Fiordland National Park Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Hikes, Tips & More!

Fiordland National Park is easily one of the most awe-inspiring places in New Zealand — and visiting it was one of the most memorable weekends we had during our two-month trip around the country. Whether you’re joining a tour from Queenstown or self-driving and exploring slowly like we did, Fiordland is worth the journey.

In this Fiordland National Park travel guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your visit — including the best things to do, top hikes, how to get there, where to stay, and tips to help you make the most of your time.

Book a trip to in Fiordland National Park here!

Why You Need to Visit Fiordland National Park

If there’s one place in New Zealand that feels truly untouched, it’s Fiordland National Park. With glacier-carved fjords, ancient rainforests, towering mountains, and endless waterfalls, it’s a region that doesn’t just impress — it humbles you.

Whether you’re hiking to alpine lakes, cruising through Doubtful Sound, or just driving the Milford Road with no destination in mind, Fiordland invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature in its rawest form. This is the kind of place that stays with you — long after the rain, the mist, and the quiet have passed.

We based ourselves in Manapouri, did the full-day Doubtful Sound cruise, drove the incredibly scenic route to Milford Sound, hiked the Lake Marian track, and stopped everywhere we could along the way — waterfalls, lookouts, forest trails.

Top Things to Do in Fiordland National Park

There’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences in Fiordland National Park — from cruising iconic fjords to hiking through ancient rainforests and discovering hidden alpine lakes. Below are some of the best things to do in Fiordland, each offering a different way to experience this wild, remote corner of New Zealand.

Visit or Cruise through Milford Sound

Cruising through Milford Sound is the most iconic experience in Fiordland National Park. Towering cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and dramatic weather make this fjord breathtaking year-round. Whether you get mist, sun, or steady rain, the scenery is always incredible — and many say it’s even more spectacular in wet weather.

Book your trip to Milford Sound here!

The cruise is only part of the adventure. The drive to Milford Sound is just as rewarding, taking you through a landscape of deep valleys, hanging glaciers, and lush forest. You’ll pass scenic pull-offs like Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, and Pop’s View — all worth a stop.

Mini Travel Guide:

• Location: Milford Sound, at the end of the Milford Road (SH94)
• How to Get There: ~2 hours by car from Te Anau or ~4.5 hours from Queenstown. Tour buses and day trips also operate daily.
• Cruise Duration: Most cruises run 1.5 to 2.5 hours
• Experience Type: Choose from standard scenic cruises, nature-focused tours, or overnight options
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round; expect rain more often than not
• Tip: If time allows, self-drive to give yourself flexibility for scenic stops

Learn more about Milford Sound with my complete travel guide!

Cruise Doubtful Sound

Often described as Milford’s quieter cousin, Doubtful Sound offers a completely different experience — one that feels more remote, peaceful, and untouched. Getting there is more involved, but that’s what keeps it so special. It’s the best things I did while visiting Fiordland National Park in New Zealand.

Book your Doubtful Sound cruise here!

The journey begins in Manapouri, where you’ll take a boat across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach ride over the stunning Wilmot Pass. From there, you’ll board the cruise boat and explore the fjord’s vast, misty waters. During our trip, it rained for most of the day — and it was perfect. Waterfalls flowed from every cliff face, and the silence out on the water was unforgettable.

Mini Travel Guide:

• Location: Departures from Manapouri
• How to Get There: ~20 minutes by car from Te Anau; most operators include transport logistics
• Cruise Duration: Full-day (approximately 7–8 hours including transfers)
• Experience Type: Day cruise or Overnight cruise
• Best Time to Visit: November to April for longer daylight; still stunning year-round
• Tip: Bring layers and waterproofs — it’s often wet, and that’s a good thing

Learn more about Doubtful Sound with my complete travel guide!

