Name: Te Anau
Rating: 3.8

Fiordland National Park, Te Anau Overview

The power of Fiordland’s untouched splendour and the scenery never ceases to enthrall travellers. It is among the most beautiful and dramatic parts of New Zealand. Now over 1.2 million hectares, Fiordland National Park was established in 1952. It encompasses rainforests, lakes, and mountains. The Department of Conservation in New Zealand administers this National Park. The variety of plants and animals that have developed relative isolation in the region are unique to the area, leading to a high rate of endemism.

Human activity is limited within the national park region. Initially, it was a hunting ground for the Maori, who also caught pounamu (New Zealand Jade) from the river and fish from the sea. The fiords later provided shelter to European whalers and sealers who built small settlements in the region. Yet, the fact that the fiords have the wettest climate in New Zealand, the incredible isolation and the sheer steepness of the terrain deterred all but the toughest from settling in the region.
Fiordland found a home in the most significant conservation debates in New Zealand in the 1960s when it was proposed that the levels of Lake Manapouri be raised at the west arm to assist hydroelectric power generation. However, the government ultimately bent under the weight of several petitions and gave statutory protection to the Fiordland National Park by passing a bill in the 1970s.

Best Time To Visit Fiordland National Park

The best time to visit Fiordland National Park completely depends on what activities you wish to indulge in. If you wish to enjoy the magnificence of the fiords in their sunny glory, then summer is the best time. A few rainy days may hit you even during the summer months and offer a spectacular view of the forest region.

If you love the snow and want to try your hand at skiing, then visit during the winter season. To visit the snow-covered valley, the months between June to October are the best, indeed. You can experience the winter wind fading away from the fiords during spring. If you visit during the spring season, you can indulge in hiking through the green hills blooming with life.

Things to Do at Fiordland National Park

The Fiordland National Park has sea vistas, pristine mountains, rugged granite tops, lakes and valleys along with spectacular ice-carved fiords. There are numerous activities to indulge in here, including:

Enjoy hiking through the trails while you enjoy the scenery.
Pack a picnic and enjoy it while you look at the stunning Mitre Peak rising above the Milford Sound.
Experience the best of nature and wildlife photography.
Witness marvellous marine scenes with the black coral which is an underwater delight at the shallower depths in Fiordland.
Experience the world-renowned walks through Routeburn Track, Milford Track and Kepler Track.
Cruise through the splendour of Doubtful Sound.
Go scuba diving at Milford Sound if you’re into adventure sports. The sea-life along with the cool waters will make it an experience of a lifetime.

How To Reach Fiordland National Park

You can access the Fiordland National Park from many points or on the adjoining roads between Milford Sound and Te Anau, Manapouri and Te Anau and Tuatapere and Manapouri.
You can take a walk from Manapouri or Te Anau and easily reach the park.
Alternatively, hike through the Routeburn Track from Queenstown area.