A hikers paradise amid one of the most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Fiordland features 3 of the Great Walks of New Zealand and copious amounts of options for walkers, trampers and hikers alike. Discover the glacially carved valleys, stunning lakes, ancient rainforest, high reaching mountains and cascading waterfalls. Here are some of our favourite Fiordland walks and hikes.
Milford Track
One of New Zealand’s most famous walks, and one of New Zealand’s ‘Great walks’, the 53km journey begins at the head of Lake Te Anau and takes walkers on a journey across suspension bridges, boardwalks and mountain pass. Expect pristine lakes, high-reaching peaks, glacier-carved fiords and gorgeous valley views and the misty Sutherland Falls, New Zealand’s tallest waterfall. To walk the entire length, it will take about 4 days on the easy-moderate walking track. The best time to hike the Milford Track is between late October to late April.
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(Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand)
Kepler Track
Another one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’, the custom-built pathway of the Kepler Track boasts exceptional ridge-line and mountain top views along the 60km track. Due to the fact that the trail was custom-built, it showcases the absolute best features of Fiordland National Park from moss-draped beech forest, tussock high country, mountain ranges, waterfalls, stunning glacier-carved valleys, river flats, limestone formations and its resident prolific bird life. Tread over bridged streams, boardwalks and ridgelines leaving from Te Anau. To undertake the entire length, it will take about 4days on the intermediate track, best experienced during late October to Late April and because of its popularity, you will need to book a permit in advance for specific dates.
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Routeburn Track
Yet another one of New Zealand ‘Great Walks’ the 32km hiking trail winds high amid soaring mountain peaks, connecting Fiordland National Park to Mount Aspiring National Park. One of the shorter Great Walks, it certainly does not hold back when it comes to scenery. Hike some of the bigger scenic splendours from soaring mountain peaks, giant valleys, waterfalls, jewel-like lakes and copious amounts of birdlife through the forested sections. The highest point of the track sits at 1,255 metres above seal level and as you can expect, the views are simply spectacular. A short trip from the bustling Queenstown, to walk the entire length, it would take approximately 3 days on the intermediate trail, best completed between late October to late April.
View Routeburn Track Walking Holidays Here
Hollyford Track
A 4 to 5 day hike, unlike other multi-day hikes in Fiordland National Park, the track can be walked all year round (weather dependant). A remote trail boasting untouched beauty, feel as if you have stepped back in time amid the hidden valleys, lost lakes, thundering waterfalls and forest giants, beginning within the Darran Mountains following the Hollyford River to Martins Bay. Often regarded as one of the ultimate mountains to sea experience, tread atop two of Fiordland’s highest peaks on the 56km advanced track best accessed from Te Anau.
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(Photo Credit: Graeme Murray)
Hump Ridge Track
A 4 to 5 day hike, unlike other multi-day hikes in Fiordland National Park, the track can be walked all year round (weather dependant). A remote trail boasting untouched beauty, feel as if you have stepped back in time amid the hidden valleys, lost lakes, thundering waterfalls and forest giants, beginning within the Darran Mountains following the Hollyford River to Martins Bay. Often regarded as one of the ultimate mountains to sea experience, tread atop two of Fiordland’s highest peaks on the 56km advanced track best accessed from Te Anau.
View Hump Ridge Track Walking Holidays Here
A Breakdown Of The Best Walks In Fiordland National Park
Track | Highlights | Length | Grading |
Milford Track |
- New Zealand’s tallest waterfall - Spectacular valleys and rivers - Stunning glacier-carved fiords |
53km | Easy-Moderate |
Kepler Track |
- Tussock high country - Glacier-carved valleys - Cascading waterfalls |
60km | Moderate |
Routeburn Track |
- Mountain peaks - Gorgeous Lake Harris - Moss-draped forests |
30km | Moderate |
Hollyford Track |
- Fiordland’s two highest peaks - Stunning lakes - Waterfalls |
56km | Difficult |
Hump Ridge Track |
- Ancient terraced forests - Rare wildlife - Panoramic alpine and coastal scenery |
61km | Moderate |