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
Thank you both for a fabulous 3 nights at your B&B. I love your special breakfasts with wonderful muffins each morning, but especially loved the feeling you created here - everyone feels at home! Thanks from the bottom of our heart for all the "extras" you added - great...
Carol and Hal, San Francisco CA
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
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
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
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
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
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
Great location, even better host. We only stayed one night here and soon wished we had been able to stay longer. The rooms are in a separate wing from the owners, Hannah, own part of this lovely property. All rooms look out over expansive grassland to the lake and the mountains ,,, at least the...
Jeff, UK
Very comfortable and friendly. We stayed here just after Christmas and enjoyed the beautiful quiet location. It is just enough away from the main drag to offer a very comfortable stay and yet not too far away, so its easy to zip in for a meal. The people are friendly, the bed luxurious, and the...
Jazz, UK
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