Fiordland National Park is one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand and an outdoor lover’s Disneyland. It's famous for its mountains, ancient forests, epic hiking trails, towering waterfalls, and, of course, the fiords that give the park its name.

I'll never be able to comprehend the sheer scale of Fiordland. It's the largest of the 13 national parks in New Zealand, covering over 1.2 million hectares in the southwestern corner of the South Island. The park is also home to some NZ records, including Lake Hauroko, New Zealand's deepest lake, and Sutherland Falls, our tallest waterfall!

What's so special about Fiordland National Park?

Tucked away in the heart of the national park is Milford Sound, known as the “Unofficial 8th Wonder of the World” and widely considered New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction. Milford Sound is very popular, and if you'd like to explore the fiords without the crowds, have a look at cruises on Doubtful Sound, which is equally beautiful and far less crowded.

If you love the outdoors, Fiordland will be your version of Disneyland. You'll find the world-famous Milford Track: a 3-5 day hike is often called the ‘finest walk in the world,’ as well as the Kepler and Routeburn Tracks. They are equally beautiful and very good alternatives if you can't get reservations for Milford! I've done sections of the Routeburn Track, and it is my favourite walk in the whole country.

Accommodation in Fiordland National Park

If you're travelling in a camper, there are a few places to camp in Fiordland, including lots of campsites along Milford Road, but there's only one campsite in Milford Sound at Milford Lodge. It books up veryyyy fast, so make your reservation ASAP. They also have private cabins, or, if you want something more budget-friendly, you can stay in Te Anau.

Note about the Great Walks

If you’re planning a trip to Fiordland National Park and want to do one of the Great Walks here, you must book well in advance. Bookings open in May before the hiking season (i.e. May 2025 for the 2025/2026 season), and the DOC huts sell out faster than Taylor Swift tickets!