Hike, Bike and Fish Fiordland
Enjoy a unique combination of Mountain Biking on the Fiordland Trail, Jet Boat Fishing on the Famous Waiau River and Hiking on One New Zealand’s Great Walks the Kepler Track...
Departing Fiordland Lodge at 8am with your private guide and vehicle you start with a bike onto the Fiordland Trail which begins at Lake Te Anau and follows the lake to the control gates at the start of the Waiau River. This first section of the track offers magnificent vistas over Lake Te Anau to the Fiordland Mountains. From here this is the entry point into the Fiordland National Park and you will Bike along the upper Waiau River from the Control Gates to Queens Reach and from here you continue from Queens Reach to the Rainbow Reach car park the pickup point for your Fish Jet experience.
- Distance biking: 16.8 kilometres and overall the trail offers a natural, highly scenic and safe recreational experience. The trail is built to grade 2 i.e. "easy" by NZ Cycle Trail standards.
- Bikes provided for all abilities, sizes and makes including motorised ebikes.
From Rainbows Reach we combine fishing and jet boating in the Fiordland wilderness for the ultimate kiwi adventure. This is incredible fun for friends, couples and families, no fishing experience required and this isn’t just about the trout fishing; the scenery on offer will make your jaw drop as you spend time drift fishing and jet boating the upper Waiau River. Drift down the river fishing for plentiful brown & rainbow trout before being dropped off at Motorau hut on the Kepler Track, beside Lake Manapouri. The Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s 9 'Great Walks'.
A picnic lunch is had at Motorau Hut with its sandy beach overlooking Lake Manapouri before starting the hike to Rainbow Reach. Your nature guide will point out the wetlands and lake landscapes that are all enjoyed on this hike and the conclusion of the walk is by crossing the big swing bridge spanning the mighty Waiau River. From the middle of the bridge enjoy the vistas including scenery used in the Lord of the Rings film.
- The track is maintained to a very high standard, with care to ensure a safe hiking experience. Walking distance: 6 kilometers and about 2 hours walking.
From Rainbow reach, 2 options: enjoy the scenic cycle back along the Fiordland trail to Te Anau and transfer back to Fiordland Lodge. Alternately a transfer directly back from Rainbow Reach to Fiordland Lodge.
Price: $1,800 based on 2 people (extra $100 per person after 2 people) maximum 6 people.
Price: Includes all transfers, nature guide for the day, picnic lunches.
Guided Fly Fishing
Within and around the confines of Fiordland National Park, amid towering peaks, flow the clearest rivers inhabited by large wild Brown and Rainbow trout.
Fiordland Lodge offers guided fly fishing in both Fiordland and neighboring Southland with experienced professional guides. With in excess of 30 rivers and streams all within 1.5 hours drive of the Lodge there is an abundance of options. From well populated fisheries that are perfect for both novice and intermediate to world class trophy fisheries to challenge the most advanced anglers, Fiordland Lodge proudly caters to anglers of all ability.
Experience true wilderness fishing amongst stunning scenery on remote rivers in Fiordland. (Optional helicopter fly ins direct from the Lodge), or try back country fishing via 4WD. We also offer drift fishing and jet boat fishing where we use jet boats to fish the Waiau river for eith half or full day fishing experiences. Fiordland Lodge can organise multi-day trips for a variety of water and scenery: an unforgettable experience each day.
- NEW ZEALAND FLY FISHING WILDERNESS RIVERS
- CATCH & RELEASE
- PERSONAL SERVICE
- TUITION
- FISHING TACKLE SUPPLIED IF REQUIRED
If you are contemplating a fishing vacation to New Zealand, please contact us and we will share with you time on the river amongst breath-taking scenery, clear, clean water, and pure fresh air. We will also tailor a day around you individually whether a family just looking to spend some quality time on the river or an experiened angler looking for that world class trophy experience.
Our Experience
Our hand picked team of guides are all members of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association. They are permitted to guide on all waters and in addition are trained in Health and Safety to ensure your day is not only exceptional but your safety is paramount throughout.
Where do we fish?
As we are based in Te Anau, most of our fishing is in the Fiordland and Southland regions, though we do travel further afield when required.?There are over thirty rivers and streams within 1 hour 30 minute's travel of Te Anau. They vary from small spring fed streams to moderate sized rivers. The mountains of Fiordland New Zealand are clothed in rich rain forest and here true wilderness fishing is as good as it gets. During settled weather, the rivers run clear, and large brown and rainbow trout can be seen cruising in deep pools.
