Exploring the Kepler Track with guide Madeleine

Your Fiordland Guidebook

6 Oct 2015

Wondering what to do when you visit Fiordland?

Fiordland National Park is without a doubt one of the most stunning corners of the world. We are lucky to call this home and love to share the area with guests from near and far. Here are a few of our local tips on what to see and do here.

Fiordland National Park is huge, spanning over 1.2 million hectares and contains a vast wilderness of mountains, lakes, fiords and rainforests. Here rainfall is measured in metres and the scenery encompasses the broadest width of emotions. Fiordland is, and always has been, the ultimate playground for explorers. From early navigators and adventurers, to the surveyors of yesteryear to the visitors who flock here today, Fiordland National Park attracts those that love untouched natural places.

hikers in tussock filed above lake Te Anau | Trips and Tramps

High on the Kepler Track, hikers overlook the vast wilderness and down onto the local township of Te Anau

Fiordland offers something for everyone

But perhaps the best part about Fiordland National Park is its diversity – whether you’re after a spectacular hike or a more leisurely day out sightseeing. Hikers and walkers are spoilt for choice with Fiordland encompassing three, soon to be four, of New Zealand’s Great Walks – the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn tracks and on completion of an upgrade, the Humpridge Track!

Hump Ridge Track Southland New Zealand Credit Liz Carlson

The Humpridge Track is about to become Fiordland's 4th and newest New Zealand Great Walk | Credit Liz Carlson

For those of you who aren’t yet familiar with the New Zealand Great Walks, these are a set of premier hiking tracks that take in the country’s most spectacular scenery. These tracks consistently rank among some of the best in the world so there’s no excuse not to check one out during your time in Fiordland if you enjoy hiking!

Meanwhile, thrill seekers can get their fix jet boating in the Wairaurahui Jet (the steepest jetboat experience in New Zealand) or the Fiordland Jet on the Waiau River, which takes in some famous Lord of the Rings locations from Te Anau. Or what about an adrenaline-boosting helicopter ride over the fiords?

Alternatively, if you who want to soak in the stunning sights at a more relaxed pace, a cruise on Lake Te Anau or fish on the Waiau River would be a great option.

jet boat on Lake Manpouri with mountains in the background

Jet boat out onto Lake Manapouri and enjoy panoramic views and the vastness of Fiordland | Credit Fiordland Jet

Planning is key

With so much to see and do, it’s really important you plan ahead so you don’t miss out on any activities.

If you’re keen on doing one of the Great Walks you will need to plan your trip for during the Great Walks season which runs from October – April. Reserve your spot well in advance, as the huts that dot the trails tend to sell out months in advance. You can walk during winter, but winter hiking is limited to the valley walks, such as the Hollyford Track, as the mountains become covered in snow and at risk of avalanches.

Hot tip: Missed out on doing a Great Walk in Fiordland because of high demand? Consider a Guided Day Walk with Trips & Tramps on one of the tracks, or complete a taster of three with our 3-day Great Walk Package. You’ll get a taste of the stunning scenery the hikes are famous for, without needing to walk the full distance.

Even if you’re not going walking, it’s always a good idea to book your accommodation well in advance since the area is so popular – especially during peak season November to end of March.

Hot tip: Consider planning your trip for a shoulder season like autumn when there will be less people, but all the trails are open and accessible.

Let the locals help out – that’s what we’re here for!

The opportunities are endless in Fiordland! Which is a great thing...but it can also be a bit overwhelming to have so many activities available – especially if you don’t have much first hand knowledge.

guide on Milford Track showing couple the native trees | Trips and Tramps

Local guides are a big part of the Trips & Tramps experience!

Sometimes, it’s easier to hand over the reigns to someone who knows the area and can make sure you get the most out of your visit and the best bang for your buck. That’s where Trips & Tramps can help out. With more than 30 years experience guiding small groups through Fiordland, we know the place inside out, and back to front and we’re proud to be able to give all our customers a truly unique experience of this world-famous area.

Our guides are friendly and down-to-earth locals who love sharing their knowledge of the area – with a few entertaining Kiwi stories chucked in for good measure!

Get in touch ! We’d love to show you around our backyard.