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Best trails in Fiordland National Park

Best trails in Fiordland National Park

4.5(13,247 reviews)

·

New Zealand
: 
#3 of 13 national parks

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Fiordland National Park is the biggest national park in New Zealand. It has beautiful fiords, impressive waterfalls, glaciers, and towering peaks. At the base of the mountains, there is a rainforest with rivers and lakes. This is one of the most spectacular places in New Zealand, with many tracks to explore.

Top trails

1
#1 - Key Summit and View of Lake Marian via Routeburn Track
4.8(1700)
•Moderate
•5.0 mi
This is a beautiful half-day hike on the Routeburn Track with stunning views over the Humbolt and Darran Mountains in Fiordland National Park. Well-maintained path with a steady gentle ascent takes you through the mossy green rainforest via the Key Summit to the View of Lake Marian. There are only a few sections with rocky steps and it’s suitable for families with children. The Divide Shelter is located at the trailhead.
2
#2 - Routeburn Track
4.9(759)
•Hard
•19.6 mi
Routeburn Track, also known as "the ultimate alpine adventure track, " is one of the most popular Great Walks in New Zealand. It's a high-mountain traverse that links Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national parks. Routeburn Track offers various landscapes, from lush forests with moss, fern, and waterfalls to stunningly wide alpine scenery with tussock, crystal clear post-glacier-age lakes, and a view up to the Tasman Sea. This great walk is usually a three-day trip popular in summer and almost...
3
#3 - Gertrude Saddle Route
4.8(919)
•Hard
•5.2 mi
Gertrude Saddle Route is a challenging alpine hike only suited for experienced back-country hikers with navigational and technical skills. This is not to be taken lightly. You start walking through the valley until you reach the end and climb the steep track up the waterfall to Black Lake. There are a few cords to help climb steep and often slippery parts. Then a little bit more rocks hopping, and you get to the pass. The weather here can be extremely unpredictable. Be prepared for all types...
4
#4 - Kepler Track
4.8(569)
•Hard
•36.4 mi
Kepler Track is a spectacular New Zealand Great Walk. Alpine vistas and lake beaches define this approximately four-day tramp on the edge of the Fiordland Wilderness. Prepare for a challenging tramp in an alpine environment with steep, rocky, and exposed sections with sudden weather changes - snow and ice can create hazardous conditions on these tracks. Avalanches are most common in winter and spring but can occur in any season. Rain, snow and cold snaps occur at almost any time of year. The...
5
#5 - Kepler Track: Kepler Track Carpark to Luxmore Hut
4.7(507)
•Hard
•8.2 mi
Day 1 of the Kepler Track Great Walk starts on the shores of Lake Te Anau. You’ll go through the forest before reaching Broad Bay Campsite and climb up to the Luxmore Hut. It’s a steep and steady climb, and a good fitness level is required. Prepare for wind and rain in an open Alpine environment. Please note that bookings in advance are required in the Great Walks season to stay at the campsite and the hut. More information about campsite/hut bookings and fees is available at: Brod Bay...
6
#6 - Milford Track
4.9(486)
•Hard
•33.6 mi
•Est. Multi-day
Ancient glaciers, rainforests, and waterfalls greet hikers that retrace the steps of early explorers by taking on the Milford Track Great Walk in Fiordland National Park. The best time to hike is Great Walk Season, generally, October through April, when the temperatures are warmer and there may be less rainfall. The track can only be walked south to north, starting at Glade Wharf and ending at Sandfly Point. Flood and avalanche risks exist, and only experienced hikers with knowledge of the...
7
#7 - Kepler Track: Kepler Track Carpark to Brod Bay Campsite
4.6(437)
•Easy
•3.3 mi
•Est. 1h 12m
This track follows the first part of the Kepler Track Great Walk. It's a short and mostly flat section through the beech forest along the shore of Lake Te Anau. You can return the same way or catch a water taxi for a shorter walk. Experienced trampers can continue further to Luxmore Hut. Please note that bookings are required in the Great Walks season to stay at Brod Bay Campsite. For more information about bookings and fees visit:...
8
#8 - Routeburn Track: Lake Mackenzie Hut to The Divide
4.8(313)
•Moderate
•7.1 mi
The Routeburn Track, ''the ultimate alpine adventure track,'' is one of the most popular Great Walks in New Zealand. This section takes you from Lake Mackenzie Hut to the Divide Shelter (open shelter - overnight use is prohibited) on the Milford Highway. The track passes by the 174-meter-high Earland Falls. Please note that bookings in advance are required to stay at huts and campsites during the Great Walks season. Lake Mackenzie...
9
#9 - Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay via Kepler Track
4.7(272)
•Easy
•7.3 mi
•Est. 3h 0m
This track follows a short part of the Kepler Track and takes you to Shallow Bay in Fiordland National Park. Start at the Rainbow Reach carpark and cross the swing bridge. There is a short steep ascent through mountain beech forest with some great river views (The Lord of the Rings movies location). Continue to the shores of Lake Manapouri. Shallow Bay Hut is situated at the end of this track. Please note that fees are required to stay at the hut. Bookings are not required - first come, first...
10
#10 - Kepler Track: Brod Bay Campsite to Luxmore Hut
4.7(271)
•Hard
•4.9 mi
•Est. 2h 55m
This track is part of the Kepler Track Great Walk in Fiordland National Park and takes you from Brod Bay Campsite to Luxmore Hut. It's a steep climb through the forest and above the bush. Please note that bookings in advance are required in the Great Walks season to stay at the campsite and the hut. More information about campsite/hut bookings and fees is available at: Brod Bay...
Showing results 1–10 of 134
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Trail reviews for Fiordland National Park