Hike the Lake Marian Track

Tucked off the Milford Road, the Lake Marian hike is a rewarding forest-to-lake trail that feels completely immersed in Fiordland’s raw nature. The trail begins with a swing bridge over Marian Creek and quickly climbs through dense, mossy forest — with birdsong, running water, and towering beech trees surrounding you the whole way.

Learn more about the Lake Marian Hike with my trail guide!

We hiked this trail during our time between Milford and Doubtful and it ended up being one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring parts of our trip. The lake itself sits in an alpine basin surrounded by sharp peaks and waterfalls — quiet, still, and absolutely worth the effort to reach.

Mini Travel Guide:

• Trailhead Location: Marian Corner, off Hollyford Road
• Trail Type & Distance: Out-and-back, ~6 km return
• Time Required: 2.5 to 3 hours roundtrip, depending on pace and stops
• Difficulty: Moderate — includes some steep, rooty sections and a short rope-assisted climb
• What to Bring: Waterproof shoes, rain jacket, water, and snacks
• Tip: Visit in the morning for fewer people and a better chance of clear lake reflections

Drive the Milford Road

Even if you never board a cruise, the Milford Road is worth the journey on its own. This scenic drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound passes through some of the most dramatic and varied landscapes in New Zealand. Waterfalls pour from cliff faces, valleys open into glacier-carved terrain, and the road itself is often hugged by mossy forest and mirror-like rivers.

Book a rental car to self-drive the Milford Road here!

We took our time driving this route, pulling over often to soak in the views. The road ends at Milford Sound — there’s no through traffic — so it’s ideal for slow travel. Plan at least half a day to enjoy the drive without rushing, or split it up over two days if you want to hike along the way.

Mini Travel Guide:

• Route: Te Anau to Milford Sound (State Highway 94)
• Distance: ~120 km one way
• Drive Time: ~2 to 2.5 hours without stops (plan for 4–6 hours roundtrip with sightseeing)
• Key Stops: Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, Lake Gunn Nature Walk, Monkey Creek, Homer Tunnel
• Best Time to Drive: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer tour buses
• Tip: Fill up with fuel and snacks in Te Anau — there are no services along the way

Additional Things to Do in Fiordland National Park

If you have more time in Fiordland or want to experience it in different ways, here are a few additional activities to consider:

• Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Take a boat across Lake Te Anau and explore underground caves illuminated by native glowworms. A great option for rainy days.
• Kayaking in the Sounds – Join a guided kayak tour in Milford or Doubtful Sound for a quieter, water-level view of the fjords. Some overnight cruises offer kayak options.
• Scenic Flights Over Fiordland – Fly in a small plane or helicopter for a jaw-dropping aerial view of the fjords, alpine lakes, and waterfalls. Flights depart from Te Anau or Queenstown.
• Lake Hauroko & Wairaurahiri River Jet – For an off-the-beaten-track adventure, explore New Zealand’s deepest lake and take a jet boat down to the southern coast.
• Walk the Kepler Track (Section Hike or Full Loop) – One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, accessible right from Te Anau. You can do a short section or tackle the full 60 km loop.
• Birdwatching at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary – See native species like the takahē, kaka, and kea. It’s free, open daily, and great for families or quieter afternoons.

How to Get to Fiordland National Park

One of the most common questions in planning a trip to Fiordland National Park is how to actually get there. It’s one of New Zealand’s most remote regions — and that’s part of its magic. While some travelers visit on guided tours, this Fiordland National Park travel guide highly recommends self-driving if you want flexibility, freedom, and the ability to stop anywhere along the way.

From Queenstown to Fiordland National Park

Queenstown is the most common gateway to Fiordland. From here, it’s about:

• 2 hours to Te Anau (the closest town to Fiordland National Park)
• 4 to 5 hours to Milford Sound
• 2.5 hours to Manapouri (the departure point for Doubtful Sound cruises)

The drive from Queenstown to Te Anau is straightforward and incredibly scenic — wide-open valleys, turquoise lakes, and dramatic peaks greet you along the way. Renting a car gives you the ability to travel on your own schedule and make stops en route. Campervans are also a great option for extended trips into Fiordland.

