Fiordland Hiking

Landscapes don't get more stunning than glacier-carved Fiordland National Park. So lace up your boots and let's go hiking on the South Island.

Whether you call it hiking or prefer the local term, 'tramping', there's no denying that walks in New Zealand are pretty special. And none more so than the walks in Fiordland National Park. This world-famous South Island conservation area has dramatic hills, green rainforests, sparkling fjords - the works. Of all the outdoor activities you can get up to in New Zealand - and there are plenty - hiking in Fiordland just has to be top of the list.

There are scenic trails all over the park, but the three big boys are the Milford Track, the Routeburn Track and the Kepler Track. From start to finish, these are multi-day hikes; but some of the best day hikes in the park involve just doing a selected section of one of the routes. Base yourself in Te Anau for easy access to the tracks (it also makes for a nice recovery spot post-hike).

Here's a closer look at these amazing hiking trails.

Image: Destination Fiordland

Milford Track

  • This 53.5km trail runs from Lake Te Anau's top to Sandfly Point where you can board a boat for a short ride to the beautiful Milford Sound. You'll need to book in advance to walk it.
  • The whole route takes four days to hike. And when you travel through the dense rainforests of its valleys and take in its jaw-dropping alpine vistas, you'll wish it would go on for longer.
  • You can hike by yourself, or sign up for a guided walk - which also means access to the luxury (well, everything's relative) huts along the way.

Image: Destination Fiordland

Routeburn Track

  • Running from The Divide to Routeburn Shelter (a 25km drive from Glenorchy), this trail covers approximately 32km. But of course, you don't need to walk the whole thing - that's the beauty of these Fiordland routes.
  • Depending on how you want to do it, it can take anywhere between two and four days to complete the trail. Expect postcard-worthy views and flower-filled meadows along the way.
  • Just like the Milford Track, you can choose to go-it alone or treat yourself to the perks (we're talking hot baths and warm beds) that come with a guided walk.

Image: Destination Fiordland

Kepler Track

  • Up for a challenge? Meet the Kepler Track, which runs for 60km and shows off Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri at their best.
  • Guided walks aren't yet available for this route. That means it's all up to you.
  • Shortening this walk to a three-day section is a popular choice. And guess what? It's still ridiculously beautiful.

Created in partnership with Destination Fiordland