By Liam Naden
New Zealand Travel Expert, about.com
[post_ads_2]Fiordland is one of the most remote and special parts of New Zealand. With such world famous attractions as Milford Sound (and the Milford Track), Lake Te Anau and Doubtful Sound, it has some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
About Fiordland
Fiordland
is situated in the south-western corner of the South Island. Most of
the area is made up of the Fiordland National Park, which covers more
than 12,500 square kilometers (7767 square miles) and virtually all of
it is mountains (the southern end of the Southern Alps), forests, lakes
and fjords. The fjords (a variant of which gives Fiordland its name) are
deep river valleys running to the sea and were carved out by glaciers
over millions of years. Somewhat confusingly these fjords are called
'sounds', the best known of which are Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
Fiordland National Park[post_ads_2]
This park was established in 1952 and is the largest of fourteen national parks in New Zealand. It makes a major part of Te Wahipounamu, one of three World Heritage sites in New Zealand.
Fiordland contains the tallest waterfall in New
Zealand, the Browne Falls, and the three deepest lakes, Lake Hauroko,
Lake Manapouri and Lake Te Anau.
The park contains some of the
most pristine landscapes in New Zealand, Due to its remoteness the area
has never been more than very sparsely populated, even in Maori times.
Getting There
The
two main routes to Fiordland are from Queenstown or Southland (via
Dunedin, Gore or Invercargill). The main township, Te Anau, is two hours
drive (170 kilometers/105 miles) from Queenstown and slightly less 160
kilometers/100 miles) from Invercargill.
Milford Sound is a
further one and a half hours from Te Anau (117 kilometers/73 miles)
along what is one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. The
accommodation in Milford Sound itself is very limited and most
travellers use Te Anau as a base from which to explore the area.
If
driving along the road between Te Anau and Milford Sound be aware that
it is very subject to weather conditions. It can sometimes be closed and
during May to November show chains are required to be carried (these
can be hired in Te Anau).
Weather and When to Go
[post_ads]Although
most visitors arrive in the summer months, it's also well worth visiting
Fiordland at other times of the year. In spring the flowering alpine
plants are spectacular. Winters can be cold but with calm and sunny
days.
Be aware that from September until May, parts of Fiordland
can be thick with sandflies. Be sure to pack repellant (and of course
sunscreen).
Also be aware that Fiordland has very high rainfall
and is in fact one of the wettest places in the world. Actual rainfall
varies quite markedly in different areas (coastal areas such as Milford
and Doubtful Sounds are much wetter than Te Anau) but everywhere in the
region rainfall is significant, and at all times of the year.
Milford Sound
Milford
Sound is without doubt one of the world's greatest travel destinations
and the majestic Mitre Peak is an international landmark. Activities
here include boat cruises, kayaking, walking and hiking (including the
Milford Track, one of New Zealand's nine Great Walks).
Doubtful Sound
This
is the second largest Sound in Fiordland and a marine reserve. Boat
cruises are available on the Sound, departing from Te Anau across Lake
Manapouri (site of New Zealand's largest hydro power station).
Lake Te Anau[post_ads_2]
As the second largest (after Lake Taupo)
and second deepest lake in New Zealand, Lake Te Anau is a popular base
for fishing, hiking and sightseeing. The township has good amenities,
including supermarkets, restaurants and accommodation.
Fiordland Walks and Hikes
The
Fiordland National Park is filled with amazing opportunities for
walking and hiking. The Park contains three of New Zealand's Nine Great
Walks, the Milford Track (4 days), the Kepler Track (3-4 days) and the
Routeburn Track (2-3 days). Another wonderful walking trail is the
Hollyford Track (3 days) and there are many others of varying lengths.
