Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
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- pakabayAdelaide, Australia2,500 contributionsScenic CruisingWe spent a day last week cruising the Fiordland National Park, including Milford, Thompson, Doubtful , Dusky Sounds, aboard Royal Princess. A park ranger provided expert & entertaining commentary during the day, at appropriate times which certainly added to the enjoyment and education. We were blessed with sunshine at times and managed to get through the day without any rain. For those looking to do a similar cruise and, who like me wondered if it would be a cursory taste of the area, be assured that this was a day packed with unbelievable sights, an in depth educational guide, all from the comfort of your balcony or any of the public spaces, indoors & out on the decks. A relaxing & comfortable day of scenic cruising.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 11, 2024
- BigMerkGlasgow, United Kingdom2,707 contributionsGorgeous sceneryI was onboard the Royal Princess which spent a day scenic cruising thru Fiordland National Park. The sheer volume of gorgeous scenery throughout the day was amazing. There was a Park Ranger on board and he provided a good commentary on the journey. No photo will do justice to the reality. So glad that I got to experience this in such good weather.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten March 4, 2024
- need2trvlMiamisburg, Ohio843 contributionsOne of the most beautiful UNESCO sites ever!One of the most beautiful and unspoiled places we have ever visited. Just Magnificent. We did this via cruise ship. We visit Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sound. We saw a number of bottlenose dolphins. The naturalist on board said this is the most farthest south that bottled nose dolphins can be found in the world. The only way to see this national Park is usually by plane or by boat. Weather can change quickly as we saw during our day. We entered the sound with rain. It made for a beautiful waterfalls that were so numerous I couldn't even keep the count. We saw seals. All kinds of birds. Including a couple of penguins. It was the highlight of our New Zealand trip.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 16, 2024
- MasterP007Sevierville, Tennessee1,480 contributionsWowza! No one lives within 125 miles of this masterpiece.We were lucky enough to be on a cruise that explored three of the sounds of this New Zealand national park. I always thought the Greek Islands or Scottish Highlands were the places I’d recommend going to if you could only go to one. These fjords in the South Island are now my go to recommendation. Unbelievably gorgeous! Can be rainy at times that would limit visibility.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Allan Lindsay
Dunedin, New Zealand6 contributions
Apr 2022
We travelled by bus from Te Anau to meet our boat in Milford. The coach driver Brian was a fountain of local knowledge. The scenery was spectacular both on the way to Milford and including the Homer tunnel. The boat trip out into the sound /fjord was great to be a psart off including a dunking under a waterfall while in the boat!
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaroslav Nečas
Brno, Czech Republic1,619 contributions
Dec 2019
I bought 1 hour helicopter trip from Te Anau over lake, fjords and mountains with 2 stops, one in the small bay between mountains and the other on the top of the mountains. I ahve seen so many sceneries in the middle of untouched nature.
I will remeber this experience for all my life!
I will remeber this experience for all my life!
Written November 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli B
Sydney, Australia3,539 contributions
Oct 2019
Its a combination of 4 national parks in the bottom left corner of NZ . Its a massive wilderness covering 2.6 million hectares recognised around the world for its unique geological and ecosystems. Its vas well a significant cultural epicentre revered by the local Ngai Tahu people. Stunning vistas float into sight to be replaced by even more stunning tableaux . Te Anau is the gateway township to Fiordland National Park, perfect for whiling away a couple of days and nights.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FredRocha
Rio de Janeiro, RJ74 contributions
Jan 2020
Simply wonderful place and definitively one of my top ten places I have visited in the world. You have an incredible number of scenery views that will make you lost your breathing, many wonderful tracks for hiking, an incredible landscape, and many beautiful lakes, complemented with many options as attractions as canoeing, kayaking or cruising in a boat. Doubtful a place to visit in the world and unmissable if you visit New Zealand.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gordon R
34 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Our 10 day boat cruise on Dusky Sound on the MV Pembroke with Mitch and Amber was one of life's best experiences. Dusky sound is one of the remotest parts of New Zealand and the only link with the outside world is either a satellite phone or daily ship radio broadcasts.
It's pristine.
The Pembroke is a small (but very comfortable) boat so you can just bring along your own friends. The captain and chef will kind of dial in the places and things you want to do - and also the food you want to catch! This team were one of the first organisations to run charter tours on dusky sound. You can get as raucous as you want (no neighbours!) but integrity and responsibility for our country and its fisheries underpins the experience.
I should also add that on our trip the food was just brilliant. The kind of creativity I wish Auckland restaurants could achieve.
It's pristine.
The Pembroke is a small (but very comfortable) boat so you can just bring along your own friends. The captain and chef will kind of dial in the places and things you want to do - and also the food you want to catch! This team were one of the first organisations to run charter tours on dusky sound. You can get as raucous as you want (no neighbours!) but integrity and responsibility for our country and its fisheries underpins the experience.
I should also add that on our trip the food was just brilliant. The kind of creativity I wish Auckland restaurants could achieve.
Written November 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Uday Kumar H
Kolkata (Calcutta), India1,909 contributions
Jan 2020
Fiordland National Park-Historical and Categorically Important
While going to Milford Sound on 3 January 2020 the tour manager of Thomas Cook said the bus driver to stop the bus at a place where we saw a signboard ‘Fiordland National Park”.