Away from the mountains and forest, the rivers flow across farm land with an ever changing landscape. Access along the river banks is somewhat easier than in the mountains and good stocks of both brown and rainbow trout abound. We operate modern equipment and jet boats for access to the rivers and use only reputable licensed aircraft companies for heli-fishing.
What to bring?
You do not need to bring anything as we provide you with the following:
- QUALITY FISHING RODS AND TACKLE
- HAND TIED FLIES
- TUITION
- LUNCH
If you prefer to use your favorite fishing tackle that is fine- many people do. We recommend a 9 foot 5 or 6 weight rod, a reel capable of holding plenty of backing (there are some big fish out here), and line in either dark olive or grey colour. Dress code is very definitely casual, but more important is the fact that colours should be dull and of earth tonings to blend in with the local landscape. Our temperatures in the summer are between 16 and 25 degrees Celsius (some days cooler and some warmer).
Water temperatures are generally cool and early in the season some waters may be as low as 8 or 9 degrees Celsius climbing to 16 or 17 in mid-summer.
Our Options and Rates:
Full Day Fishing with a private guide in rivers accessed by foot and private vehicle...$900 (rate for 1 -2 people)
Full Day Helicopter Fishing...$900 for guide plus from $1500 helicopter (this is dependent on location and will be clearly decided, discussed and communicated with you prior)
Full Day Jet Boat Fishing the Waiau River...$1315 based on 2 people, extra person $150
Half Day Jet Boat Fishing the Waiau River...$655 based on 2 people, extra person $75
- Prices valid until April 2019
- Includes fishing guide, any fishing tackle required, plus lunch except on half day fishing. Day fishing licenses additional: $34 per person 18 years and over.
Have a go at Jet Boat Fishing
Discover the Beauty of The Waiau River with Jet Boat Fishing
Teeming with brown & rainbow trout and flowing through untouched rainforest, the Waiau river offers a very special wilderness experience.
Combine fishing and jet boating in the Fiordland wilderness for the ultimate kiwi adventure. Unforgettable fun for friends, couples, and families!
This trip is all about giving trout fishing a go for the first time on Fiordland’s mighty Waiau River. It’s the ultimate hands-on Kiwi adventure. Let our friendly local guide welcome you on board our custom-built jet boat, as we drift down the river having a go at trout fishing along the way. There are high numbers of rainbow and brown trout here, and with our stunning clear waters and patient guides providing tuition, you are bound to hook up in no time!
But it’s not just the thrill of catching trout for the first time that makes this such a memorable day. The scenery is truly epic – think Lord of the Rings filming locations combined with the wilderness of the Fiordland National Park.
No experience is required for this private half day or full day experience and everything is supplied. Having your own boat and guide also means complete flexibility with how you want to enjoy your trip.
Enjoy morning or afternoon tea with home baking on half day trips or a delicious BBQ lunch on the riverside with locally-sourced produce on full day trips. It’s so much fun for couples or a group of friends or family of up to 6, or ask us about groups of up to 10. Pre-booking is recommended Dec – Mar as availability is limited.
For the non-anglers in the group, sit back and watch the fishing action or enjoy the cycle trail or Kepler Track which runs along either side of the river. We can organise to meet up along the river so everyone can enjoy what they want to.
Trip options include:
Half Day - A morning or afternoon trip exploring upper Waiau River…$655 for up to two people, $75 per person after two people (children 0-17yrs no additional charge).
Full Day - Fish the river at your own pace with lunch provided and optional walks to local attractions, like the Rainbow Reach swing bridge, and/or riverside stops... $1315 for up to two people, $150 per person after two people (children 0-17yrs no additional charge).
Day fishing licenses additional: $34 per person 18 years and over.
95% of our guiding is on the Waiau River rather than driving to other rivers. Below are some FAQ's.
* The fishing on this river cannot be accessed by walking – it has high terraced sides and bush right to the edge – this is why we use boats and we use jet boats because of the superior maneuverability.
* Because you have to use a boat this river does not have the fishing pressure other rivers have and we never run into conflict on the river with other guides or anglers. You might walk for an hour up a river and discover someone else has just jumped in ahead of you – we don’t have to deal with this at all as we just move down the 28km length of river in the boat avoiding everyone else which is what a fishing experience should be.
