We are long term locals with a huge passion for the area. We are most happy to help you plan your itinerary and local activities. We recommend a minimum of 2 nights as there is so much to see and do!
The majority of our guests visit Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound whilst staying with us as we are ideally located just a few minutes walk from the departure point for the Doubtful Sound cruises and just 2.5 hours by road from Milford Sound. There are many options for activities in the area and we are happy to book these, there are also many free activities and opportunities for doing absolutely nothing. For guests taking the overnight cruise we are happy to store your vehicle and luggage at the house whilst you are away.
Doubtful Sound Known for its pristine beauty and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals - both of which are often seen. In season, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Milford Sound Milford Sound is a world-renowned natural wonder. Nowhere else in Fiordland do the mountains stand so tall, straight out of the sea. Verdant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls and waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres to the sea below.
Glowworm Caves Venture underground and experience the subterranean magic of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau, then your guide will take you deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, to a silent hidden grotto inhabited by hundreds of glowworms, unique to New Zealand.
Scenic Flights Many of our guests have enjoyed seeing Fiordland from the land and the sea but it’s not until you see it from above that you can really appreciate the grandeur and vastness of this rugged and magnificent National Park. We can arrange any of the options for you and we can even arrange for you to be picked up by helicopter from our very own heli-pad. As this type of activity is weather dependent it is advisable to discuss these options with us on your arrival so that we can ensure your experience is the best it can be. Walking Fiordland offers some of the best walking tracks in the world and we are happy to provide advice and maps to our guests. Guided day walks are available on the Milford Track and freedom walking options are possible on the Routeburn and Kepler Tracks. From the house it is possible to take walks through native bush and along the lakeside.
Other activities:
Visit the local Alpaca Farm and Gift Shop
Cycle between Manapouri and Te Anau on the Lake 2 Lake Cycleway
Talk a short walk and browse the many books at Two Wee Bookshops
Golf: an 18-hole course is located 15 minutes drive away
Historic Cruise on the Faith in Fiordland on Lake Te Anau
Kayaking: local operators organise kayaking trips in Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound
Fly Fishing: guides can be organised with prior notice
Jet Boating: Fiordland Jet will take you for a spin on the Waiau River as seen in Lord of the Rings
Non Activities!
Reading: enjoy a book or magazine in the sitting room
Wine: gaze at the view from the veranda whilst sipping on a glass of wine
Music: play one of the musical instruments or listen to the bird song
Stroll: take a short walk down to the beach
Stargazing: be amazed at the intensity of the night sky in the Southern Hemisphere