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
Lovely B&B. Private quiet and really well equipped. I am not a B&B person but if they were all like this it would be great. Hannah was welcoming, friendly and helpful. Breakfast was great. A lovely stay. Thankyou.
Paul Hopkins, New Zealand
My husband and I stayed at Dunluce for two, non consecutive nights - went on an overnight cruise of the Doubtful Sound in between - and we cannot wait to come back. The property is gorgeous and our room was decorated with an appealing NZ flair, as is the entire b&b... and super clean! Each...
Trisha Rozas, New Zealand / US
Quietly situated a 5-minute drive from the town with lake views from your terrace. The room has everything you need with no noise from adjoining rooms. The room got a bot hot during the day but cooled down OK in the evening. Very helpful and friendly host. Free cakes and drinks (including wine)...
A G
Welcoming, peaceful, views - everything we needed done exceptionally well. Hannah was a great hostess and put a lot of time and effort into making every guests stay special. There was a dining room and patio that guests could use, with tea/coffee making facilities, a fridge and various free...
Caroline, 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
We were thoroughly spoilt by our warm and engaging host, Hannah, who took the time to sit down, have a cup of coffee and chat with us about life and experiences. Great location with views across lake Te Anau and within a lovely 15 min stroll distance along the picturesque lake foreshore to the...
Anne and Bruce, Australia
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
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
If you're needing accommodation while in Fiordland, this is the spot! Hannah is such a lovely host, who made us feel right at home. The rooms were immaculate, spacious and beautiful. The incredible lake views were a bonus! Would not hesitate to recommend.
Talia, New Zealand
Delightful peaceful stay This is a charming B&B with amazing views, so peaceful. Spotlessly clean and Hannah is a wonderful hostess. Delicious Breakfast and lovely fruit muffins to come back to after along day at Doubtful Sound. She even did some washing for us, which was very kind. There...
Phillippa, UK