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Fiordland National Park, covering over 1.2 million hectares, is New Zealand's largest National Park and one of the largest in the world. The park, together with the adjoining Mount Aspiring National Park, occupies the south west corner of the South Island and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Fiordland is one of the least explored areas of New Zealand. Although the park has about 500 km of formed walking tracks, these barely scratch the surface. Like all of the New Zealand National Parks, it is managed by the Department of Conservation.
Climate
The weather in the park can change dramatically over the space of a few hours and over a few kilometres. Visitors should always be prepared for rain. The park has over 200 rain days per year, though different parts of the park receive widely different rainfalls.
Milford Sound is probably one of New Zealand's most well-known scenic attractions. Milford Sound is actually a fiord, having been carved by a glacier. Like the rest of Fijordland, Milford Sound receives a lot of rain. Indeed, some tour operators argue that the Sound is best seen on a rainy day as all the waterfalls can be seen in their full glory. Many recommend seeing it during a sunny day and in the rain to see both worlds as they are both very different and amazing. Wear rainwear and carry an umbrella to protect photographic equipment.
Get In
By Air
There are a number of flightseeing operators that fly light aircraft and helicopters into Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau.
By Car
From Te Anau, it is 120 km on State Highway 94. Allow plenty of time (and fuel), at least 2-3 hours from Te Anau, when travelling to Milford Sound by car. The road winds through some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand as it climbs up to the Homer Tunnel. The Homer Tunnel is a single lane tunnel, although it has been fitted with traffic lights in 2004, you may still experience a wait while opposing traffic clears the tunnel. You may also want to break your journey along the road to take photographs or investigate scenic spots.
By Bus
Possibly the nicest way to get to Milford Sound is to take a tour bus from Queenstown or Te Anau. There are daily services.
By Foot
Perhaps the best and most traditional way to get to Milford Sound is to walk the Milford Track. Bookings are essential for this popular 5 day walk.
Do
One of the most awe-inspiring ways to see Milford Sound, is from the water-level itself. There are two ways to do this:
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By Cruise Boat - There are several boat operators who offer cruises. Most guided tours from Te Anau or Queenstown arrive in Milford around noon.
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By Kayak - Your proximity to the water in this form of transport just serves to make you feel even smaller, and makes the Sound seem even more vast! The pros of doing it this way are that you get to go places that the big cruise ships cannot, you see a great deal more wildlife (penguins, seals etc.) as you move more quietly through the water, you are part of a small group (between 6 and 8) and so getting more personal attention from your guide, and you get some exercise in the process. Cons are that it is quite hard work and you should be prepared to get cold and wet. A good way of doing this kind of trip is on a 'one day package'. You can be picked up from your accommodation early in the morning (around 6.30am) in Te Anau by minibus and driven to Milford, where you are kitted out with all the relevant kayaks and safety gear and given waterproof bags to take cameras and food with you. The trip lasts till the late afternoon (lunch is taken in your kayaks in the middle of the Sound) and you will be driven back around 6pm.
Now that you know about Fiordland National Park - particularly Milford Sound - view some of our many Packages and Tours in New Zealand!
Or call an experienced agent for travel advice: 1.800.788.0829
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