Local Activities

Milford Sound Piopiotahi

Cruise in Milford Sound
There are many companies operating in Milford Sound; most of these have very similar offerings, with the vessels all taking the same route around the fjord, heading out to the opening of the fiord, and back to the wharf. As such, you really can’t go wrong, no matter which company you choose!

For the ultimate small boat, luxury experience, we highly recommend Fiordland Discovery’s luxury lunch cruise on board their vessel, Fiordland Jewel. By capping their numbers at just 38 people, they ensure ample space for those on board, and the luxury 2-course sit-down lunch creates a fantastic point of difference. This truly is an experience to remember.

View from a cruise boat in Milford Sound. Photo: Fiordland Eco-Retreat

No matter which company you choose to go with, we highly recommend booking a bus transfer to transport you in, rather than self-driving, so that everyone can get to enjoy the view. The local drivers will also ensure that you get to stop at all of the best photo spots.

We recommend Envy Experiences and Luxe Tours, both of which will offer an absolutely incredible experience.

Kayaking in Milford Sound
Rosco’s Milford Kayaks

Scuba Diving in Milford Sound
DescendDiving

Cruise boat in Milford Sound. Photo: Asap Pang

Doubtful Sound Patea

Cruise in Doubtful Sound
A less dramatic but arguably more beautiful fjord, Doubtful Sound can only be accessed by boat. RealNZ is the only company currently offering day trips into Doubtful Sound.

Kayaking in Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound Kayak

Stargazing

Book a 1-hour small-group stargazing tour with our sister company, Fiordland Stargazing. This on-site experience can be easily added onto your reservation at the time of booking, or send us a message and we’ll happily add it on for you.

Your experience will be filled with cosmic wonder as you observe ancient galaxies, radiant nebulae, and distant planets through powerful telescopes. Conclude the evening with a relaxing soak in your private hot tub beneath a star-filled sky, offering a truly unparalleled view of the universe.

Fiordland Stargazing

Horse Treks

Westray Adventures Horse Treks is just next door.

Westray Horse Treks

Day Walks

Kepler Track
Routeburn Track
Lakefront walk
Lake Marian Track
Gertrude Saddle Route (only recommended for experienced hikers / climbers)
And many more!

Lake Marian – photo credit: Tomas Sobek

3 Great Walks in 3 days: Short on time but want to walk all of the 3 Fiordland Great Walks? Check out our package deal to experience 3 guided day walks over the course of 3 days!

Multi-Day Tramps (Hikes)

Kepler Track

Milford Track

Routeburn Track

Glow Worms

Experience the wonder of the Glow Worm Caves, nestled within the Murchison Mountains!

Cycling

Lake 2 Lake Cycle Trail

One-Way Bike Transfers: FishJet

Scenic Helicopter Experiences

Recommended: Southern Lakes Helicopters

A helicopter picking up guests from Fiordland Eco-Retreat’s front lawn – available to those staying in our Guest Suite only.

Fishing

Fly Fishing / Spin Fishing

Te Anau has some amazing trout fishing! FishJet offers guided tours.