room
This room has stunning lake views over the garden and to the South Arm of Lake Te Anau where you can watch the boats cruising. It has a King bed, flat screen TV, walk-in wardrobe area and en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower. There is a large terrace to the front of the house which accesses the garden, and a courtyard to the rear which offers an alternative sheltered space to sit and relax.
Takitimu Room
The Takitimu room has a Queen bed, flat screen TV, complimentary WiFi and a beautiful view over the garden.
Milford Sound Lodge, Milford Sound
Milford Sound Lodge is set within the heart of Fiordland National Park, just minutes from Milford Sound and the Milford Track. Nestled in a lush rainforest setting beneath the Darran Mountains, the lodge has an enviable front-row seat overlooking the Cleddau River.
With a collection of modern, luxurious Chalets and a tranquil campervan site, the Lodge offers something to suit all budgets. Choose a Chalet with mountain or river views or a two-Bedroom Garden Chalet Suite, ideal for families or small groups.
Lodge facilities include Pio Pio Restaurant, guest laundry, communal kitchen for campers and Guest Lounge with Satellite WiFi.
Mountain View Chalet
Thoughtfully positioned with all the comforts of home, including a Super-King bed, en-suite with shower, flat-screen TV, fridge/freezer, tea and coffee-making facilities, parking at your door and stunning views of Milford Sound mountains and rainforest.
Riverside Chalet
These beautifully-designed luxury chalets have stunning views of the river, rainforest, and mountains. They have a Super-King bed and sofa bed suitable for children, en-suite with bath and shower, kitchenette, flat screen TV and parking at your door.
Two Bedroom Garden Chalet
These Suites are the perfect options for friends or family groups accommodating up to five people in two separate bedrooms with a Super-King bed in the master room, twin beds in the second room and a roll-away bed. They have a kitchenette with a fridge/freezer, microwave, tea and coffee-making facilities, spacious lounge, bathroom, frame TV and views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest.
Rainforest Campervan Park
A rare opportunity awaits when you stay the night at the campground which is designed for self-contained motorhomes. After the tour buses have left, you can make the most of the quiet moments in the fiord.
Fiordland Experiences
Some of the experiences available in Fiordland are outlined below, but there are many, many more, so please ask for details of any other activity you would like to include during your stay.
Doubtful Sound Overnight, Manapouri
Enjoy an overnight cruise on board the Fiordland Navigator with private cabins, spacious viewing- decks, kayaks and tender craft excursions on offer. Take in stunning views of waterfalls, abundant wildlife, rainforests and mountains while exploring Doubtful Sound.
Following a short cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach trip on the remote sub-alpine route over Wilmot Pass you will board the Fiordland Navigator at Deep Cove for a very special overnight wilderness cruise experience. There is plenty of time to soak up the stunning surrounds and to discover the hidden arms of Doubtful Sound. Bottlenose dolphins often ride the bow waves, fur seals bask on the rocks, and at times, rare penguins make an appearance.
You anchor at a sheltered mooring for the night giving you the opportunity to kayak around the shoreline, go exploring in the tender craft with your nature guide or simply relax on deck. A buffet is served in the evening showcasing some of the region’s finest produce. After enjoying a hearty breakfast the next morning there will be more time to explore before returning to Deep Cove and retracing your steps to Manapouri.
Duration: Departs 12.30 on Day 1 and return 13:00 on Day 2
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise, Manapouri
From Manapouri cruise across Lake Manapouri to West Arm before boarding a coach and crossing the alpine route of the Wilmot Pass through some of Fiordland’s most dense rainforest. On reaching Deep Cove board the modern catamaran, Patea Explorer for a 3-hour cruise exploring the waterways of this serene and isolated fiord. A nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region’s history, flora and fauna will provide a detailed commentary. On the return cruise, the vessel’s engines are turned off and you are treated to the ‘sound of silence’.