* It is 5 minutes from Te Anau so you maximise your fishing time – on a half day most get at least 4-5 hours actual fishing time so far better bang for buck than driving to and from rivers and walking between pools maybe only getting 2-3 hours actual fishing time if any if you don’t see a fish.
* The boat is used only as transport between fishing spots – we can fish from the boat if you want, drift style but largely it is the same experience as walking from pool to pool except we drive you which again maximizes fishing time and the chance of getting onto fish. It is only a mode of transport, most certainly not a highlight of the trip. Elderly or less agile people or those that have had a full fishing holiday itinerary find it perfect if they can’t cover the ground they used to, we simply drive them to the fishing spots, low effort.
* The Waiau River offers lots of variety to suit different styles of fishing – spin, fly and drift experiences, from the very experienced angler to the first time learner. We can choose challenging waters, target big browns in the back waters or target active Rainbow in the fast water. We can effectively cater for everyone on the same river all in a different style.
* Fish and Game drift dive this river and it is consistently 2-300 trout per kilometer – this is impressive by any standard.
* This river is not affected by rainfall like all the other rivers – it is controlled by a dam so it will not rise significantly or turn dirty overnight – it is a very dependable and fish-able river and all weather conditions which gives everyone peace of mind when booking so far ahead.
* The guides know this river like the back of their hands because they spend every day on it during the summer.
* We have hosted literally over a thousand fishing clients and we have not had anyone not appreciate the Waiau River experience, in fact they are blown away by the quantity and quality of our fishery. We are lucky to have this resource right here and I assure you, you will not be disappointed.
Private Guide for the Day
Allow yourself to be 'Guided By Nature' not by time and with a tailor made itinerary that can be changed at any time, you are in control of your own journey into the Fiordland National Park. The advantages of a private guide and private vehicle for the day is that you control what you want to focus on whether wildlife, nature, walks, history, our specialty is getting you away from the crowds to see the many 'hidden secrets' that the Fiordland National Park has to offer.
Factors such as seasonal conditions, the 'best spot', physical ability, weather, feelings, and your mood 'on the day' can and will change daily and in our opinion, this easy going and flexible approach helps us give you the best experience possible on your tour. You are the only passengers. Your guide is the key to getting your eyes, ears and cameras in the 'right place at the right time'. Your guide will also provide you with the local knowledge and ensure you explore all the off the beat spots, eat well, and you will not find a better and easier way to discover and unlock the many secrets that this world heritage area holds.
Fiordland Guides conducts only private charter (sole use) tours. You, your group or family are the only people on your tour. This means that your tour can be highly customized to suit your preferred style of travel, your fitness levels and personal needs and also your day is tailored to suit your mental and physical desires not just on an overall basis but also on a day to day level as the tour progresses.
We promote a culture of thorough communication between you and your guide both before and during your tour. We don't pretend to know what you like and don't force you to stick to a given itinerary. The basic structure or itinerary of your tour will be formed with you through negotiation once we have a good idea of what it is you are hoping to achieve or experience on your journey to the Fiordland National Park.
Rate: $900 per day inclusive of vehicle transport and lunch and enquiries and bookings to info@fiordlandlodge.co.nz
Guided Nature Walks
New Zealand abounds in excellent walking tracks and here in Fiordland we are based at the gate-way to one of the world's greatest National Parks which is now part of the "Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area."
The Te Anau and Fiordland region are promoted as the "walking and sight-seeing capital of the world" and rightfully so as in this region alone, there are over 500km of walking tracks and we believe the scenery just does not get any better anywhere.
We offer to share this world with you with our guided walks and hikes and we can take you to a place of your choice, arrange an itinerary for you, or you may wish to join one of our scheduled packages.
We have a wide choice of scheduled trips available from half day walks every day of the week to interesting local areas, some of which are rich in local history, to hikes of a number of days or more into the remoter regions of Fiordland.
We have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that any walk, no matter how long or short, is enjoyable.
Below is a selection of our guided walks that depart daily from Fiordland Lodge.
Lake Marion Guided Day Walk
Enjoy a guided day walk from Fiordland Lodge to Key Summit on the renowned Routeburn Track, a New Zealand Great Walk. Ascending through lush forest and into a unique alpine herb field offering panoramic views of mountains, alpine lakes and bush clad valleys far below. This walk offers an incredible day out in the heart of New Zealand South Island main mountain divide.
