Fiordland concentrates Milford Sound's Mitre Peak rising 1,692m from the sea, Doubtful Sound's deeper and quieter fjord, the Routeburn and Kepler Great Walks, and Te Anau's gateway town to all of it.
Highlights
Milford Sound
Doubtful Sound
Te Anau
Fiordland Trails
When to Visit
Dec-Mar
New Zealand summer with Great Walks (Routeburn, Kepler, Milford) at peak, Milford Sound cruises running their fullest schedule, and 16 hours of daylight.
Oct-Nov
Spring shoulder with Great Walks reopening, waterfalls at peak meltwater flow, and rates dropping below summer peak with trails clearing of late-season snow.
Apr-May
Autumn shoulder with rains increasing (Fiordland averages 7m of rain yearly), Milford Sound at peak photogenic with mist and waterfalls swelled, and Great Walks closing.
Jun-Sep
Fiordland winter with Great Walks closed for safety but Milford and Doubtful Sound day cruises running year-round, and Te Anau's snow-capped surroundings dramatic.
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