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Travel Tips & Safety

Make the most of your Fiordland experience with these essential tips

Weather Preparedness

Fiordland is one of the wettest regions in the world, receiving up to 7 meters of rainfall annually. The weather can change rapidly, so being prepared is essential.

What to Expect

  • Rain can occur at any time of year
  • Four seasons in one day is common
  • Summer temperatures: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
  • Winter temperatures: 0-10°C (32-50°F)
  • Snow possible on mountain passes year-round
  • Strong winds in exposed areas

Essential Packing

  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Warm layers (merino or synthetic)
  • Quick-dry clothing (avoid cotton)
  • Sturdy footwear
  • Hat and gloves
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Insect repellent for sandflies
  • Water bottle

Weather Tips

  • Check forecasts before heading out
  • Plan activities with flexibility
  • Have indoor backup options
  • Milford Sound is actually more spectacular in the rain
  • Morning activities often have better weather
  • Allow extra days in your itinerary

Driving in Fiordland

The roads in Fiordland, particularly the Milford Road (SH94), require careful driving. Follow these tips for a safe journey.

General Road Safety

  • Drive on the left side of the road
  • Wear seatbelts at all times
  • Observe speed limits (100 km/h on open roads, 50 km/h in towns)
  • Allow plenty of time for your journey
  • Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue
  • Never stop on the road for photos - use designated pull-off areas
  • Keep headlights on, even during daylight

Milford Road Challenges

  • Winding mountain road with steep sections
  • Single lane in many areas
  • No fuel stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound (118km)
  • Limited mobile phone coverage
  • Winter conditions: snow, ice, and avalanche risk (May-September)
  • Homer Tunnel traffic lights (one-way operation at times)
  • Road closures possible due to weather or avalanche risk

Winter Driving Tips

  • Check road conditions before departing
  • Carry snow chains and know how to fit them
  • Allow extra travel time
  • Keep your fuel tank at least half full
  • Carry extra warm clothing and food
  • Drive to the conditions - reduce speed on icy roads
  • Consider a guided tour or bus if you're uncomfortable driving in winter conditions

Road Status Information

Always check the latest road conditions before traveling to Milford Sound:

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Dealing with Sandflies

Sandflies are small biting insects found throughout Fiordland, particularly near water. While they don't carry disease, their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable.

Prevention

  • Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin
  • Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk
  • Choose light-colored clothing (sandflies are attracted to dark colors)
  • Stay in breezy areas (sandflies don't like wind)
  • Use mosquito coils or candles in outdoor areas
  • Keep accommodation windows and doors closed

Treatment

  • Try not to scratch bites (increases itching and risk of infection)
  • Apply antihistamine cream to reduce itching
  • Ice packs can help reduce swelling
  • Local remedies include tea tree oil or aloe vera
  • Pharmacies in Te Anau sell specific sandfly bite treatments

When They're Most Active

  • Dawn and dusk
  • Still, humid days
  • Near lakes, rivers, and beaches
  • After rainfall
  • Summer months (December-February)

Local tip: Sandflies are part of the Fiordland experience! They're actually a sign of a pristine environment, as they thrive in clean, unpolluted areas. With proper preparation, they won't spoil your visit.

Photography Spots & Tips

Fiordland offers endless opportunities for stunning photography. Here are some top spots and tips to capture the perfect shot.

Top Photography Locations

Milford Sound

Best for: Reflections, waterfalls, dramatic mountains

Prime time: Early morning for calm water and reflections

Tip: Visit after rain when hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascade down the cliffs

Mirror Lakes

Best for: Mountain reflections

Prime time: Early morning when the water is calmest

Tip: Use a polarizing filter to enhance reflections

Lake Te Anau

Best for: Sunrise, sunset, mountain vistas

Prime time: Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset)

Tip: The jetty near the town center offers great foreground interest

Key Summit

Best for: Alpine panoramas, tarns

Prime time: Mid-morning when the light hits the mountains

Tip: A 3-hour return hike is required to reach this viewpoint

Eglinton Valley

Best for: Open valley views, beech forest

Prime time: Early morning when mist often fills the valley

Tip: Several pull-off areas along the Milford Road offer great vantage points

Lake Marian

Best for: Alpine lake, mountain reflections

Prime time: Mid-morning when the sun hits the water

Tip: A 3-hour return hike is required, but worth the effort

Photography Tips for Fiordland

  • Weather: Embrace the rain and clouds - they add drama and create waterfalls
  • Protection: Bring rain covers for your camera equipment
  • Filters: A polarizing filter helps reduce glare and enhance colors
  • Tripod: Essential for low light conditions and long exposures
  • Composition: Use the lakes for reflections and foreground interest
  • Wildlife: Bring a zoom lens for birds and wildlife opportunities
  • Backup: Carry extra batteries and memory cards
  • Timing: Plan for the best light - early morning and late afternoon

Responsible Tourism

Help preserve Fiordland's pristine environment for future generations by practicing responsible tourism.

Environmental Responsibility

  • Stay on marked tracks to protect vegetation
  • Take all rubbish with you, including food scraps
  • Use refillable water bottles instead of single-use plastic
  • Use biodegradable toiletries
  • Respect wildlife - observe from a distance
  • Clean your gear between walks to prevent the spread of didymo and other invasive species

Cultural Respect

  • Learn about Māori connections to Fiordland
  • Respect cultural sites and practices
  • Pronounce Māori place names correctly (e.g., Piopiotahi for Milford Sound)
  • Support local businesses and guides
  • Ask permission before photographing people

Outdoor Ethics

  • Follow the Leave No Trace principles
  • Camp only in designated areas
  • Keep noise to a minimum to preserve natural soundscapes
  • Use toilets where provided
  • If no toilets are available, bury waste at least 50m from water
  • Report track damage or pest sightings to DOC

Tiaki Promise

Consider taking the Tiaki Promise - a commitment to care for New Zealand while traveling:

Care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace

Travel safely, showing care and consideration for all

Respect culture, traveling with an open heart and mind

Protect New Zealand, preserving and protecting for future generations

Learn More About Tiaki