This spectacular walk ascends through lush, temperate rainforest and onto a unique alpine herb field. On the summit, hikers experience panoramic views of mountains, alpine lakes, and deep, glacial carved bush clad valleys. The Routeburn Track is an inspiring place to be and enjoy natural beauty.
Walking in a small group your guide provides an excellent opportunity to learn about this stunning natural environment. If time allows, a visit is made to the tramping hut at Lake Howden before retracing our steps to the Divide.
This 8km return Routeburn Track walk begins at the Divide Shelter with a steady climb on a well maintained track. Gaining an elevation of 400 metres, the ascent takes approximately 2 hours at a leisurely pace. On a fine day lunch is on the summit, and in unfavourable conditions in the shelter of a nearby tramping hut. After lunch we descend back to the Divide Shelter.
Price: $185 per person, Lunch additional $25 per person
Routeburn Track, Key Summit Guided Walk
The Lake Marian guided walk allows you to enjoy a lesser-known Fiordland track with an experienced, friendly local guide. Enjoy a day hike amongst native forest and raw alpine scenery in the heart of New Zealand's South Island mountain divide. Your effort is well-rewarded, with a panoramic view at the top of this beautiful glacial carved, hanging valley.
Begin your journey with a spectacular scenic drive along the Milford Road to the Lower Hollyford, the starting point for the guided walk to Lake Marian. En-route there are opportunities for short nature walks and photographic stops. The hike starts with a gentle walk alongside a spectacular series of waterfalls, then steepens and becomes quite rocky underfoot as we ascend through a lush forest of fuchsia, ribbon wood and beech trees.
With a maximum of 6 walkers your friendly guide will share information and stories about the natural and human heritage of Fiordland. Stops for photographs, bird-watching and enjoying the scenery are regularly made along the way ensuring a pleasurable, easy-going climb. Hot drinks and energy snacks are carried by the guide, and a wilderness tea break is made available as required.
After walking 2-3 hours, Lake Marian, our stunning alpine destination, is reached. This beautiful lake is surrounded by a hanging valley bordered by steep, snow clad mountains. As weather allows, we enjoy a picnic lunch and relax in this magnificent alpine amphitheatre.
When the group is ready, we make a leisurely decent back down the track to the Hollyford Road and then travel back to Te Anau by coach.
Rate: $195 per person, Lunch additional $25 per person
Milford Track Back End Guided Walk
Soak up the grandeur of the world-famous Milford Track with a guided walk to Giant's Gate Falls. This New Zealand Great Walk is suitable for all abilities and there is much to see. From the ancient canopy trees towering above to the emerald-green ferns below and the birdsong that echoes through the trees, it is a unique World Heritage Area best explored by foot.
You will be picked up from Fiordland Lodge by your guide and drive through to Milford Sound. Then departing from Milford Sound, you begin with a short boat ride to Sandfly Point. The walk meanders alongside the cascading Arthur River through lush rainforest to Giant Gate. This spectacular waterfall is best viewed from the large swing bridge spanning the river.
Walking at an easy going pace in a small group, your knowledgeable nature guide will point out the native plants and birds inhabiting this lush environment, and share the track’s stories, bringing the history of the area to life.
Please note that you will depart Fiordland Lodge at approximately 6.45am for Milford Sound with your scheduled transport and guide, join the water taxi to Sandfly Point and the Milford Track, then walk to Giant Gate Waterfall, an iconic and highly photographed waterfall. The track is flat and well maintained through spectacular forest, river and lake scenery.
Once you are off the track we round your off with day a Real Journeys Milford Scenic Cruise before returning on the Real Journeys cruise back to Te Anau and Fiordland Lodge.
Rate: $303 per person, Lunch Additional at $25 per person.
Gertrude Saddle Guided Adventure Walk
Gertrude Saddle offers an adventurous guided day hike from Fiordland Lodge. Explore the Fiordland mountains and its unrivalled alpine terrain to gain spectacular views of Milford Sound from the summit. In a small group, your local, knowledgeable guide will lead you safely through the area and provide information on the incredible array of alpine plants and birds along the way.
From the lodge you take a very scenic drive along the Milford Road for about two hours to the upper Hollyford Valley and the Alpine Homer Hut. This drive takes us to the heart of the Darren mountains and up into the sub alpine herb fields.
