Fiordland National Park

New Zealand's largest national park, Fiordland is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dramatic fiords, ancient rainforests, and towering...

Fiordland National Park at a Glance

Location
Otago & Southland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-45.291553, 167.332690
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Fiordland National Park

Nearest airport: Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre (NZTJ), 443 km away.

Nearest international airport: Christchurch Airport (CHC), 460 km away.

Weather & Climate in Fiordland National Park

The warmest temperatures in Fiordland National Park occur in January, averaging 9.6°C (up to 14.1°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 1.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 266.3mm. Average humidity: 86.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (rainfall: 266.3mm)
  • February: 9.4°C (rainfall: 312.2mm)
  • March: 7.6°C (rainfall: 295.2mm)
  • April: 5.9°C (rainfall: 343.3mm)
  • May: 4.1°C (rainfall: 354.7mm)
  • June: 2.6°C (rainfall: 269.4mm)
  • July: 1.4°C (rainfall: 293.8mm)
  • August: 1.9°C (rainfall: 360.4mm)
  • September: 2.3°C (rainfall: 482.9mm)
  • October: 4.2°C (rainfall: 396.2mm)
  • November: 6.5°C (rainfall: 306.2mm)
  • December: 8.4°C (rainfall: 349.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Fiordland National Park

The best months to visit Fiordland National Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 9.62°C, rainfall 266.3mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 86.1%
  • February: Poor, temperature 9.38°C, rainfall 312.2mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 87.3%
  • March: Poor, temperature 7.58°C, rainfall 295.2mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 89.8%
  • April: Poor, temperature 5.89°C, rainfall 343.3mm, sunshine 5.6 hrs, humidity 93.8%
  • May: Poor, temperature 4.13°C, rainfall 354.7mm, sunshine 4.4 hrs, humidity 94.3%
  • June: Poor, temperature 2.58°C, rainfall 269.4mm, sunshine 4.6 hrs, humidity 91.9%
  • July: Poor, temperature 1.4°C, rainfall 293.8mm, sunshine 3.8 hrs, humidity 93.5%
  • August: Poor, temperature 1.89°C, rainfall 360.4mm, sunshine 5 hrs, humidity 94.1%
  • September: Poor, temperature 2.31°C, rainfall 482.9mm, sunshine 5.6 hrs, humidity 92.8%
  • October: Poor, temperature 4.15°C, rainfall 396.2mm, sunshine 6.5 hrs, humidity 90.2%
  • November: Poor, temperature 6.46°C, rainfall 306.2mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 86.7%
  • December: Poor, temperature 8.39°C, rainfall 349.8mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 88.3%

Wildlife in Fiordland National Park

Home to 20 recorded species including 13 waterbirds, 3 iconic birds, 2 birds of prey, 1 marine & freshwater, 1 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Fiordland National Park

Based on average temperature of 5.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 91%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 5°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Fiordland National Park

50 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

luxury

Similar Parks in Otago & Southland

Visitor Tips - Fiordland National Park

We find Fiordland's sheer scale and ancient, rain-sculpted landscapes utterly breathtaking, a place where the mountains truly meet the sea in dramatic fashion. The constant interplay of light, mist, and cascading waterfalls creates an ever-changing, deeply immersive experience that feels both wild and profoundly peaceful. Don't let the rain deter you; it's an integral part of the magic, transforming the landscape into a symphony of sound and light.

Gate Times

Fiordland National Park itself is generally open 24-hours a day, allowing access to its vast wilderness. However, specific visitor centers, popular walking tracks like the Milford, Routeburn, and Kepler Great Walks, and all boat cruises in Milford and Doubtful Sounds operate on scheduled hours and often require advance bookings, especially during the peak summer season (November to April). We strongly recommend checking the Department of Conservation (DOC) website for current track conditions and booking requirements well in advance, as some tracks close seasonally or due to weather. Road access, particularly the Milford Road, can be affected by snow and ice in winter, so always check conditions before you travel.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand, and service staff are paid a living wage. However, if you receive truly exceptional service from a tour guide, boat captain, or shuttle driver, a small gratuity is always appreciated. We suggest around 5-10% for a full-day guided tour, or a few dollars for a shorter service, purely as a gesture of thanks for outstanding effort. It is never obligatory.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for New Zealand

Travel advisory for New Zealand

Fiordland National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Fiordland National Park to experience its dramatic landscapes and waterfalls?

The best time to visit Fiordland National Park depends on your priorities. While summer (December-February) offers warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours for exploring, the park's iconic waterfalls are most spectacular during and after rainfall, which is frequent year-round. Visiting in spring or autumn can offer a balance of fewer crowds and still impressive water features.

What unique wildlife can I expect to see in Fiordland National Park, particularly in Milford and Doubtful Sound?

Fiordland National Park is a prime location to spot bottlenose dolphins and fur seals, especially during boat cruises through Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Keep an eye out for the rare Fiordland crested penguin (tawaki), which is endemic to the region and often seen on rocky shores during its breeding season from July to November.

What are the best ways to explore the dramatic fiords and ancient rainforests of Fiordland National Park?

The most popular way to experience Fiordland's dramatic fiords is via scenic boat cruises in Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, offering close-up views of towering cliffs and waterfalls. For a more immersive experience, consider kayaking through the fiords or exploring the ancient rainforests and hiking trails, such as parts of the Milford Track or Kepler Track, which showcase the park's unique biodiversity.

What are the key safety and health considerations for visitors to Fiordland National Park?

Given the park's remote and rugged environment, visitors should always be prepared for changeable weather, carry appropriate gear, and inform others of their hiking plans. It's important to note the indicated moderate malaria risk for the region, so consult a travel health professional for specific precautions. Additionally, be prepared for sandflies, which are prevalent, especially during warmer months.

How can I best manage crowds and budget for a trip to Fiordland National Park, especially given its UNESCO status?

Despite its UNESCO World Heritage status, Fiordland National Park generally experiences a moderate crowding level (2/5), though Milford Sound can be busier during peak summer months. To avoid crowds and potentially save on costs, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) or opting for less-trafficked areas like Doubtful Sound. Budget for activities like boat cruises, which are a primary way to experience the fiords, and note that accommodation within or very near the park can be limited and pricier.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.