Fiordland
written by Gemma Heaney
We have it all to ourselves BREATHTAKING FIORDLAND
I
t is time to move Fiordland off your wish list and on to your to-do list.
Fiordland is stunning all year round, but spring sees a special magic creep into the air. The remnants of winter linger as snow dusts the tops of the mountains, the days get longer, trees start to blossom, the famous lupins flower along the Milford Road, and hiking trails lay waiting for you to explore. Things are a little different this year. The Eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound, waits for Kiwis only. We have it all to ourselves; less people, more time. If you want to truly appreciate the size and scale of Fiordland’s towering mountains, glacial carved valleys, fiords or waterfalls, you need to get in the sky. A range of air services are available from Te Anau, Manapouri and Milford Sound. Hop on a helicopter, fixed wing plane or try the South Island’s only seaplane offering scenic flights, transport, heli hikes or photography charters. If keeping your feet firmly on the ground is more your thing, then Fiordland is home to three of New Zealand’s Great Walks: Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Tracks. There are also plenty of day-walk options, graded from easy to challenging, which can be walked with a local guide or independently. Te Anau is known as the base camp for hikers trying to tick as many of those trails as possible off their bucket lists. It is also the perfect place to reward yourself with a massage or some delicious wild venison in one of their excellent restaurants while the body recovers. No journey to Fiordland would be complete without some time on the water. Doubtful
Sound, also known as the ‘Sound of Silence’, is 10 times larger than Milford Sound and has once-in-a-lifetime charter and overnight boat trips this spring. These boat cruises offer a variety of activities from diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, spas and fishing. If you’re staying in Te Anau, you will find jet boat cruises that link up with Lake Manapouri, historic boat tours, and glow worm cave tours. Not to be forgotten is the abundance of wildlife encounter opportunities possible in Fiordland, bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins, keas, fur seals and, Te Anau’s pride and joy, the takahe. The takahe was once thought to be extinct, rediscovered in Fiordland and it’s now possible to see this unique bird at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. There is a buzz in the air as spring approaches, Fiordland is ready to welcome Kiwis to its part of paradise, the south-west tip of the long white cloud awaits you all and won’t disappoint. It truly is beyond belief.
Milford Sound Sunset | credit: Onesimus Photography
TOP FIVE TO-DOS 1. BIKING The Lake2Lake Cycle trail connects Te Anau and Manapouri, while Te Anau has a great lakefront trail that goes along to where the Upukerora River flows into the lake. More adventurous riders can check-out Perenuka Mountain Bike Park. Mountain, children’s and electric bikes can be hired in Te Anau. 2. DOUBTFUL SOUND A true Fiord system with many coves, arms, islands, seals, local fishing boats returning with loads of crayfish and maybe the odd penguin or dolphin if you keep your eyes out for them. There are several charter cruises options, as well as day and overnight cruises. 3. THE MILFORD ROAD If you want to know what all the fuss is about, well fuel up, throw in your thermos, a pair of walking shoes and go see for yourself! Check out the Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn Nature walk and the Homer Tunnel (which will impress even the toughest crowds). It is 1.2 kilometres long and is carved out of granite rock, passing right through the Darran Mountains range. 4. HIKING Five minutes into Kepler Track and you are immersed in native beach forest, moss, lichen and can find a nice private beach for a family picnic. If you are feeling more adventurous, hike up to Luxmore Hut and back (28 kilometres) climbing above the clouds and bush line for spectacular views. Or start at Rainbow’s Reach and walk to Moturau Hut, four hours return, for a picnic lunch overlooking the magical Lake Manapouri. Want to splash out? Take a guided heli/hike! Enjoy a short flight onto Mount Luxmore, explore what it is like above the bush line before a downhill stroll to the lake, and water taxi right back to town. 5. SEA KAYAKING Nothing compares to sitting on the water feeling the ocean swell underneath you and looking up, up, up at Mitre Peak, Milford Sound in all its glory. Edge in nice and close under a waterfall or two, ride the swells of the day breeze and maybe, if you are lucky, dolphins will make an appearance. Options vary for beginners to experienced paddlers.
Milford Swing | credit: Onesimus Photography
Fiordland Forest | credit: William Patino
Te Anau | credit: Martin Sliva
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