The hike to the Gertrude saddle is challenging at times, but the rewards are most definitely worth it. Rough and rocky underfoot, the track follows the valley floor up to the imposing Barrier face, then commences a steep and steady climb to the chilled waters of the mystical Black Lake. Walking across giant granite slabs and supported by fixed ropes near the top, finally the saddle is reached. From the safety of the pass, enjoy incredible views into the surrounding valleys and down onto Milford Sound.
On a sunny day the Saddle is a wild, awe-inspiring place for lunch, though with no shelter available it is imperative appropriate warm clothing is taken, as well as a good lunch and snacks. Hot drinks and energy snacks will be carried by you guide, and a wilderness tea break is made available during the walk and as required. It takes about three hours to gain the saddle and nearly the same to return to the van as we retrace our steps.
This is a more demanding walk than Lake Marian, and only suitable in good weather. Lake Marian is the back-up walk if your guide deems the weather is not suitable for this walk. You can spend a whole day exploring the lower valley and if this is preferred then we suggest you book a private guide. The lower valley has incredible alpine flowers and scenery; it is not necessary to reach the saddle, or anywhere near it to have an amazing day.
Rate: $900 Private Guide (1 -3 people includes lunch)
What to Bring: The Fiordland weather is unpredictable and can change very quickly. Firstly, if you are planning on staying at Fiordland Lodge and targeting day walks we suggest an appropriate day pack. We recommend bringing comforatable walking boots/shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing including hat and gloves, sun screen and insect repellent, sun hat, camera and any personal medication if required. Walking poles are optional.
Milford Track 1 Day Exclusive (Front End)
Your Exclusive Milford Track Guided Experience
Venture through a natural playground of glacier-carved fiords and emerald river valleys with an exclusively guided day walk on the Milford Track. There’s something very special about experiencing the Milford Track with your own private guide. Take your time, enjoy unforgettable vistas all to yourself and soak up personalized commentary on the track’s history, flora and fauna.
The 'Finest Walk In The World'
New Zealand’s most famous walking trail, the Milford Track has origins as an overland greenstone route between Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound. In 1888, colourful local Quintin Mackinnon navigated the rainforests and mountain passes to create the route the track follows today. Word got out, and Mackinnon became the track’s first guide, famous for his good nature and scone-baking skills. In 1908, the London Spectator called the Milford Track 'the Finest Walk in the World' - and the rest is history.
Personal Guide, Bespoke Service
While the full track takes around four days to complete, an exclusively guided day walk is the ultimate answer for those who would prefer a shorter Milford Track experience. Enjoy the knowledge and leadership of our experienced and personable nature guides as you explore this World Heritage location. Treat yourself and your travelling companions to a highly personal Milford Track journey – no other company offers exclusively guided day walks on the track.
Leaving from Fiordland Lodge, journey to Glade Wharf, the start of the track. Here we cross privately with the Fiordland Water Taxi a brand new boat, custom-built for passenger comfort. From here your walk begins as you cross a suspension bridge and venture into the beautiful Fiordland landscapes that form the Milford Track. The great thing about this exclusively guided experience is that you call the shots on how far you would like to go – the walk can be up to 14 kilometers long. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the location of your choice before heading back to the boat for the return journey. The section of the Milford Track that we walk is relatively easy going and is suitable for most ages and abilities.
Itinerary & Rates
This exclusive package includes transport to and from Fiordland Lodge (private transfer and water taxi), expert nature guide, picnic lunch and refreshments.
Pricing: 1-3 people $1,950
For extra people over 3 pax $250 (Maximum of 12 people)
Milford Sound, Coach, Cruise & Walk
Departs and returns to Fiordland Lodge daily, enjoy a memorable "unhurried" day excursion with a private guide to Milford Sound on a small coach, maximum group size 11. Described as the most scenic alpine drive in the world this is the best option into and out of Milford sound ensuring you don't miss any of the amazing scenery. Includes a boat cruise onto Milford Sound along the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. Then select on the return drive either a series of short walks and exploration with your local nature guide, or a 2 and 1/2 hours hiking (unguided) on the renowned Routeburn Great Walk to Key Summit.
Full day itinerary:
Milford Sound Boat cruise
On reaching Milford Sound your guide/driver will board you onto your Boat Cruise for a leisurely 2.5 hour cruise of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities, with plenty of time available to enjoy the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife (seals, penguins and dolphins) around the fiord.
Walks
A walk in Fiordland is a must, even if it is only a few hundred meters. On completion of the cruise we begin our overland tour. Depending on your motivations you can choose a series of short walks with the nature guide or 2.5 hours walking on the Routeburn Track to Key Summit.
