Fiordland
Known as the sightseeing and walking capital of the world, Fiordland National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Area, is a stunningly beautiful region, covered by forest, scarred by ice-carved fiords, framed by mountains, and topped off by pristine lakes. Here you will find Mitre Peak, the stunning fiords of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, the beautiful lakeside towns of Te Anau and Manapouri and the Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Tracks.
Established in 1952, the Fiordland National Park is a local and international treasure.
Established in 1952, the Fiordland National Park is a local and international treasure.
ManapouriLake Manapouri is New Zealand’s most spectacular lake. Manapouri has many sandy beaches, over thirty islands, and three main arms perfect for kayaking.
Manapouri also has many options for walking from short walks, day walks and overnight walks or try a spot of trout fishing. A cycle track runs between Lakes Manapouri and Lakes Te Anau following the Waiau River that connect the 2 lakes. In the 1960’s a power station development proposed to raise Lake Manapouri by 30 metres and merge Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau. The ecological damage this would cause became apparent to many New Zealanders and protests became widespread and passionate. Lake Manapouri was saved by the people of New Zealand in the 1970’s when 264,907 New Zealanders, almost 10% of the population signed the “Save Manapouri Campaign” petition and won and heralded the begining of conservation in New Zealand. It is one of the worlds most beautiful lakes and remains that way today thanks to the “Save Manapouri Campaign” which in itself has become part of the history of Fiordland National Park. Fiordland activitiesJust some of these include:
There are many activities to enjoy in Fiordland that are free so enjoy spending a few extra days in Fiordland enjoying the many short walks, fishing or taking advantage of the awesome photographic opportunities. Doubtful SoundDoubtful Sound is a vast untouched wilderness that you can explore by cruise across Lake Manapouri. The sound is the largest fiord in the Fiordland National Park and is home to Fur Seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins and other flora and fauna.
Milford SoundMilford Sound is the best known of the fiords, and can only be accessed by road. It is just over a 2 hour drive to the head of the fiord where you can board a scenic boat cruise that will not leave you disappointed! Home to the spectacular Mitre Peak, and described as the eighth wonder of the world, here you will see cascading waterfalls, fur seals, rare Fiordland Crested Penguins, and dusky dolphins.
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Fiordland Great WalksParts of these walks can be done as half day or full day walks.
Routeburn Track - "Beautiful Beyond Words" Kepler Track - "Adventure Above The Clouds"
Milford Track - "The Finest Walk in the World"
Te AnauThe Manapouri township is located less than a 20 minute drive from Te Anau, making it an ideal day out. Nestled beside the serene waters of Lake Te Anau – the largest lake in the South Island, Te Anau is known for its fine restaurants and has 7-day-a-week shopping.
The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is a 10 minute walk from the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre on the lakefront. Here you can view native birds such as the Takahe, Kaka, Tui, Kea and the Parakeet. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves provide a magical underground experience. Board a boat across Lake Te Anau then follow your guide through the caves to discover an amazing world of rock formations. Then climb into a small punt and glide through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto to see thousands of tiny glowworms lighting up the caverns like stars in the sky. |