This Park is in the southwest corner of the South Island of New Zealand. This park is one the largest 14 national parks in New Zealand. The Fiordland National Park is administered by the Department of Conservation.
We crossed a tunnel to reach Milford Sound. The name of the tunnel is ‘Homer Tunnel’ which is 1.2 km (0.75 miles) long in the Fiordland region. The tunnel was opened in 1953. New Zealand State Highway 94 passes through the tunnel, linking Milford Sound to Te Anau and Queenstown. The long tunnel was created by piercing the Darran Mountain range at the Homer Saddle. I repeat that Milford Road (SH 94) is the only main road into the park.
While going to Milford Sound on 3 January 2020 the tour manager of Thomas Cook said the bus driver to stop the bus at a place where we saw a signboard ‘Fiordland National Park”.
This Park is in the southwest corner of the South Island of New Zealand. This park is one the largest 14 national parks in New Zealand. The Fiordland National Park is administered by the Department of Conservation.
We crossed a tunnel to reach Milford Sound. The name of the tunnel is ‘Homer Tunnel’ which is 1.2 km (0.75 miles) long in the Fiordland region. The tunnel was opened in 1953. New Zealand State Highway 94 passes through the tunnel, linking Milford Sound to Te Anau and Queenstown. The long tunnel was created by piercing the Darran Mountain range at the Homer Saddle. I repeat that Milford Road (SH 94) is the only main road into the park.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lenaf_NZ
Avondale, New Zealand303 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We came here on our honeymoon. Drove through on the way to the Sounds.
Stunning scenery. Recommend eglinton lookout, mirror lakes, falls creek, marian swing bridge and walk, pops lookout and monkey creek.
Also beware of the Kea...kept trying to jump into our car and I got pecked on the head when I opened the door to check i they were off the roof! Cute but very bold birds
Stunning scenery. Recommend eglinton lookout, mirror lakes, falls creek, marian swing bridge and walk, pops lookout and monkey creek.
Also beware of the Kea...kept trying to jump into our car and I got pecked on the head when I opened the door to check i they were off the roof! Cute but very bold birds
Written September 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tonisan
Barcelona, Spain758 contributions
Feb 2023
Yes. It's paradise in New Zeland. Few words can describe it. Amazing, gorgeous, stunning, etc.....
The panoramic road between Te Anau and Milford Sound offers you a broad range of experiences you had never imagined. Eglinton Valley (LOTR), Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, etc.... Buffff, we stayed only one day but you would need, at least, one week
The panoramic road between Te Anau and Milford Sound offers you a broad range of experiences you had never imagined. Eglinton Valley (LOTR), Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, etc.... Buffff, we stayed only one day but you would need, at least, one week
Written March 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicky
24 contributions
Feb 2022
We had an amazing time visiting Fiordland National Park. We spent three nights on the Kepler track (Luxmore Hut, Iris Burn Hut, Moturau Hut) after a day exploring Milford Sound. We could easily have spent another week or two exploring the region, and look forward to returning for other adventures.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
casacollins26
Christchurch, New Zealand15 contributions
Jan 2022
The visitor centre has a useful map of the 25 points of interest before the Homer Tunnel. The Cascade Creek loop walk through centuries-old native beech forest is not to be missed. The walk up to the viewing point for Humboldt Falls is also nice, but some might be put off by the 17km drive on unsealed road.
Written January 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you drive due west from Christchurch at this time of the year? Are the roads good?
Written September 25, 2018
All roads in New Zealand are in excellent condition. Driving is a pleasure there and road rules are observed by all. Check the winter condition when some roads are blocked. We were there during March and had no problems driving all over the South Island
Written September 29, 2018
Recommendations of places to stay overnight in the area of fjord land n.p.?
Written July 15, 2018

LibbyH1
Cincinnati, Ohio
3 contributions
We stayed in Queenstown which a few hours away and drive there for the day.
Written July 18, 2018
We want to spend a few days exploring Milford & Doubtful Sounds, plus this National Park... what is the best locale to base ourselves in.. ... Te Anu? (We cannot afford the beautiful Milford Lodge). We will have own transport and expect to 'day trip' out from a home base.
Written October 11, 2016
We found Te Anu a great place to stay, plenty of dinner options and cheaper accommodation. We travelled by car from Te Anu to Milford at 6.30am to miss all the coaches and there was plenty of parking still available when we got to the Sound at 8.30am. The glow worms caves at Te Anu area definite must see!
Written October 13, 2016
What public transportation is available? Can we get there by Intercity Bus?
Written August 14, 2016
By road it is at least 4 1/2 hours from Queenstown. Getting there depends on where you are staying and if you want to stay in the area at all. Te Anau is on the border of Firdland National Park has lots of places to stay and many tours from there as well.There are many day tours from Queenstown to the Park which usually include a cruise of Milford Sound. It takes about 13 hours start to finish and is around $200.00. You get to enjoy the views on the drive. The options are endless once you get to New Zealand.
Written August 15, 2016
We have 5 hours in Te Anau after our Doubtful sound trip before our glow worm tour. What should we do? Kepler Track? Eglinton Valley? A helicopter ride to Milford Sound?
THANKS!
Written December 17, 2014
Since the roads are VERY slow (2 lane, winding) driving somewhere will eat up your time. You can pick up a helicopter in Te Anau and view the Sound.
Written December 17, 2014
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