Your choice...enjoy a series of short, guided walks, with your local guide. Our National Park concession allows us to access the Gertrude Valley, Lake Gunn, and Hollyford Valley, so you can get off the beaten track and explore a range of different environments in this World Heritage Area. Plentiful opportunities are made for you to experience the natural fauna and flora with all your senses and capture it on camera. Catering for all ages and abilities, stops are made to suit people's interests and weather on the day.
For the more active and for hiking at its best. Ascend up the Routeburn Track enroute to Key Summit through lush beech rainforest and into the alpine environment with panoramic views of the surrounding Fiordland Mountains, alpine lakes and deep bush clad valleys. This option is unguided unless the whole group on the day takes this option.
More Information:
Departs daily from Fiordland Lodge and returns around 5.00pm. Group size max 12 people.
2 hour 30 minute Milford Sound Nature Boat Cruise then select guided short walks with Nature Guide or, 2 ½ hour walk on Routebun Great Walk (unguided).
Rate $175 per person.
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Travel with us to this untouched world deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. The beauty and vastness of Doubtful Sound will take your breath away as you experience its deep wilderness.
When you discover Doubtful Sound you will be struck by its silence – a silence broken only by birdsong or the rushing of a distant waterfall. Its beauty and vastness will take your breath away.
Your day begins in Manapouri (which is a 25 minute self-drive from Fiordland Lodge) with a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri followed by a trip across New Zealand’s most expensive road over Wilmot Pass, pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below.
In Doubtful Sound, you will board a spacious, purpose built catamaran Patea Explorer for a three-hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise our knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region through their commentary. They will answer questions, point out landmarks and provide you with information about the varied wildlife you may encounter like dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
A visit to one of New Zealand’s major sources of sustainable energy – the Manapouri Underground Power Station* is also included.
Trip Duration: 7 hours 15 mins - 8 hours
Rate: $295 per person
The Wairaurahiri Jet Boat Experience
4 Kms of jet boating into the heart of the Fiordland National Park and back; travel across Lake Hauroko and down to the rugged southern coast via the wild Wairaurahiri River. An All Day Adventure which includes, personal guided nature walks and a delicious kiwi style BBQ.
For your comfort on the colder days, fitted heated hand rails for extra comfort and provided are woolie hats and oversized water proof oil skin coats for use while aboard.
The River: The Wairaurahiri River, 27 km of rugged rock strewn grade three rapids that drop 600ft to sea level. These are the conditions which make the Wairaurahiri Jet such an exciting ride! Two Lexus V8 engines will carry you through ancient beech forest on a wild, weaving, 27km ride down the Wairaurahiri River from Lake Hauroko to the sea through the Fiordland National Park.
Price: $275 per person self-drive to Lake Hauroko
Price: $425 transport to and from Lake Hauroko. Departures from Fiordland Lodge only on Monday and Thursday's.
92 kms Jet Boating - Duration: 6 hours - Leaves Lake Hauroko boat ramp at 10am (Lake Hauroko is a 1.15-hour drive from Fiordland Lodge)
Set off across New Zealand's deepest lake then drop 600 feet via the rock strewn, white water rapids of the grade three wild Wairaurahiri River to the rugged south coast for a yummy Kiwi Style BBQ lunch at the Waitutu Lodge. Delicious lunch and nature walks included.
Te Anau Glow-worm Caves
Experience a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow-worms. Your trip to the Te Anau Glow-worm Caves begins at the Real Journeys visitors centre in Te Anau with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau on a purpose-built scenic cruise vessel.
At the entry to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you join your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, our friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history.
This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.
Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
A great family excursion, duration 2 hours and fifteen minutes. Please note that photography and filming is not allowed inside the caves.
Price: From $93 per person
Exclusive Cruise Lake Te Anau
Southern Fiordland is a magical part of the world where the sea, rivers and lakes combine with endless coastline, mountains and forests to showcase New Zealand’s wilderness at its best.
Information - Treat yourself to a life-long memory, a connection with the past, in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Let us take you across pristine waters of Lake Te Anau, surrounded by the untouched beauty the Fiordland National Park with primeval forest, hidden coves, picturesque islands and breath-taking mountain vistas. Step back in time to an era when elegance was common, adventure was the basis of the daily news and new frontiers captured the heart of nations. We invite you to join us aboard Faith in Fiordland, a 66-foot (20-meter) motor sailer built in Scotland from teak, oak and mahogany, now moored at the historic wharf at Lake Te Anau, Fiordland.
