Cruise through fiords, explore a glowworm grotto and marvel at the sunrise over remote mountain ranges; Fiordland is the place to come back to life and stir something new in yourself. With the crew at RealNZ you can venture to places that are otherwise near inaccessible, and spend more time in the wilderness to fully immerse yourself. RealNZ Fiordland Experiences include some of the greatest hits in the region.
A day cruise through Milford Sound is a bucket-list experience. Back that up with a guided tour through the Te Anau glowworm caves before travelling to Manapouri and embarking on an overnight cruise expedition in Doubtful Sound that will open your eyes to a new world. Explore Fiordland with the experts.
Roots in Conservation
RealNZ is a company with its roots in conservation. Starting in Fiordland 70 years ago ( in 1954) by locals and conservationists Les and Olive Hutchins, the intention was always to showcase the beauty of New Zealand while protecting and caring for the locations they visit. These founding roots remain as prominent as ever, with conservation projects being a major focus for the tourism team that helps people journey to remote, precious places.
Fiordland is where it all started for these trailblazers, and experiences in the region include learning about how the family company began, and how they stay true to their roots today.
Read more about the conservation pioneers and the story of RealNZ here.
1. Milford Sound Day Cruise
Piopiotahi Milford Sound has become one of the most visited and famous fiords in mighty Fiordland. Not only is Milford Sound one of the more accessible fiords, but its striking scenery gives visitors an otherworldly experience. The road from Te Anau to Milford Sound is remarkable in its own right, with massive valleys, glacier-fed creeks and dense beech forest lining the roadsides. After one final bend in the road you arrive in Milford Sound; a memorable moment. The RealNZ Day Cruises start here, with an iconic cruise down the fiord towards the Tasman Sea.
The deep dark sea water winds down the arm of the fiord, and the steep mountain peaks towering high above are quintessential characteristics of a glacier-carved fiord. Board your day cruise vessel at the Milford Sound visitor terminal and get up close and personal with waterfalls, learn about the fascinating history and conservation efforts in the area and with the help of your onboard nature guide, spot dolphins, seals and penguins. A Milford Sound day cruise is a New Zealand must-do and the perfect way to start your Fiordland adventure! Expect some rain; Fiordland is one of the wettest places on the planet, seeing rain around 200 days per year! This only adds to the allure, and the dramatic waterfalls pouring out of the cliff faces.
2. Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour
A Fiordland journey continues back in Te Anau, the hub of the region. A guided tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise on Lake Te Anau towards the entry to the caves. Learn about the geology and history of the area before embarking by foot through a labyrinth of limestone passages. The roaring river that’s carving these caves still whirls beneath your feet as you follow your guide through the impressive sculpted rock. Deep within the caves the roar of the water subsides and hundreds of glowworms glitter on the walls of the silent grotto; a truly remarkable sight. Your guide will take you on a small boat through the glowworm habitat as you gaze around at the twinkling creatures, before heading back out of the caves and through the native forest.
This extraordinary experience is a testament to how spectacular the Fiordland region is, with natural wonders like glowworm caves hidden deep within the mountains. Cruise back along the lake to Te Anau, for a night of reflection in the regions hub.
3. Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Patea Doubtful Sound is a much larger fiord than Milford Sound, stretching a whopping 40 km’s long. Its wild, densely green mountains are not as tall and dramatic, and the untouched landscape is a lot harder for visitors to access. An overnight cruise with RealNZ through this incredible fiord is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll want to indulge in more than once if you can. Journey from Te Anau to Manapouri to begin this adventure.
Travel by boat to West Arm, where you board a coach and drive through the scenic Wilmot Pass before arriving at Doubtful Sound to board your vessel. Your purpose-built vessel not only looks the part, with old-world charm and large sails, but it’s also fit out with sleeping cabins below, a kitchen for the onboard chef to prepare your meals and a saloon for dining, gathering and sightseeing. Perch outside on the viewing deck and soak in the views as you cruise through the fiord. Your skipper and nature guide will help you spot wildlife and points of significance along the way. Dabble in some kayaking or small boat (tender) tour to get closer to the land, and watch the sun set and rise in one of the most breathtaking places in New Zealand.
Choose between a one or two-night Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. Peace, seclusion and rugged wilderness; Doubtful Sound is a remote fiord that you’ve got to see to believe.
This article was created in paid partnership with RealNZ.
