Fiordland National Park Area

Travel Guide

Fiordland National Park showing a cascade, mountains and a bay or harbor
Mitre Peak which includes a sunset, a bay or harbor and mountains
Milford Sound which includes a lake or waterhole, mountains and a sunset
Mitre Peak which includes mountains, a bay or harbor and a pebble beach
Fiordland National Park which includes boating, a bay or harbor and mountains

Explore this outstanding region and its enchanting bays by boat, kayak or on foot to see soaring sea cliffs, pristine forest and abundant wildlife. 

World-class hiking, dramatic coastline and a magnificent landscape of snow-dusted mountains make the Fiordland National Park one of New Zealand’s most spectacular destinations. 

Te Anau is the small town known as the gateway to Fiordland. This jumping-off point offers accommodation options and adventure-tour agencies. Choose from a range of exciting activities, including sightseeing cruises and helicopter flights. While most attractions are at least a 2-hour drive from town, there are some sights nearby. Head to the Glow Worm Caves where an underground grotto is lit up by the shimmering insects. 

Among the most visited locations in the Fiordland National Park is Milford Sound. This giant inlet was gouged by glaciers and is flanked by tree-covered cliffs rising high above the water. Take a boat cruise or rent kayaks and explore the sound at your own pace. However you get onto the water, be sure to keep watch for dolphins. Come during winter when the skies are clearer to give yourself the best chance of viewing the picture-perfect Mitre Peak. Back on land, stop off at the pier to visit the Underwater Discovery Centre to view vibrant deep-water corals and anemones. 

If you are looking to escape the busier areas, take a longer boat trip through the other sounds. Join the overnight trip around Doubtful Sound, known as the Sound of Silence, to immerse yourself in the tranquility of this pristine area. 

The park is something of a magnet for hikers, with the Milford Track on almost every Kiwi walker’s bucket list. Pack well if you plan on walking the track as you will almost certainly experience rain over the 4-day trek. You will also find great shorter trails around Lake Manapouri. 

Fiordland National Park is accessible by car from Queenstown. The summers in Fiordland are often hot and dry, while snow is common in winter. Snow chains are essential if you plan to drive in the mountains.

Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels

Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels

4.5 out of 5
77 Manapouri - Te Anau Highway, Te Anau
The price is ¥5,678 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥5,678
¥6,668 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star eco-certified holiday park in Te Anau. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Spectacular view, tidy room and amazing location"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels
Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Distinction Luxmore Hotel

4 out of 5
Corner Mokonui Street & Main Street, Te Anau
The price is ¥20,054 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
¥20,054
¥23,093 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Te Anau. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Right next to the bus stop for Milford Sound tour. Nice restaurants inside"

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2025

Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Fiordland Hotel

Fiordland Hotel

3 out of 5
1 Burnby Drive, Te Anau
Fully refundable
The price is ¥11,513 per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
¥11,513
¥13,240 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Te Anau. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (583 reviews)
"Just like other comments suggest. The premises are a bit dated but the room and bathroom were clean and everything was working. I did not have any problems sleeping. Distance from the city centre is an issue and the nearest cafe is 500m away. Since there is no restaurant/breakfast in-house, this ..."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Fiordland Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Birchwood Cottages

Birchwood Cottages

3 out of 5
208 Milford Road, Te Anau
Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Fiordland Cinema and Luxmore Jet are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (156 reviews)
"Lovely quaint cottages. Great value for money."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025

Birchwood Cottages
You deserve the comfort, warmth & style of this clean family house.

You deserve the comfort, warmth & style of this clean family house.

Te Anau
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Te Anau. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fiordland Cinema and Luxmore ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (152 reviews)
Comfortable, quiet, clean
"The house was perfect. The beds were warm, the living room and kitchen area was a nice, roomy setup, and the location was terrific. Everything was great."

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2025

You deserve the comfort, warmth & style of this clean family house.
CUTE & COSY, CLOSE TO TOWN & LAKE

CUTE & COSY, CLOSE TO TOWN & LAKE

Te Anau
Stay at this vacation home in Te Anau. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Fiordland Cinema and Luxmore Jet are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"Neat & tidy cottage, very clean, easy to heat. Central to Te Anau's main shopping area & easy walk to the lake front. Older house but more than adequate for our enjoyable stay over the weekend. Very well equipped. Would very happily stay here again.Glenys"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

CUTE & COSY, CLOSE TO TOWN & LAKE
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Fiordland National Park Area