Fiordland - Te Anau, Manapouri, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound
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Mostly dominated by the steep sides of the snow-capped Southern Alps, Fiordland’s scenery never fails to enthral travellers. Waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into massive fiords; ancient rainforest clings impossibly to the mountains; shimmering lakes and granite peaks look the same today as they did a thousand years ago.
Watch the mountains shake off winter and start to warm up for summer. Waterfalls are invigorated and the rainforest comes alive with the scents and sounds of new growth. Marvel at the enthralling scenery. Catch a scenic flight or enjoy lake and fiord cruises. Hikers are spoilt for choice with three of New Zealand’s great walks - the Routeburn, Milford and Kepler tracks. Changeable weather and frequent showers are all part of the vibrant mix at this time of year.
Fiordland features a number of fiords, of which Milford Sound is the most famous, though Doubtful Sound is even larger and has more longer branches.
Only 2 hours from Te Anau, the beauty of Milford Sound draws thousands of visitors each day, with between 550,000 and 1 million visitors in total per year. This makes the sound one of New Zealand's most-visited tourist spots, and also the most famous New Zealand tourist destination. Almost all tourists going to the sound also take one of the boat tours which usually last between 1–2 hours. They are offered by several companies, departing from the Milford Sound Visitors' Centre. There is also the option of extended overnight cruises on Milford Sound.
Situated within Fiordland are Browne Falls and Sutherland Falls which rank among the tallest waterfalls in the world, and New Zealand's three deepest lakes, Lake Hauroko, Lake Manapouri & Lake Te Anau.
From the lakeside townships of Te Anau and Manapouri, you can experience Fiordland in the way that suits your travelling style. Adventurers can embark on kayaking tours of the lakes and fiords; hikers have access to a choice of well known walking challenges; scenery lovers can catch a scenic flight or enjoy lake and fiord cruises; divers can discover rare black corals growing just beneath the water’s surface.
Many accommodation properties are either lakeside or surrounded by stunning Fiordland scenery. Choose from quality hotels, motels, holiday cottages, bed & breakfast and luxury lodges.
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