Fiordland is the largest national park in New Zealand and one of the largest in the world at 4,600 square miles. Located in the southwestern portion of South Island, the park is bordered by mountains to the east and the Tasman Sea on the other sides. Fishing, hiking and rock climbing are all popular activities. It was established as a reserve in 1904 and designated a national park in 1952.
Milford Sound
This fjord is considered one of the world’s top travel destinations. Rudyard Kipling called it the Eighth Wonder of the World. Despite its remote location, it receives between 500,000 and 1 million visitors per year. Because of the high volume of rainfall (252 inches per year), there are a number of temporary waterfalls when it rains in addition to the permanent waterfalls in the area. Milford Sound is also a world-class diving area.
Entry to the fjord is limited to a difficult mountain road and a narrow channel to the Tasman Sea. Lonely Planet has called the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound as one of the most photographic drives in the world. Scenic flights are also offered by helicopter over the Sound.
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, southern right whales, seals and penguins can all be observed by visitors to Fiordland.
Fishing
Fiordland is world renowned for brown trout and rainbow trout. Clear waters and big fish allow anglers to sight fish for large trout in two lakes and a dozen nearby streams and rivers with world-class fishing. The Mataura River is considered one of the best brown trout rivers in the world. So bring your fly rod to enjoy the fishing amidst the beautiful scenery.