Most visitors to Fiordland explore the area from Te Anau or Manapouri where there are many dining, accommodation, shopping and activity options. To get to Te Anau, take State Highway (SH) 6, then 94 from Queenstown. From Dunedin, take SH’s 1 & 94, and from Invercargill follow the Southern Scenic Route. Regular coach connections are also available from each of these centres. Access to Fiordland National Park is mostly limited to hiking trails and lakes, but there is a road to Milford Sound suitable for rental vehicles, private vehicles, campervans and coach tours.

There are a number of activities you can do in Piopiotahi / Milford Sound. Scenic cruises allow you to see wildlife and take in the full fiord. Scenic flights give an amazing view from above and can include a glacier landing. Diving will take you below the surface. Kayaking is an adventurous and stimulating way to see the fiord.

In Fiordland, you will find The Milford Track, The Routeburn Track and The Kepler Track.

119km (74 miles). Allow minimum 2 hours driving time (to allow for the nature of the drive). Find out more about driving to Milford Sound here,

Te Anau is known as the gateway to Fiordland, Piopiotahi / Milford Sound and Patea / Doubtful Sound. It also offers a range of activities which makes it worth staying a while. Activities include day walks, kayaking, sailing, cruising, fishing, cycling, hunting, jet boating, farm tours and scenic flights by float plane and helicopter.

Fiordland is located in the south-western corner of New Zealand's South Island. Fiordland is mostly comprised of Fiordland National Park as well as some smaller towns. Fiordland is one of only four places on the planet where fiords are found.

Every visitor wishes they had stayed longer in Fiordland. If you are time-poor then one day will allow you to see Piopiotahi / Milford Sound or Patea / Doubtful Sound from Te Anau, Manapouri or Queenstown (it is a longer day if visiting from Queenstown). If you are planning to do one of the Great Walks you should allow a night before and after in Te Anau or Manapouri as well as the 3-4 days needed for the walk. We recommend you stay a few nights to take in the range of activities on offer as well as taking time to unwind and relax in nature. See some suggested itineraries here.

Fiordland is most famous for Piopiotahi / Milford Sound, often described as "the eighth wonder of the world". Fiordland is also famous for the Milford Track, known as "the finest walk in the world". Fiordland is part of Te Wahi Pounamu - Southwest New Zealand World Heritage site. This status affords Fiordland fame and protection for generations to come.