Fiordland National Park Day Tours vs. Self-Drive

If you’re short on time, day tours are available from both Queenstown and Te Anau to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. These are a good option if you don’t want to deal with logistics, but they do come with tight schedules and limited flexibility. Self-driving lets you explore at your own pace, stop at lesser-known viewpoints, and maybe even fit in a short hike along the way.

Book a rental car to self-drive through Fiordland National Park!

Fiordland National Park Tours By Air

While expensive, there are also scenic flights into Fiordland National Park, either as standalone sightseeing tours or as fly-cruise-fly options. These depart from Queenstown and offer a bird’s-eye view of the park’s glacier-carved valleys, rivers, and fjords. If time and budget allow, this is a truly memorable way to appreciate the scale of the landscape.

Best Hikes in Fiordland National Park

One of the best ways to experience Fiordland National Park is on foot. Whether you’re after a short walk through ancient forest or a multi-day backcountry adventure, there’s a track here for every kind of hiker. Below are some of the best hikes in Fiordland — a mix of Great Walks and lesser-known trails, all offering a chance to connect with the raw beauty of the park.

• Lake Marian Track
  A moderate 2.5–3 hour return hike through moss-covered forest to a stunning alpine lake. This was one of our personal highlights in Fiordland National Park — peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a half-day adventure.
• Key Summit Track
  A shorter 3-hour return hike that branches off the Routeburn Track. Offers panoramic views over the Hollyford Valley and Humboldt Mountains. Ideal for those who want alpine views without committing to a full-day hike.
• Routeburn Track (Fiordland section)
  One of New Zealand’s Great Walks. You can walk just the Fiordland section as a day hike or tackle the full multi-day route. Lush forest, river valleys, and high mountain passes make this a dramatic and varied trail.
• Kepler Track
  A 60 km loop starting and ending in Te Anau. Another Great Walk, the Kepler offers high ridgelines, beech forest, and sweeping lake views. You can also do a popular day-hike option to Luxmore Hut and back.
• Lake Gunn Nature Walk
  A short, easy loop perfect for families or anyone short on time. Located just off the Milford Road, this walk takes you through beautiful forest and along the edge of the lake. A peaceful stop on the way to Milford Sound.
• Humboldt Falls Track
  A quick 30-minute return track in the Hollyford Valley leading to a viewing platform for one of Fiordland’s tallest waterfalls. A great add-on to the Lake Marian area or a scenic detour if you’re exploring beyond the main road.
• Milford Track
  Possibly the most famous walk in New Zealand, this 4-day, 53 km Great Walk must be booked well in advance. Known for its stunning waterfalls, glacial valleys, and dramatic fjord views, it’s a bucket-list hike for serious trampers.

Fiordland National Park Itinerary Ideas

One of the best things about Fiordland National Park is that you don’t need weeks to experience its magic — but if you do have time, even better. These sample itineraries are built around slow travel, immersive nature, and your priorities: remote beauty, dramatic fjords, and hikes that connect you with the landscape. If you’re choosing just one cruise, I recommend Doubtful Sound over Milford — it’s quieter, more remote, and absolutely unforgettable.

1-Day Itinerary: Doubtful Sound + Scenic Drive

If you only have one full day in Fiordland National Park, focus on Doubtful Sound and the Milford drive. It’s less crowded, more immersive, and gives you the feeling of truly stepping into the wild.

• Early morning: Depart from Manapouri for the Doubtful Sound day cruise
• Full-day experience including Lake Manapouri crossing, Wilmot Pass, and fjord cruise
• Evening: Return to Te Anau or Queenstown
• Optional: Stop for a lakefront dinner or short nature walk around Te Anau

This itinerary gives you maximum impact in a single day — without feeling rushed.

