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Fiordland earned its reputation as the “walking capital of the world”, with many excellent walking tracks that traverse its dramatic landscape. Coach and boat transfers access the major tracks, including the Great Walks: the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks. Known to New Zealanders as “tramping” the endless hiking and walking opportunities on other tracks within Fiordland National Park, such as the Hollyford and Dusky Tracks, can also be explored independently or as part of a guided group. |
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These tracks offer a sense of freedom and escape seldom found in the world today. |
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Walking allows access to towering snow-capped peaks, tussock clad alpine plateaus, rainforest and scenes of dramatic beauty.
Te Anau makes a great start and end point for these trips. Walkers can stock up on provisions in Te Anau, and check the weather and track conditions before leaving. With the track complete, visitors relish returning to Te Anau to soak weary bones in the spa, buy plasters for sore feet, and revive weary muscles with a massage before reliving their adventure in the warmth and comfort of a local café or bar |
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In addition to these multi-day tracks, there is a range of short walks on diverse terrain, providing walking options for people of all ages and ability. These walks enable access to the rainforest, lake and alpine vistas for those with limited time or fitness |
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Walking tracks within the Fiordland National Park are admistered and maintained by the Department of Conservation.
It is important to contact the Department of Conservation if you are planning to enter the National Park to get the most up to date informationon track and weather conditions, and to register you intentions while in the National Park. |
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Please click here for the latest Fiordland National Park Track information, or contact the Department of Conservation in Te Anau:
Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
Department of Conservation
Fiordland National Park Visitors Centre
Postal: P O Box 29, Lakefront Drive,
Te Anau, Fiordland, New Zealand
Tel: +64 3 249 7924
Email: Fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz
Fax: +64 3 249 7613
Web: www.doc.govt.nz |
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Fiordland weather is notoriously unpredictable and walkers should be prepared for cold temperatures, strong winds and heavy rain at any time of the year. Burning sun can also be a problem at times. It is essential to carry warm waterproof clothing - even on a day trip!, as weather can change rapidly in Fiordland. For more information please click here.
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There are numerous short walks in Fiordland, many of them are close to the road to access such as the Milford Road, and they extend from 10 minute nature walks to half day excursions. For more information please click here.
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"Great Walks" is a classification given to some walking Tracks within New Zealand, by the Department of Conservation. There are three Great Walks tracks in Fiordland:
- Milford Track
- Routeburn Track
- Kepler Track
Great Walks tracks are defined as being well formed and clearly marked and hut facilities are of a high standard. All huts on Great Walk Tracks must be booked in advance. Please contact
Great Walks Bookings
Email: greatwalksbooking@doc.govt.nz
Tel: +64 3 249 8514
For more information please click here.
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Tramping Tracks are marked tracks, with limited track information. They are suitable for people of average to advanced fitness levels, who are experienced and well equipped. Basic hut facilities provided.
- Hollyford Track (hut facilities separate from Guided option!)
- Greenstone/Caples Track
- Waitutu Tracks
- Hump Ridge Track
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Manapouri Tracks
For more information please click here.
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Following marked routes requires a high degree of experience and skill in bush craft and map reading. Trampers should be well equipped and carry the relevant topographical maps. There are numerous routes in Fiordland and some of these are unmarked.
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There is no charge for walking on any of New Zealand’s public tracks but there is a fee to stay overnight in most backcountry huts.
Contact the Department of Conservation on fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz for further information or write to postal address P O Box 29, Lake Front Drive, Te Anau, Fiordland, New Zealand.
The Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks have a booking system that opens early July for the following season (late October to late April). This guarantees walkers a bed in these huts. Contact the Department of Conservation for further information on Great Walks at email Greatwalksbookings@doc.govt.nz
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Many of the tracks within the Fiordland National Park can also be undertaken with guides whether this is day walks or multiday hiking tracks.
The multiday guided walk options generally stay in seperate accommodation than independant walkers and enjoy a degree of luxury along the journey.
Day walks provide a taste of Fiordland wilderness and your guide can assist in explaining the flora and fauna in the region as well as sharing the stories and unique features along the way.
To operate a guided walk within a National Park in New Zealand businesses must obtain a permit or concessionaires license from the Department of Conservation.
Click here to view Guided Walking options
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More information regarding the various walks options in Fiordland can be found on the Track Descriptions page of this website.
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Fiordland has a range of options to connect you with the start and finishing points of various tracks within the region. Click here for more information Track Transport
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While Fiordland is generally a safe place to travel there have been instances of thieves targetting remote car parks. Visitors need to be aware that there are risks involved in leaving your possessions within your vehicle at Track ends and car parks.
Safer Parking is an option to leave your vehicle in safe care.
Owner Operators: Chris & Linda Kendail
Tel: +64 3 249 7198 Mobile: 025 260 9032
Fax: +64 3 249 7196 Email: saferparkingteanau@msn.com
Postal Address: 90 Matai Street Te Anau Website: www.saferparking.co.nz
Specialising in peace of mind, secure parking of cars, campervan, boats or bikes (in fact anything on wheels!) while in Fiordland. Don't take the risk of parking in a public car park or at a track end!. |
