Top Things to do in Fiordland National Park
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Fiordland National Park, South Island
Hailed by Rudyard Kipling as "the eighth wonder of the world," the breathtaking Milford Sound is the star of glacier-carved Fiordland National Park, providing an emerald-green and waterfall-rich backdrop for hiking, biking and kayaking. Frequent downpours only enhance this South Island beauty, sending numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. Passionate nature lovers book in advance to hike the 33-mile Milford Track, a legendary route through alpine passes and temperate rainforest.
Restaurants in Fiordland National Park
1. Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 658 reviews
Reviewed By 67arda - North Shore, New Zealand
we did both kepler and routeburn tracks = such a gem of an area and so pristine - lovely to meet full of like minded folk along the way who equally enjoyed taking the time to fully breathe in the environs ....tip - take your time and keep camera charged !
2. Lake Marian Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By StephenSue - Canberra, Australia
Having come straight from the Key Summit Walk, we didn't have the fitness or time for another long trek, and just did the short 20 minute hike to the falls. This is one of the best returns you'll get for a hike - there's heaps of parking, toilets, a great swing bridge entry across a spectacular river, a short mostly flat walk alongside the river and through some nice forest, and then a boardwalk hanging out over the falls. You could just about push a pram here if needed, but this short, easy walk also makes it very popular with tour groups, so be prepared to share the path. A nice short walk to finish off a long day, or for those who want a bit of a walk and some views without the effort on the way to, or from, MIlford Sound.
3. Gertrude Saddle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By KazSydAustralia - Sydney, Australia
This is no ordinary NZ tramp. Tough because it does not have a normal track. Mostly rocks, streams, snow and everything in between. Best not to take young children because of the terrain. Just make sure you are fit and properly equipped. Good boots, nordic walking sticks, snacks, water bottle etc. Extraordinarily beautiful views along the way and right at the top, provided the weather is good on the day. So please check forecast before starting. So good luck.
4. Lake Te Anau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,092 reviews
Reviewed By 151Sunseeker67 - Tauranga, New Zealand
So peaceful and beautiful, a must see on a south island trip and a peaceful contrast to the hussle and bussle of Queenstown. Plenty of places to stay and quite a few options for food as well as a good supermarket.
5. Mirror Lakes Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Crispforest - Hobart, Australia
A short walk in the Fiordland with Lake Matheson vibes, Gondwanan plants and lots of birds. The perfect stop to stretch your legs between Te Anau and Milford Sound!
6. The Chasm Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 619 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By ksufan88 - Wichita, United States
This is a very easy loop walk (slightly uphill for the first half) from the parking area that affords excellent views of a dramatic waterfall with several interesting rock formations. One of my wife’s personal favorites was the holes that have been created in the rocks by pebbles. There are ferns and other plants to observe along the walk. Total time to walk round trip is 20-30 minutes.
7. Ivan Wilson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
8. Lake Gunn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Arriving at the Cascade Creek car park (toilet here) we started the 30 minute loop track to Lake Gunn. Some of the Southern Beech trees in this forest are at least 600 - 700 years old and are amazing. The walk to the lake was easy and we were joined by a couple of cheeky NZ Robins. Well worth the stop to see these giant trees.
9. Lake 2 Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
The Lake2Lake trail runs alongside Lake Te Anau and the East side of the Waiau river towards Lake Manapouri. The total length to Manapouri will be 28km. The first 19km from Te Anau to Balloon Loop and last 4.7km from Manapouri to Supply Bay Road is now open for walkers, runners, cyclists and any other non-motorised transport (e-bikes welcome).
Reviewed By klvmar
We rented bikes from Wild Rides in downtown Te Anau and embarked on a beautiful ride, past Lake Te Anau and along the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri. Most of the trail was easy, but there were a few hairpin curves that were a bit much for us, as 70-year-old senior citizens. But overall, it was a great ride. My favorite remembrance of the trail was at a viewing platform on the Lake Te Anau Control Structure (in other words, a dam) where this warning was posted: "Danger: No Jumping Off the Wall: Extreme Danger Below". Next to this warning was another sign that read "Darwin Awards Candidate". Pretty funny!
10. Punanga Manu o Te Anau
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 104 reviews
Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is set on the shores of Lake Te Anau, and is an easy 15 minute walk from the Te Rua-o-te-Moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. Take a peek at some of Fiordland’s special birds that are difficult to see in the wild. A great place for children and families, the sanctuary is open to the public from dawn to duck. Entry is free for self-guided visitors, but a donation is appreciated to help with the running of the sanctuary. Join DOC rangers for the daily feeding tours to observe and learn about these unique birds, including the rare flightless takahē – a ‘must see’ for Fiordland visitors. Daily feeding tour times: Summer: 9:30 am (1 October - 31 March) Winter: 10:30 am (1 April - 30 September
Reviewed By Gabs00000
Wonderful sanctuary in Te Anau. We walked in at the perfect time to watch the Kaka's been fed, and saw many other rare birds. The conservationist was lovely and let us feed some birds, and was very informative. We planned on spending about 20 minutes here, but stayed well over an hour. The information on each type of Manu was very interesting!! Free entry, but it was a pleasure to give a donation to such a wonderful Sanctuary. Thankyou