2-Day Itinerary: Doubtful Cruise + Alpine Hike

This is the perfect weekend plan if you want a mix of water and trail without overpacking your schedule.

Day 1:

• Full-day Doubtful Sound cruise from Manapouri
• Slow evening in Te Anau — grab a meal by the lake or catch the glowworm caves

Day 2:

• Morning: Hike the Lake Marian Track for a beautiful alpine experience
• Afternoon: Optional stop at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary or lakeside walks
• Evening: Return to Queenstown or spend a second night in Te Anau

This itinerary gives you Fiordland’s signature fjord experience plus one of its best day hikes.

3-Day Itinerary: Doubtful + Hike + Milford Sound

If you want to experience the best of Fiordland National Park, this 3-day itinerary hits all the highlights — from quiet fjords to dramatic drives and iconic landscapes.

Day 1:

• Doubtful Sound day cruise from Manapouri
• Overnight in Te Anau or Manapouri

Day 2:

• Hike the Lake Marian Track in the morning
• Drive part of the Milford Road, stopping at scenic lookouts (The Chasm, Monkey Creek)
• Optional short hikes: Key Summit or Lake Gunn
• Overnight near Milford Sound or back in Te Anau

Day 3:

• Early morning Milford Sound cruise
• Return drive to Te Anau or Queenstown, stopping at any missed sights along the way
• Optional: Glowworm caves or lakeside walk in the evening

This is the full Fiordland experience — remote wilderness, alpine hiking, and two distinct fjord landscapes. If you have the time, it’s absolutely worth doing both cruises.

Where to Stay in Fiordland National Park

There are no towns inside Fiordland National Park, but several excellent places nearby offer convenient access to the park’s main highlights. Where you stay depends on your priorities — whether you’re visiting Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound, or planning to hike. Below are the best base options, each with their own advantages. You can find more details in my full Fiordland accommodation guide.

• Te Anau – The most popular base with the widest range of accommodation, restaurants, and services. Ideal if you plan to visit both Milford and Doubtful Sound.
• Manapouri – A quieter alternative closer to Doubtful Sound. Limited dining and lodging, but peaceful and within walking distance to the cruise departure point.
• Milford Lodge – The only place to stay near Milford Sound. Offers a premium, remote experience right at the edge of the fjord. Book early — it fills fast.
• DOC Campgrounds – Budget-friendly campsites scattered along the Milford Road and near Te Anau. Basic facilities, but stunning natural settings.

Find a hotel in Fiordland National Park on Trip.com!

Fiordland National Park Weather & Best Time to Visit

Fiordland is one of the wettest places on Earth — and that’s not an exaggeration. It rains here more often than it doesn’t, with parts of the park receiving over 200 days of rain per year. But if you’re wondering about the best time to visit Fiordland National Park, the truth is: there’s no bad time. The landscapes are just as beautiful — if not more dramatic — in the rain.

In fact, many people (myself included) believe Fiordland is better in the rain. Waterfalls appear on nearly every cliff, mist rolls through the valleys, and the whole place feels wilder and more alive. During our trip, it rained almost the entire time — and it made the Doubtful Sound cruise even more unforgettable.

That said, here’s a general breakdown of the seasons:

• Summer (December–February): Warmest and most popular season with longer daylight hours and more visitors. Expect packed cruise boats and busy trailheads, especially around Milford.
• Autumn (March–May): Cooler temps and fewer crowds. Trails can get muddy, but you’ll often get still, reflective mornings — great for photography.
• Winter (June–August): Cold and very wet. Some hikes and roads (especially to Milford Sound) may be closed due to snow or avalanche risk. Fewer tourists, more solitude.
• Spring (September–November): Still wet but lush, with waterfalls flowing strong from snowmelt. A great time to hike — just prepare for varied conditions.

