Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fiordland & Stewart Is-
land/Rakiura
Why Go?
Welcome to the deep green deep south, home to one of New Zealand's finest outdoor treas-
ures - Fiordland National Park. At 12,607 sq km it is the country's largest national park and
one of the largest in the world, and makes up half of Te Wahipounamu - South West New
Zealand World Heritage Area. Stretching from Martins Bay in the north to Te Waewae Bay in
the south, the park is bordered by the Tasman Sea on one side and a series of deep lakes on
the other. Between lie more than 500km of tracks, with 60-odd huts dotted along them.
Across Foveaux Strait to the south is Stewart Island, NZ's 'third' island. It's relatively
small, just 1722 sq km, but 85% of that area falls within Rakiura National Park, lined with
280km of tracks.
Such stats may be impressive, but the reality is almost beyond belief. The overuse of su-
perlatives such as 'staggering', 'stunning' and 'spectacular' is almost impossible.
When to Go
Fiordland is synonymous with waterfalls, lakes and fiords…and rain. Prevailing winds from
the Tasman Sea dump up to 8000mm annually around the park's western parts, although Te
Anau averages just 1200mm, sheltered by mountains. Overall, the park averages 200 rainy
days annually, with lowland summer temperatures around 18°C.
Similarly, Stewart Island's rainfall has been known to wreak tramping havoc. The annual
measure at Halfmoon Bay may be a relatively low 1600mm, but it occurs over 275 days of
the year. At higher altitudes and along the south and west coasts, the gauge hits a lofty
5000mm. Considering the latitude, though, the overall climate is surprisingly mild, with reas-
onable temperatures most of the year.
Best Huts
A
Martins Bay Hut (
Click here
)