18,357 trailgoers Busiest in February
Gerard Chan Kin
Feb 18, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Review of Kepler Track – A Refreshing Trail Run in Te Anau I had a fantastic experience running a section of the Kepler Track in Te Anau, covering about 12 km in total. The soft trail of soil and fallen leaves made for a comfortable run, which was easy on the knees—a real pleasure compared to harder surfaces. The forest surroundings were incredibly refreshing, with the fresh air and serene atmosphere making the run even more enjoyable. I jogged continuously on the way out, soaking in the peaceful scenery, and then took my time walking back, appreciating the beauty of Fiordland National Park. Overall, a great trail for both running and hiking—well-maintained, scenic, and not too crowded. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a mix of fitness and nature in Te Anau!

Kepler Track: Kepler Track Carpark to Brod Bay Campsite
Jiten Chablani
Mar 25, 2025•Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditions

Beautiful walk along Te Anau lake with the Fiordland mountains in the backdrop. The trail goes into a lush forest with a variety of plants and trees, and sound of the waves crashing in the background. The hike is easy and flat, and you can get the water taxi back to Te Anau.

Conditions: Bugs, Wildflowers, Dry ground, Well maintained
Kepler Track: Kepler Track Carpark to Brod Bay Campsite
Michael Donner
Mar 21, 2025
Great conditionsGreat views

This hike is definitely NOT 14 miles as advertised. It’s more like 16 miles from the Brod Bay campsite to the tippy top of the Luxmore summit. The elevation gain is approximately 4300 feet, so it’s a haul. But the climb is gradual (except at the top), and the scenery is beautiful. The view from the top is spectacular. It’s an up-and-back hike, so the downhill return is easy and pleasant. A must-do hike if you’re in the Fiordland area and are not off-put by a long grind up a mountain for 16 miles.

Brod Bay to Mount Luxmore via Kepler Track
Sean Wilson
Mar 17, 2025
Not crowdedGreat views

We walked from the road end to Martin's Bay and stayed in huts along the way: Alabaster, Demon Trail, Hokuri and Martin's Bay. We then caught the paid-walkers' jet boat back up the lake from Martin's Bay Lodge to the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke rivers and walked back to the road end in a (long) day. An absolutely stunning walk with bellbirds chorusing us al the way. We saw heaps of kekeno basking at Martin's Bay, and a small pod of Hectors dolphins followed the jet boat up the lake. We had one day of BIBLICAL Fiordland rain walking out, otherwise fine. Disappointed that DOC don't maintain the track better, particularly between Alabaster and Demon Trail huts.

Parking: Permit required, Free, Medium lot
Hollyford Track
Stephanie Garneau
Mar 7, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Great short track to view the first waterfall of Milford Sound and see the beginning of the Fiordland!!

Difficulty: Easy
Milford Foreshore Walk
Sydney Sole Sisters
Feb 13, 2025•Hiking
First to review

An exceptional hike in the Fiordlands, New Zealand starting at 990m and mainly above the tree line on a ridge with expansive views. There is a track to the first tarns and then a footpad along the ridges until you reach the summit of Mt Burns (some rock scrambling required). Allow 5 hours of walking plus rest time.

Mount Burns from Borland Saddle
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Fiordland National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Fiordland National Park is Key Summit and View of Lake Marian via Routeburn Track, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,700 reviews. This trail is 5.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,381 ft.

What is the longest trail in Fiordland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Fiordland National Park is South Coast Track. This trail is estimated to be 72.6 mi long.

How many trails are in Fiordland National Park?

There are 134 trails in Fiordland National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 13,247 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Fiordland National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Fiordland National Park has you covered. Scenic Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound via Te Anau boasts the most elevation gain with 26,532 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Dusky Track, which will get you 11,397 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Fiordland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 34 camping trails in Fiordland National Park and the most popular is Routeburn Track with an average 4.9 star rating from 759 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Fiordland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Fiordland National Park which is Doubtful Sound from West Arm Visitor Centre with an average 4.8 star rating from 3 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Fiordland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Fiordland National Park and the most popular is Borland Lodge to Borland Saddle with an average 4.2 star rating from 5 community reviews.

Suitability