This is a 3 hour experience including a guided walk to the Hidden Lakes, delicious finger foods, tea and refreshments. Ideal for that special occasion with added privacy and personalised commentary from a local crew. Relaxed, friendly and away from the crowds enjoy time with the engine turned off to enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park.
Your private cruise onto Lake Te Anau. Exclusive 3 hour cruise $1650 from 2-10 people.
Focus on Photography
Suitable for both professional and amateur photographers looking to enhance and refresh their camera eye. Aimed at nature lovers Fiordland is a photographer's dream-come-true.
Our Focus on Photography experience is accompanied by private guide and Te Anau local Douglas Thorne who specializes in photographing New Zealand scenery and wildlife and he was recently named the 2017 Otago Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Douglas will do his best to maximize the chances of obtaining the best pictures over the course of your day and your day is targeted around your special interests and Douglas will look for subjects of special interest to you such as birds, wildlife, landscapes, scenery, plants or the night sky.
Rare, Unique Wildlife – Fiordland is known for its fascinating and unique wildlife. Many of New Zealand's rarest native bird species make their home in Fiordland whether it is the cheeky Kea, an alpine parrot with bright red feathers on the underside of its wings or the rare blue duck or the Fiordland crested penguins. Nowhere is the wild beauty of New Zealand displayed with more effect than in the stunning landscapes of Fiordland. Here, untamed waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into virgin forested valleys, lonely fiords greet the sun with enchanted birdsong, and stretches of crystal clear lakes shimmer in the pure air surrounded by a mantle of vivid green rainforest and towering granite peaks. The scenery is wild, dramatic and breathtaking and a paradise for the keen photographer.
Photography in this area can be extremely rewarding and you will go home with some stunning pictures in your luggage. The opportunity to utilize a helicopter is an added extra and option to get into the likes of Doubtful Sound which is a photographers haven of nature with ancient rainforest, abundant wildlife and superb physical grandeur. Practically untouched by man, the fiord has a deep stillness, a sense of solitude and serenity - it is quite simply and unquestionably breathtaking through the lens.
Equipment recommended:
- Camera
- Telephoto lenses (with 300mm lenses it is possible to get excellent images)
- Wide-angle lenses (there will be opportunities to shoot stunning Fiordland landscapes)
- Flash
- Tripod and/or monopod
- Protection against humidity (rain is a reality in Fiordland. It is good to protect your equipment. If you don’t have sealed bags, regular plastic bags will help protect your apparatus)
- Batteries, chargers and additional memory cards
- Notebook (it's not essential, but it’s great for backup and visualization)
- Compact camera (for making off and common shots)
Price: $900 based on 2 people.
Price Includes: Includes private vehicle, private guide and picnic lunch.
Fiordland, on New Zealand's south west corner, has long been recognised as one of the great eco-heritage areas of the world. Fiordland is one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. Stay at Fiordland Lodge and absorb the breath-taking treasures of this region by water, air or hiking. Carved by glaciers over 100,000 years the landscape is one where waterfalls cascade hundreds of metres into deep black fiords; where ancient rainforest untouched by man clings to mountains and where shimmering lakes and granite peaks look as they did a thousand years ago.
The Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site and includes Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds. Milford Sound was described by Rudyard Kipling as the Eighth Wonder of the World; take a scenic flight over it and you will understand why. Some of the fiords can be explored by kayak but if you'd like to see the less accessible fiords, eco-tours can be arranged from the lodge.
This really is the place for hiking and the Fiordland National Park is a hiking paradise with New Zealand's 'great walks', the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks all starting within minutes of Fiordland Lodge. Fiordland's National Park is one of the world's most beautiful areas and is over 1.2 million hectares in size. Encompassing mountain, lake, fiord and rainforest environments offering extraordinary scenic beauty.
From Fiordland Lodge we cater specifically to each client– this means individual attention from local personal guides. Outdoor pursuits and nature are combined in the activities that are on offer from the region's top attractions and activities. These excursions are an ideal way to celebrate your stay in Fiordland as we combine and hand pick the best and most personal operators in the area to assure your needs on the day are catered for. All activities on offer are bookable from Fiordland Lodge and can simply be added to your room account and payable upon departure.
For Fiordland Lodge reservations, please visit our secure booking form.
