Fiordland

What you need to take on day trips

Our weather is very changeable so always carry a raincoat and warm clothing as well as having cooler clothes and sun screen.  Take plenty of drinking water on summer walks.  Insect repellent strongly recommended!  

 Short Visit Itinerary (things I wouldn't want you to miss) 

Allow a full day of your holiday to visit either Doubtful or Milford Sound.  There is no public road access to Doubtful Sound, so you will need to take a tour that leaves from Manapouri.  If going to Milford you can drive yourself or take a large coach or small bus tour from Te Anau.  If driving, allow two and a half hours to get to Milford Sound and plan to take plenty of short walks and sightseeing stops.   If you are on a tight budget, it is entirely worthwhile going to Milford for the drive alone.  Please be aware that the road is steep and winding in places  and accidents do occur.  Parking in Milford is $10 per hour, though some free parking is available on a first come first serve basis at Deepwater Basin, a 30 minute walk from the terminal. 

Allow at least one day to take a forest or alpine walk (or a number of short walks and drives).  The famous Kepler Track begins just five kilometres from Te Anau and gives the opportunity for short and long walks.  There's a local walks brochure in the cottage to help you choose.  

Access to the national park and daytime use of facilities like huts is free of charge. 

We don't boast a lot of night life in our little town, but night trips to the glowworm caves across Lake Te Anau are fun and the Fiordland film, Ata Whenua (Shadowlands) is a must-do.  This film is 35 minutes long and shows at the Fiordland Cinema in the town centre on the hour from afternoon to early evening (after which there are feature films).

 The small town of Te Anau and popular tourist trips can be VERY busy in peak season. If you want to experience Fiordland without the crowds, just email me for some advice. 

Guests planning to stay longer in Fiordland will have no trouble filling their days if they enjoy sightseeing, photography, walking, birdwatching, trout fishing or just relaxing in a beautiful and peaceful environment.

Owner/manager: Catherine Brimecombe

Address: 1128 Hillside Manapouri Road, RD1 Te Anau, Southland

Email: info@mycottage.co.nz

Phone: 03 249 6933