Fiordland, Milford and Doubtful Sounds

Fiordland, in the far south-west corner of New Zealand, has achieved World Heritage status and is renowned for its vast 1.2 million hectares of national heritage park, the splendour of Milford and Doubtful Sounds and its great hikes (the Hollyford, Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks). There are many activity options here; cruising the Sounds, kayaking, day and multi-day hikes, exploring glow worm caves or enjoying wilderness fly fishing and superb helicopter flights to remote coastlines. The forest is dense cool climate rain forest and magnificent in the variety of trees, moss and fern species. The drive from Te Anau into Milford Sound is spectacular and well worth the 1 1/2 hours it takes. Stop enroute for views and short hikes; a relatively easy day walk in the Hollyford Valley or a steep climb up to Lake Marion. From Te Anau, the first section of the Kepler Track is a lovely and easy lakeside walk.

Te Anau

The township of Te Anau is beautifully situated on Lake Te Anau. Neighbouring Manapouri is equally picturesque but much smaller with fewer services. For dining, we recommend Redcliff Restaurant or the Sandfly Cafe for lunch. If you have time to spare go to the local cinema to see the almost hourly screenings of Ata Whenua, a journey through Fiordland.

A Hiking Paradise

Fiordland is home to more great walks and hiking trails than any other region in New Zealand; the Hollyford, Humpridge, Milford, Keppler and Routeburn Tracks to name a few. These are multi-day hikes often with options to stay overnight in comfortable "private huts" with a chef, wine, food, bathroom facilities and private or shared bedrooms. You can also undertaken portions of the tracks as guided day walks, returning to your Te Anau lodge at night.