Winter in Fiordland
Winter in Fiordland – Goodbye Sandfly
Yes. Its cold, the days are shorter and not everything is open. Did I mention there’s less Sandlfies?
For me, it’s the light. I love how it dances and filters through the mist in the most ethereal way and at the end of the days illuminates the sharp snow-capped mountains. On days like this, you’ll also have the perfect combination of dark, clear skies for star gazing. Did you know Fiordland is in the process of becoming an accredited dark sky park?
Hands down, the most beautiful I have ever experienced Milford Sound is in the Winter, ask any local and I am sure they’ll agree. If you’re willing to wrap up warm and get a little out of your comfort zone visiting Fiordland will be a unique experience for you.
The Milford road is stunning, a journey in itself and you can still get out and explore some of the forest tracks along the way. Expect amazing waterfalls, frosty vistas and mist rising from the earth with the sun. It is a great time to put your trust into one of our local tour operators and take the stress out of driving. Other locals and myself do the same – and its always relaxing just looking out the window a great little educational refresh of the area. We all enjoy a little snow at the tunnel too.
If you like a little adventure, the calm winters days can lend itself nicely to kayaking in the Sounds.Doubtful Sound is another great day option and offer overnight excursions. Our most two popular Te Anau outings that are well worth getting on board with are the Glow Worm Caves and our guests’ favourite – The Faith in Fiordland Sail Boat (honestly they’re just so nice onboard!)
Te Anau comes to a slower pace in the winter, and it is a great time to connect with locals. We can’t escape its winter here in Fiordland, its warm and cosy at Dunluce, and with a little more time on our hands it’s still equally inspiring to get out and about – my go to short walks are any of the access points along the Kepler where is sheltered or the Lake to lake cycle trail down to Manapouri. I often find myself wandering down and around the lake taking photographs, and I love the calm days when the waters like glass.
For the evenings, the best little winter go to is the Black Dog Bar with its open fires, hunker down in the luxe interiors and a mulled wine. Adjoined is the Fiordland Cinema – here they play 30-minute local films showcasing Fiordland and a blockbuster in the evening. Think comfy seats, intermission, cheesecake, and coffee – or take a peek at their cocktail list.
We all know you cannot beat a longs summers day, although sometimes we need to meet nature on her terms and embrace the storms of tawhirimatea that wash her clean of our footprints. It is a privilege to be able to visit these wild and remote corners of New Zealand and for the most part Fiordland will offer you both the brooding drama and the sounds of silence.
Your Host,
Hannah
What our other guests have said
Wonderful though a long holiday is , after a while the novelty of another new room and eating out begins to lose its attraction.This is why in addition to the very warm welcome, excellent and generous hospitality and spectacular views, it is the seemingly little things like being able to hang...
Paul and Rosie, England
The rooms are really lovely with Mountain View’s and nice sunrises. Hannah cooks a delicious breakfast and provides a very personal experience. Everything is done well- from the natural shampoos organic teas scented candles and interesting books. The rooms are warm and tastefully...
Rebecca Stirrup, New Zealand
Thank you so much for your hospitality. This is a very beautiful home and you are so nice and made us feel so welcome. The breakfast was excellent, especially the large variety of fresh fruits which we really appreciate. We loved your backyard and had fun star gazing last night. We don't...
Virginia and Eddie, Hong Kong
Delightful We enjoyed everything about our stay here - the beautiful view from our room, the warm welcome from Hannah, the delicious breakfasts and home baked treats. Everything was spotlessly clean and the bed and pillows were comfy with good linens. Super shower room too. This was one of our...
JL, UK
Fabulous overnight stay. We stayed here before going out on Doubtful Sound. What a beautiful place and fantastic host. We couldn’t have been more comfortable with a delightful room, fabulous views and warm hospitality. A delicious home cooked breakfast was made for us and so much thought...
Triathlete Traveller, UK
Very cute home with nice cozy furniture that makes you fee at home. Fantastic view from the back lawn with its own terrace and flowers. Breakfast was delicious and Hannah very welcoming and helpful regarding activities and restaurant choices. The stay was very enjoyable. Only wish we had...
Clara, France
Best Breakfast in South Island! Hannah, our host at Dunluce, was welcoming and gracious. Fabulous breakfasts and homemade treats in the afternoon. The rooms were large. Beds were exceptionally comfortable. Spectacular view of lake from rooms. Very quiet, but convenient to restaurants. Finest...
Barbara, USA
This small B&B was the perfect place to stay: warm host, private rooms, gorgeous modern home, postcard view, delicious snacks and the best breakfast spread. The host was so kind and generous; we just came off a big hike and she went above and beyond to help us wash our gear. This is by far...
Monica, USA
Stunning views, fabulous hosts and comfy room! I was lucky enough to plan my stay at Dunluce in October 2018 with Hannah. She was excellent with all communication with me throughout organizing my stay there prior to arrival and upon arrival she had the warmest and friendliest greeting! She let...
Katie, New Zealand
Wow! So nice after our hike! We booked this place when the other fancy lodging we booked pre-hike didn’t have space for us afterwards. Wow. Dunluce was a much more comfortable place to land! The room was lovely, spacious and comfortable, had beautiful views, and was spotlessly clean....
Shelley, Canada