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
I cannot say enough good things about my stay at this property. Hannah, the proprietor, is the epitome of charm and hospitality. Beautiful room with gorgeous views of the mountains and Lake Te Anau, and truly gourmet breakfast. The whole place exudes personalized warmth and charm. High, high...
Sammi, USA
Thank you for a great stay in your exceptionally well thought out house and for the helpful advice,warm hospitality, good conversation and wonderful homemade biscuits.
Merrill & Richard, Australia
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
What a hidden gem We spent 2 nights here with fantastic hospitality from Hannah. When we drove on B&B driveway at first, we felt like coming home. With surrounding landscape and spectacular lake and farm view, a lovely place like this must be a hidden gem. Very cozy room with comfortable...
Chia, Taiwan
Such a fabulous place My husband and I were lucky enough to spend a couple of nights at Dunluce. It was so beautiful - Hannah was a fantastic host, our room was spotlessly clean with amazing view of the lake and mountains, breakfast was spot on! Wish we could have stayed longer.
Jo, UK
This was my third and longest visit to this delightful purpose built property on the outskirts of Te Anau. The previous hosts after a short period of ownership have moved to Christchurch and Hannah Gray has taken over the reins. For anyone reading the reviews in recent years I can say that...
Michelle, UK/ New Zealand
Thank you both so much for a beautiful and comfortable stay. Your house is beautiful ,the gardens impeccable and the food delicious.We really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks for the new game of "Bananagrams". Good luck finishing the shed !
Franscesca & Scott, USA
Lovely lovely stay!! Dunluce is a very comfortable and well appointed purpose build B&B a 3 minute drive from the centre of Te Anau. It offers the best of both worlds; easy if you want the bustle of a tourist town and perfect for the peace and quiet of a lake view retreat. Hannah, the...
Lil, UK
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
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