8 Things to do in Fiordland this Winter

July 29, 2021

8 Things to do in Fiordland this Winter

Best known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park, Te Anau is the best place to base yourself for a few days this winter. Home to plenty of activities and experiences it warrants a place on your New Zealand road trip itinerary.

Winter is a special time here in Southland and if you are thinking about visiting, don’t be put off by the cold temperatures, it’s well the extra layers in the suitcase. Winter brings Fiordland’s lowest rainfall, plenty of snow, and a picture-perfect national park.

Below are our top eight activities to put on your list this winter season in New Zealand.

 

Visit Milford Sound in all of its winter glory

Arguably the most famous destination of them all, the jewel in our Fiordland crown and home to some of the most iconic views in New Zealand. Winter is the perfect time to cruise in Milford Sound. The fiord is calm, the sunsets are golden and the Milford Road will blow your mind.

Take a full day driving from Te Anau and stop at some of our favourite locations like The Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and the famous Homer Tunnel. Keep a lookout for the Kea birds, the world’s only alpine parrot. Take a two-hour cruise with (insert fave cruise company link) and marvel at Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls.

Take a hike in Fiordland

Fiordland is a hiking paradise and for good reason. Did you know Fiordland is home to three of New Zealand’s Great Walks? However, if you are keen to strap on the hiking boots before the Great Walk season why not check out some of the famous day hikes in the area. Lake Marian day hike reveals a pristine glacial lake and Key Summit showcases the finest views down the Hollyford Valley. Looking to stay closer to Te Anau? Take a stroll from the control gates onto the iconic Kepler Track. This easy, flat walk takes you through the native bush where you might spot a little bird or two. An easy little escape into nature that is perfect for all ages and abilities

Visit the Te Anau Bird sanctuary

Punanga Manu o Te Anau, The Bird Sanctuary, is nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau and home to some of the rarest, flightless birds in the world. The Takahē are the stars of the show and meeting these funny-looking characters is a must-do for Te Anau visitors. Enjoy up-close encounters with Kaka, Kereru, and Tui’s, all while listening to the knowledgeable and caring rangers who look after these birds. You can arrange a private group tour to learn more or simply drop in on a gold coin donation for feeding time. Take a peek at some of New Zealand’s birds that are difficult to spot in the wild and donate to the hard work they do to rehabilitate these rare species.

Cycle to Lake Manapouri

Have you heard about the Lake2Lake Cycle trail? You have now! A custom-built trail that runs alongside Lake Te Anau and the Waiau River through to Manapouri is waiting for you and your two wheels. Cycle from Te Anau and take in the natural beauty, the bike trail is open to walkers, runners, cyclists, and e-bikes, all of which we can arrange for you. Take your time, this ride showcases some of the best forests and lakeside views on the South Island.

Visit the Glow Worm Caves

Hop on a boat with the Real Journeys crew and take a trip to the iconic glow-worm caves. Travel across Lake Te Anau to an amazing 12,000-year-old cave system. Here you will find a grotto filled with thousands of glittering Glow Worms, all native to New Zealand. A magical adventure for kids and adults alike. Te Anua is the place to tick off some of New Zealand’s best-loved experiences.

Eat delicious local food

If there is one thing Fiordland is good at (apart from being picture-perfect, of course) is food. Our locals know their stuff, whether you want to sample the local favourites like venison or crayfish, delve into a deliciously crafted Bao Bun or dine with pristine lake views, Te Anau appeals to all tastebuds. There is always something happening in our little town and we will point you in the direction of famed hangouts such as La Toscana or Redcliffe for an evening of fun. You can order from almost every menu in town and enjoy in the comfort of your Radford’s hotel suite too.

Stay with the locals

Sharing Fiordland’s beautiful environment and unique experiences with guests is our passion. As “born and bred” Southland locals, Kerri and Steve know their stuff and will hook you up with the best experiences and best-kept secrets in their backyard. Staying with locals most certainly has its perks, pair this with luxurious accommodation and top-notch recommendations for an unforgettable stay.

Feel the calm in Doubtful Sound

Patea, Doubtful Sound is a Fiordland gem. A striking and powerful landscape spanning 40 kilometres from the head of the fiord right out to the Tasman Sea. Branching into three arms, you will experience impressive waterfalls, tranquil waters, and some of the most incredible wildlife. Did you know Doubtful Sound provides shelter for a population of Bottlenose Dolphins and Tawaki, the Fiordland Crested Penguin? With no road to the fiord, the experience of getting there is an adventure in itself. Depart early for a full day exploring this peaceful wonder and return to tell us all about it.

From off the beaten track to well-known adventures. Fiordland National Park serves up a spectacular array of iconic moments just waiting for you this winter. We can’t wait to see you soon.