Duration: 7.25 hours
Milford Sound Overnight on the Fiordland Jewel, Milford Sound
There is no better way to soak up the majesty of Milford Sound than an overnight experience aboard the Fiordland Jewel. Built by the owner himself, this 24-metre, high spec catamaran features a helipad, top-deck hot tub and nine climate-controlled cabins all with en-suite bathrooms and majestic fiord or sea views. You’ll have opportunities for kayaking and tender boat excursions, eat delicious meals cooked by the onboard chef, in comfortable and elegant dining and seating areas, and experience genuine Kiwi hospitality. Fiordland Jewel provides a truly special way to experience the incredible beauty of Fiordland.
Departs Milford at 4.20pm on Day 1 and returns to Milford at 9am on Day 2
Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Cruise the full length of the fiord on a modern, purpose-built day cruise vessel with comfortable indoor seating and amazing views through large windows or the outdoor decks have 360-degree views – perfect for photographers to snap basking New Zealand fur seals, dolphins or penguins. You’ll get close to the sheer rock walls and stand under the Stirling Falls for a glacial facial! The passionate skipper will provide an entertaining nature commentary from the wheelhouse, while the boat hosts are on hand for a chat and to answer any questions.
Duration: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Milford Track Giant Gate Guided Walk
Soak up the grandeur of the world-famous Milford Track on this guided, 11-kilometre return walk to Giant’s Gate Falls. This New Zealand Great Walk is suitable for all abilities and there is much to see and hear. From the ancient canopy trees towering above to the emerald-green ferns below and the birdsong that echoes through the trees, it is a unique World Heritage Area best explored by foot.
Departing from Milford Sound, the walk begins with a short boat ride to Sandfly Point. The walk then meanders alongside the cascading Arthur River through lush rainforest to Giant Gate Falls. This spectacular waterfall is best viewed from the large swing-bridge spanning the river. Walking at an easy going pace in a small group, your knowledgeable nature guide will point out the native plants and birds inhabiting this lush environment, and share the track’s stories, bringing the history of the area to life. On completion of the walk, you’ll re-join the boat for the transfer back to Milford.
Duration: 5 Hours 30 Minutes
fiordland great walks
Three Great Walks from Te Anau
The ultimate hiking package, where you walk through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring and diverse landscapes. With Te Anau as your base each evening, this package offers three days of fully guided Great Walk experiences on the best parts of the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks. Each of these premier walks showcases different sides of Fiordland, passing through spectacular scenery from native forests, lakes and rivers to mountain views, vast fiords and lush valleys. Each day you will be accompanied by a friendly, patient, local guide who has a deep affinity for all things outdoors and will provide a safe, enjoyable walk.
DAY 1: Kepler Track – Guided Heli Hike
You’ll begin your first day with a spectacular flight by helicopter from Te Anau Township, over the hidden lakes to arrive at Luxmore Hut. The walk begins in the alpine tussock fields with mountain views, then descends through magnificent beech forest and under towering limestone bluffs, on a well-formed track. The effects of different altitude and weather conditions experienced in Fiordland are clear to see, as the trees and undergrowth quickly change. We finish this hike at the sandy beach of Brod Bay, the pick-up point for the water taxi back to Te Anau township.
DAY 2: Milford Track – Guided Walk and Boat Cruise
Soak up the grandeur of a guided walk to Giant Gate Waterfall on the world-famous Milford Track.
From Milford Sound, you’ll take a short boat ride to Sandfly Point. The walk meanders alongside the cascading Arthur River through lush rainforest to the Giant Gate Falls. This spectacular waterfall is best viewed from the large swing bridge spanning the river. There is much to see, from the ancient trees towering above, to the vibrant ferns and mosses, plus the array of birdlife inhabiting this lush environment.
On conclusion of the guided walk, you’ll complete the Milford Sound experience with a two-hour scenic small boat cruise for the afternoon. With indoor and outdoor spaces on the boat, you can be sure you will get some great viewing opportunities, including the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers, rainforest, and Mitre Peak in all its grandeur.
DAY 3: Routeburn Track – Key Summit Great Walk
Today’s guided walk is to Key Summit on the renowned Routeburn Track Great Walk. This spectacular trail ascends through lush, temperate rainforest and onto the summit which is covered with a field of unique alpine herbs. From the summit, you will experience panoramic views of snowy mountains, alpine lakes, and deep, glacier-carved, bush-clad valleys. Lunch is enjoyed here, or alongside Lake Howden.
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