Te Anau and Milford Sound Fjord
Te Anau is a small town situated on the shores of the lake of the same name, Lake Te Anau, in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. It is located in the heart of Fiordland, which is the largest national park in New Zealand, covering an area of more than 1.2 million hectares (over 3 million acres) — about a third of the size of the State of Israel!
Te Anau
Te Anau serves as the starting point for exploring the magnificent fjords of New Zealand, known as "Sounds," which are considered must-visit destinations for travelers in the country, especially for lovers of nature, hiking, cruising, and marine wildlife viewing.
Even before heading out to tour the fjords, it is worthwhile to dedicate time to the small town itself. Start your visit with a stroll along the promenade next to the tranquil and picturesque lake.
It is also a great idea to watch a film about the region at the "Fiordland Cinema" located in the center of town. It is especially suitable for a rainy day (and there is no shortage of those in this region...). This is a 40-minute nature film (not IMAX, but on a large movie screen) showcasing the landscapes and wildlife of the area accompanied by music.
Astronomy enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting Fiordland Astronomy and gazing at the celestial bodies that look completely different in the Southern Hemisphere.
Trip to Milford Sound
The highlight for visitors to the area is a trip to Milford Sound, including a cruise in the fjord.
It is advisable to book the cruise in advance! The scenery is breathtaking: soaring cliffs, waterfalls, clear and calm waters, and various marine animals such as dolphins and many seals. During the cruise, explanations are provided about the fjord's geology, geography, history, and biology. The boats usually get very close to the waterfalls, and anyone standing at the bow is bound to get quite wet.
Booking tours from Te Anau on Viator:
The road leading to Milford Sound (State Highway 94) is well-paved and pleasant to drive. The net driving time to the fjord itself is about 1:40 hours (120 km), but you should dedicate a full day to the journey including all the stops along the way.
First, stop for a viewpoint (and a very short walk) at the Mirror Lakes, which reflect the tall and impressive mountains adjacent to them. All along the way, there is magnificent scenery of lakes, waterfalls, towering mountains, forests, and plenty of scenic lookout points and walking tracks. The most beautiful track is The Chasm Walk (about half an hour's walk), where you can see the river flowing through a narrow gorge between giant rocks sculpted into intriguing shapes by the current. Along the route, there is rich vegetation, waterfalls, and a view of Mount Tutoko, the highest peak in the area. Another worthwhile stop is near the entrance of the tunnel in Cleddau Canyon, where you can feed giant parrots called Kea and also play in the snow next to the road.
It is also lovely to hike along the walking track around Lake Gunn, which loops around a relatively turbulent lake and passes through a forest of tall trees. Towards the end of the route, you pass through a single-lane tunnel called Homer Tunnel, after which you descend on a steep and winding road until you reach the fjord. Afterwards, enjoy a guided cruise of about an hour and a half in the fjord.
Treks
Milford Sound is home to New Zealand's most popular trek: the Milford Track. This trek is in such high demand that registration is required months in advance!
Those who did not book a spot can use nztracker, which sends automated email alerts the moment a spot becomes available so you can book immediately. The track is considered one of the finest walking routes in the world. It is 53.5 km long and can only be walked in one direction, from Lake Te Anau to Sandfly Point near Milford Sound. The trail is limited to only 40 hikers per day and includes 4 days of walking in Fiordland National Park.
Another trek that does not require such early booking and can be reserved several days in advance is the Kepler Track. A 60 km loop track starting in Te Anau that reaches the snowy peaks of the Kepler Mountains. The trek duration is 3-4 days, with a medium+ difficulty rating (the first day is especially tough, involving serious ascents).
View on the Kepler Track:
For those who prefer to do only a section in this area without overnight stays, returning to sleep in Te Anau, the Key Summit Track is highly recommended.
The track starts from the Milford Road, about an hour's drive from Te Anau (85 km) and half an hour from Milford Sound. This section is the most scenic part of the Routeburn Track, another 4-day trek in the region. The track length is 3.4 km, and walking time is about 3-4 hours.
Another fjord where you can cruise and hike near Te Anau is Doubtful Sound.
Guided Doubtful Sound cruise tour departing from Te Anau (via Viator):
♦ Doubtful Sound Cruise from Te Anau - Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau
Includes pick-up and return to Te Anau. Includes a cruise on Lake Manapouri, transport across Wilmot Pass, followed by the cruise in Doubtful Sound. Duration: 9 hours.
Large cruise ships sailing in New Zealand also spend an entire day cruising through the magnificent fjords of southwest New Zealand, including Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound. It is hard to believe that giant ships weighing 70,000-140,000 tons manage to sail through the narrow fjords and even make a 360-degree turn inside.
This is an impressive experience and an unforgettable day trip.