  • We travelled the South Island for 12 days and this is the best place we stayed. We stayed for 2 nights and found our suite to be clean, warm, comfortable, modern and spacious. All the amenities were above and beyond…the large soft towels, the nice fluffy dressing gowns, a spacious bathroom with nice little touches added and a great kitchenette. Kerri welcomed us warmly and helped us with dinner recommendations. When we come back to NZ we will definitely be staying here again and can’t wait to catch up with Kerri.
    Collette H – September 23  Read Reviews
  • An absolute must stay if you’re in Te Anau. Kerri was the most incredible host to us, going above and beyond. The rooms are wonderful, with lots of lovely extra touches and very well equipped kitchen too! Beds were so comfy and the linen was really nice. The views from the room was spectacular and it was lovely and warm. Great room and space for travelling with young children too!
    Sophie M – August 23  Read Reviews
  • The quality of everything was amazing. You can tell how much detail has been put into everything. It looks freshly renovated and the location is perfect walking distance to town. Kerri kindly provided us with options of places to eat and explore. Feels more like a "Hotel" then a "Motel".
    Mel H – August 23  Read Reviews
  • Occasionally, you find a great hotel. This is one. We booked online after having read good reviews. Sat right on the front with views over the lake, and only a few steps from town. We really enjoyed our two night stay. The welcome was fabulous, lots of good advice of where to go and where we should go to eat and drink. The room was superb, a separate living area and bedroom. There is a comfy big sofa, looking out towards the lake and a more than extremely comfortable bed. A great effort has been made to make Radfords stand out above others, and it shows. I would suggest that in a three week visit to NZ, this was the nicest place we stayed.
    Paul W – September 23  Read Reviews
  • the location is excellent, in central Te Anau, with a view over the lake.  The accommodation is really good, it's a small apartment with a kitchenette so you can cook (with induction plates, microwave, toaster...) and even including a dish washer. A breakfast can be ordered, one that is both substantial & healthy. You will meet Kerri, who's extremely friendly, smiling, and flexible. She  loves to give recommendations for places to eat at, things to do, etc. I warmly recommend Radfords on the Lake!
    ExploreFeelGood – August 23  Read Reviews
  • Sometimes you just have a feeling that you are welcome and people really care about you as a guest. This is the case at Radfords on the Lake. We had been back to Te Anau for another stay and when we walked in to check in, we were greeted with a big smile and Kerri came out to gave me a big hug. It has been years that we have been there and she still remembered everything about us. In one word, everything was just perfect.
    Wala69 – August 23  Read Reviews

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SHARE YOUR SPECIAL IMAGES WITH US

🎃 H A L L O W E E N  2 0 2 3 🎃
We always get asked how close we are to the centre of town, so we thought we’d show you! Come with us on our short, flat 7 minute walk from Te Anau town centre back to the lake views from Radfords.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Throwback Thursday! Reminiscing on a great night at the @hospitalitynz Awards for Excellence 2023 back in June. While we didn't win on the night, we were super proud to be a finalist alongside some fantastic motels. And it's always fun to get dressed up in the big city and celebrate our great industry with all our industry friends.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
If you're visiting us during school holidays and your looking for some family friendly activities, make sure a visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with @real.newzealand  is top of your list. This unique Fiordland experience is not to be missed. We can help you make a booking before you arrive or chat to our friendly team when you check-in.

📸 @real.newzealand 
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸⭐😍😏
We made the most of the gorgeous spring weather over the weekend and got out to enjoy one of our favourite things to do in Te Anau, -  a stroll along the lakefront. A must do when you visit us.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Wow! We can't believe it's the first day of spring. While we love the cosy winter nights we are ready for the longer days and warmer temps. We're looking forward to evenings on the patio sipping a glass of Rosé. Who is planning a Fiordland adventure this spring?

📸 @digitaltravelcouple 
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Fiordland is full of adventures, but after a day of exploring Radfords on the Lake is the perfect place to come back to and relax. Our luxurious rooms provide you with a cosy sanctuary, so you can reflect and recharge on your day. 

📸 @thejoshshaw 

#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Picture perfect moments at the Te Anau jetty. A popular spot for photographers. Have you visited this Instagram famous spot in Te Anau?

📸 @digitaltravelcouple 

#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
While we are a small team at Radfords on the Lake, all team members, both human and feline play an important part ensuring our guests have a great time. Dexter Dude is our resident sun snoozer but loves nothing more than a cuddle from our guests. A social fellow is our Dexter and to us he is just purr-fect. So as today is #internationalcatday we celebrate our favourite furry feline friend. 

#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Once you've booked your stay with us here at Radfords on the Lake, did you know we can help you plan and book all your Fiordland activities? Fiordland is our home so let us help you make the most of this special place so you don't miss a thing.

📸 @real.newzealand cruising in Doubtful Sound
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Golden hour at Radfords on the Lake. 

Winter in the National Park is beautiful but we do miss those long, hot summer days.

@digitaltravelcouple 

#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
 #fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Fiordland National Park is a hikers paradise and Te Anau is the gateway to the National Park. Radfords on the Lake is the perfect place to base yourself for all your Fiordland adventures. Relax in comfort and style in one of our luxurious lakeside apartments after a day of exploring. 

📸 @digitaltravelcouple

#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland