Fiordland National Park Area

Travel Guide

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

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
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! (1,001 reviews)
"We upgraded to a cabin with private bath and it was lovely! We overlooked the lake and enjoyed sitting on the balcony!"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels
Lakeside Motel & Apartments

Lakeside Motel & Apartments

3.5 out of 5
36 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau
The price is €81 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
€81
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Te Anau. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Luxmore Jet and Fiordland National Park Visitor ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Very peaceful and quiet location. Older building with modernised fitout. Has all the amenities one wants with kitchen, microwave etc. Just a great place to stay. Walkabke to town center, beautiful view of the lake and mountains"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Lakeside Motel & Apartments
Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments

Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments

4 out of 5
42 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau
The price is €151 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
€151
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Te Anau. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (785 reviews)
"Nice room lots of space, nice views of the lake, easy walk to town."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments
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.
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! (38 reviews)
Great home and location
"52 Matai St was everything we needed for our short stay in Te Anau. Warm and inviting right in the heart of town. A short and easy walk to the town centre and the lake.Will definitely be back when we can!!!"

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

CUTE & COSY, CLOSE TO TOWN & LAKE
Lake View Weekend Getaway

Lake View Weekend Getaway

Te Anau
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Te Anau. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Fiordland Cinema and Fiordland ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
"Lovely property, perfect for our two families. A few minor issues but owners very responsive. 25min walk to town."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Lake View Weekend Getaway
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 1 Jun 2025

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