No matter when you visit, always be prepared for rain, wind, and quickly shifting weather. Bring waterproof layers, sturdy shoes, and don’t be surprised if you experience sunshine, drizzle, and downpours all in the same day.

Bottom line: don’t let the weather stop you. Experiencing Fiordland National Park in the rain — with waterfalls roaring and clouds clinging to the peaks — is something truly special.

Wildlife in Fiordland National Park

Fiordland’s vast wilderness is home to some of New Zealand’s most unique and elusive wildlife. While much of the park feels untouched, it’s not empty — you just have to slow down and look (or listen). From native alpine parrots to rare flightless birds and marine life in the fjords, Fiordland National Park wildlife is a key part of what makes this region feel so alive.

Here are some of the species you might encounter:

• Kea – The world’s only alpine parrot, often seen around high-elevation tracks like Key Summit. Incredibly intelligent — and known to mess with hikers’ gear.
• Takahē – A rare, flightless bird once thought extinct. Can be seen at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and occasionally in the wild.
• Fiordland Crested Penguin (Tawaki) – One of the rarest penguins in the world, sometimes spotted along the shores of Doubtful and Milford Sound during breeding season.
• Dolphins – Bottlenose dolphins frequently appear on Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound cruises, often riding the bow waves.
• New Zealand Fur Seals – Commonly seen lounging on rocks near the fjords.
• Whales – Occasionally sighted in deeper waters, particularly in Doubtful Sound.
• Morepork (Ruru) – A native owl sometimes heard calling at night in the forested parts of the park.

While sightings aren’t guaranteed, every trip into Fiordland National Park offers the chance to encounter something special — especially if you stay quiet and take your time.

Fiordland National Park Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Fiordland National Park means preparing for weather, remoteness, and limited services — but that’s part of the charm. Here are some key travel tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Fill up on fuel in Te Anau
  There are no petrol stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound. Make sure your tank is full before setting out.
• Book cruises and popular accommodation early
  Especially in summer, tours for Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound, and rooms at Milford Lodge fill up weeks in advance.
• Be prepared for rain — and embrace it
  Bring a waterproof jacket and a good pair of boots. Fiordland is stunning in the rain, with waterfalls everywhere and a mysterious, misty atmosphere.
• Pack snacks and water
  Services are limited, especially along the Milford Road and in remote areas. Most cruises offer food, but it’s always smart to have your own.
• Download offline maps
  Mobile reception is extremely limited inside the park. Apps like Google Maps, Maps.me, or AllTrails can help with navigation and trail info.
• Dress in layers
  The weather can shift dramatically in a single day — especially near the fjords. Mornings may be cold and damp, afternoons warm and clear.
• Avoid rushing
  Fiordland isn’t meant to be done quickly. Build in extra time for stops, hikes, or just sitting by a lake. The slower you move, the better the experience.
• Consider shoulder season travel
  Visiting in spring (October–November) or autumn (March–April) offers fewer crowds and equally dramatic landscapes — just bring waterproofs.
• Respect DOC guidelines
  The Department of Conservation maintains many of the tracks and campsites. Follow Leave No Trace principles, stick to marked trails, and be respectful of this incredible environment.

Final Thoughts: Why Fiordland National Park Is Worth the Journey

If there’s one place in New Zealand that truly captures the wild, untamed beauty of the South Island, it’s Fiordland National Park. Between the towering fjords, the rain-soaked forests, and the stillness you find out on the water or deep in a valley, this place invites you to slow down and take it all in.

This Fiordland National Park travel guide is here to help you plan the logistics — but my biggest piece of advice is simple: don’t rush. Whether you’re standing on the deck of a boat in Doubtful Sound, hiking up to Lake Marian, or just watching clouds drift over the mountains, the moments that stick with you are the quiet ones. Let the rain come. Let your plans shift. Let the place surprise you.

Fiordland isn’t about checking things off a list — it’s about getting outside of time for a little while, and letting the land do what it does best: take your breath away.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fiordland National Park

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