Magical Milford Sound Alexx 14
'Our Great Eights - your must do's in Fiordland'
Piopiotahi / Milford Sound Foreshore - Credit - Alex Hayward

Fiordland is spectacular – its near-vertical glacier-carved cliffs and towering peaks pump with waterfalls, and dense rainforest hides all manner of rare native species. There are a huge number of walking tracks created to discover the area, and the town of Te Anau is packed with places to eat and stay.

British writer Rudyard Kipling was so struck by the beauty of Milford Sound when he visited in the 1890s that he declared it the “eighth wonder of the world”. In this spirit we’ve put together lists of “great eights” of Fiordland whether you’re into photography, wildlife, cuisine or hiking. Scroll down to check out our "great eight" recommendations.

Win a weekend for two in Te Anau / Fiordland

What's up for grabs?

  • 2 nights accommodation at the Asure Explorer Motel in a King Studio Apartment
  • 2 tickets for the Real Journeys Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
  • 2 tickets for the feeding tour at Punanga Manu o Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
  • $150 meal voucher at the Fat Duck
  • two tickets on board the Faith Scenic Cruise on Lake Te Anau 

T &C's

  • T&C’s apply. Competition will be drawn on the 17th of March, the winner will be notified by email and must respond to notification within 5 days to receive this prize pack.
  • Personal details will be managed according to our privacy policy.
8 Great Milford Road Highlights

The road to Milford Sound is just as spectacular as Milford Sound itself – driving through, you’ll marvel at vertical mountains and glacier-carved valleys, cascading waterfalls, clear blue lakes, pristine rivers and dense rainforest. We bring you the ‘great eight’ of must-see stops along the way to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights as you cruise this spectacular highway.
8 Great Accommodation Options

With views of the spectacular lake and soaring mountain ranges, charming Te Anau is the prime spot to stay when exploring Fiordland. If you’re wondering where to stay in Te Anau, check out the eight incredible options below, whether you’re into luxury farm lodges, rustic gems, family-friendly facilities or even a historic nunnery.

8 Great Activities in Te Anau

On the edge of the largest lake in the South Island, the township of Te Anau gives you full access to world-class hiking, cycle trails, nature-watching, photography and of course simply the spectacular local scenery. We bring you the ‘great eight’ Te Anau activities while you’re here – from highly active to highly relaxing!
8 Great Iconic Shots

For stunning, wow-factor shots, Fiordland can deliver more than any other area in New Zealand. The sheer scale of the vertical cliffs, the serenity of the water, the mists surrounding the thundering waterfalls, the moody rain forests – no matter your gear, this is the place a camera comes into its own. Check out our eight must-see locations for that money shot below.
Click on the photos below for more information.
8 Great Foods of Fiordland

Exploring such a spectacular region can really stimulate the appetite: to keep your energy up we’ve chosen our “great eight” favourite eateries in the Fiordland area. From award-winning fine dining experiences to quick stop over for a pie, we’ve got you covered.
Click on the photos below for more information.
8 Great Hikes

Fiordland is a tramping mecca – since the late 1800s, it has attracted walkers from all around the world. You don’t need to load a backpack up with a sleeping bag, however, because there are plenty of day walks (of all grades) and multi day hikes to be had in the area, each showcasing spectacular features of Fiordland. We bring you our “great eight” fav hikes below.
Click on the photos below for more information.
8 Great Wildlife Encounters

Being part of the largest area of untouched forest in New Zealand, Fiordland National Park is home to unique and precious New Zealand species – from alpine parrots to white-water ducks to chubby fur seals. We’ve chosen our eight favourites below: many of which you might come across while exploring Fiordland yourself.
Click on the photos below for more information.

Inspire Me

Hello Kea Onesimus Photography
4 Days of Family Fun

Create lifelong family memories with this four-day holiday in Fiordland. Tick off Fiordland’s must-sees as well as taking time to rest ...

Discover

Sunset MIlf Onesimus
3 Days & 3 Nights

Good things come in threes. So here is a three-day itinerary featuring three ways to enjoy Fiordland by day and by night.

Discover