Best activities in Fiordland

Located on the South-West Coast of the South Island, Fiordland is synonymous with New Zealand's famous Great Walks, drawing adventurers from across the globe to experience its dramatic landscapes on foot. But the magic of Fiordland extends far beyond the hiking boots!

The Lure of the Great Walks

Fiordland National Park is a hiker's paradise, boasting four of New Zealand's eleven Great Walks.

• The Milford Track: Often hailed as "the finest walk in the world," this multi-day journey (53.5 kilometres) takes hikers through ancient rainforests, past cascading waterfalls (including the majestic Sutherland Falls), and across the breathtaking MacKinnon Pass. It's a truly iconic experience that immerses visitors in a landscape largely unchanged for millennia.
• The Kepler Track: Designed to showcase the very best of Fiordland, the Kepler Track (60 kilometres) offers a diverse landscape of mountains, native forest, and glacier-carved valleys. Its proximity to Te Anau and sweeping panoramic views makes it a popular choice with hikers of all abilities.
• The Routeburn Track: Linking Fiordland National Park with Mount Aspiring National Park, the Routeburn Track (33 kilometres) is a true alpine adventure. Hikers are treated to spectacular alpine vistas, lush rainforest, and jewel-like lakes as they traverse this stunning trail.
• The Hump Ridge Track: New Zealand's newest Great Walk (61 kilometres), offers a unique blend of sub-alpine tops, rugged coastline, and fascinating historic viaducts, providing inspiring views stretching from the mountains to the ocean.

Luckily, you don't need to commit to a multi-day expedition to experience the magic of these Great Walks. There are several opportunities for shorter day hikes on the trails to soak in the atmosphere and return to the comfort of Cabot Lodge in the evening. It's the perfect way to get a taste of these world-renowned trails, offering incredible scenery and a sense of accomplishment.

For Those Who Prefer a Gentler Pace

While the Great Walks capture the imagination, Fiordland offers a wealth of incredible experiences for every kind of traveller. The beauty of the region can be enjoyed in so many captivating ways:

• Cruising the Fiords: No visit to Fiordland is complete without experiencing the majestic sounds. A cruise on Milford Sound is an absolute must-do, where sheer cliffs plunge into dark waters, and waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres. For a more tranquil and equally awe-inspiring experience, the vast wilderness of Doubtful Sound is a true gem, accessible via a short cruise across Lake Manapouri and a scenic coach ride over Wilmot Pass. The silence of Doubtful Sound is truly profound.
• Lake Manapouri Exploration: Right on our doorstep, Lake Manapouri itself offers immense beauty. Take a leisurely lake cruise or even kayak its pristine waters, dotted with islands and framed by the dramatic Cathedral Peaks. It's a peaceful way to absorb the stunning surroundings.
• Scenic Flights: For a truly unparalleled perspective, take to the skies! Helicopter or fixed-wing scenic flights offer breathtaking aerial views of the entire Fiordland National Park, revealing its vastness and intricate geological formations in a way that can only be appreciated from above.
• Glowworm Caves: Embark on a magical journey to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. A cruise across Lake Te Anau leads you to an intricate cave system where you'll witness thousands of twinkling glowworms illuminating the darkness – a truly enchanting experience.
• Lake2Lake Cycle Trail: Guests of the Lodge can borrow E-Bikes and take to the stunning cycle trail on the boundary of the property. The trail connects Lake Manapouri and Lake Te Anau, providing riders with views over the Fiordland National Park and local lakes with ample opportunities for a riverside picnic.
• Fiordland Jet boat: For those in need of adventure without the exercise, jumping in a jet boat and weaving down the Waiau River is a must-do. While Fiordland Jet offers exciting twists, turns and spins, the adrenaline raising speeds are perfectly complemented by informative guides providing insightful commentary on the history of the area. The trip includes an exploration of the National Park on foot to discover the local flora and fauna surrounding this majestic river.
• Fishing on the Waiau River: With more trout per kilometre than almost any other river in New Zealand, the Waiau River is a trout fishing mecca for visitors from all over the world. Whether spin reel or fly, drift boat or walk and wade, there are ample fishing opportunities for novices through to seasoned fishermen.
• Local Delights & Culture: Explore the charming township of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland, offering local eateries, the Fiordland Cinema (showing the captivating "Ata Whenua - Shadowland" film), and the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, where you can see rare native birds up close.
• Relaxing at Cabot Lodge: Of course, sometimes the best activity is simply to relax and unwind. Enjoy our unique beekeeping experience, delve deeper with a farm tour, witness the captivating sheepdog demonstrations, and enjoy those peaceful walks across our own property. After a day of exploring, why not unwind in our luxurious hot tub, indulge in a private yoga or Pilates class, or just kickback for a fun movie/game night in the lounge? We believe in offering a genuine connection to rural New Zealand life, complemented by amenities that ensure your complete relaxation and well-being.

Whether you dream of conquering a Great Walk or prefer to soak in the splendour from a different vantage point, Fiordland has an adventure waiting for you. And here at Cabot Lodge, we are perfectly positioned to help you discover the magic, whatever your preference. We can't wait to share our slice of paradise with you.

Posted by Cabot Lodge on September 01, 2025