Fiordland National Park: Te Anau, Alpine Trails and the Wilderness
Milford Sound is the visitor gateway to Fiordland National Park, the largest national park in New Zealand and one of the world great wilderness areas. Te Anau is the base town. The Milford Road from Te Anau is itself a spectacular drive.
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Milford Road Drive
The 119 km road from Te Anau to Milford Sound passes through alpine valleys, beech forests, the Mirror Lakes and the Homer Tunnel. Allow three hours and stop frequently. This is one of the world great scenic drives.
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Homer Tunnel
The 1.2 km tunnel pierces the Darran Mountains at 945 meters elevation, connecting the Hollyford Valley to the Milford Sound valley. Construction began in 1935 and it remains one of New Zealand's most remarkable engineering feats.
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Mirror Lakes
A series of small lakes perfectly reflecting the Earl Mountains in their still surface, easily accessible from the Milford Road. Early morning offers the best reflection conditions.
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Te Anau Town
The gateway town of 2000 people is the base for exploring Fiordland. The town sits at the edge of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island, surrounded by beech-forested mountains.
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Routeburn Track
Another of New Zealand's Great Walks, the three-day Routeburn Track connects the Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national parks through outstanding alpine terrain. Bookings for huts are essential.
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Kepler Track
A circular four-day walk beginning and ending at Te Anau, the Kepler Track includes alpine ridgeline walking, beech forest and fiord views that rival the Milford Track in quality.