Destination: Fiordland, New Zealand
Introduction
Fiordland on New Zealand's remote southwest coast is among the most awe-inspiring cruising destinations on earth, where fourteen glacially carved fiords slice deep into the mountains of the world's largest intact temperate rainforest. Sheer walls of black rock rise 1,200 m directly from the sea, hundreds of waterfalls cascade from hanging valleys, and the wildlife — bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins, and rare seabirds — is found nowhere else in such abundance. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is the most photographed, but Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, and the remote Preservation Inlet offer even more profound wilderness sailing for those willing to make the passage.
GPS Coordinates
44° 38' 28.680"S 167° 53' 50.640"E
44 38 28.680S 167 53 50.640E
Protected Anchorages
Most fiords offer secure anchorage in 10–50 m with excellent holding in deep mud. In Milford Sound, Harrison Cove on the south side is the primary yacht anchorage in 20–35 m — well sheltered but very deep. Doubtful Sound's Thompson Sound and Hall Arm offer many sheltered coves in 15–30 m over mud. Dusky Sound — Cook's favourite Pacific refuge — has countless anchorages including Pickersgill Harbour (where Cook spent 5 weeks) and the sheltered Anchor Island lagoon. Preservation Inlet at the south end of Fiordland offers Cascade Cove and Hanson Bay. All fiords are subject to sudden violent katabatic squalls (williwaws) funnelling down the mountains — stern lines to trees ashore are advisable in addition to the anchor.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
No customs facilities exist in Fiordland. All vessels must be cleared before arrival. The area is entirely without infrastructure — the nearest fuel is at Bluff (approximately 120 nm) or Te Anau by floatplane. Carry comprehensive fuel, provisions, and spares. Cell coverage is non-existent throughout Fiordland and satellite communication is essential. The area is managed by Fiordland National Park (Department of Conservation) — a marine reserve with strict environmental rules applies in some areas.
Renowned Attractions
- Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) — Mitre Peak rising 1,692 m from the water, Stirling Falls at 155 m, and abundant dolphins and seals
- Doubtful Sound (Patea) — three times the size of Milford with far fewer visitors; Thompson Sound for supreme solitude
- Dusky Sound — Cook's historic refuge with five weeks' worth of anchorages, hot springs at Cascade Cove, and rare kiwi ashore
- Underwater observatory effect — black coral at 10 m depth due to the permanent low-salinity freshwater lens above saltwater
- Fiordland crested penguins — endemic species nesting on fiord shore cliffs from July to November
- Preservation Inlet — the most southerly fiord, seldom visited, with extraordinary solitude and albatross overhead
- Milford Track trailhead — one of New Zealand's Great Walks begins at Glade Wharf, accessible only by boat
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Fiordland is a once-in-a-lifetime cruising experience — remote, majestic, and utterly untouched — where towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and extraordinary wildlife await the sailor prepared for challenging navigation and complete self-sufficiency in this UNESCO World Heritage wilderness.