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
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
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
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
Staying at Dunluce accommodation was so lovely. Hannah is extremely kind and thoughtful and obviously pays attention to detail, as there are many small things that have been added to make your stay as welcoming. The room and bathroom are good sizes and the bed is super comfy. It is very clean...
Angel Meynell, 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
If you want to stay in a boutique B & B give this one a try. The whole place is immaculate throughout. Rooms are very exquisite and have the most amazing view of the mountains and water. Hannah is a lovely host and makes lovely cakes and an excellent breakfast.
Julie McMulkin, New Zealand
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
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
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
Stayed for 5 nights package. Very happy with the entire experience, Hannah couldn't have been more accommodating and the room was spacious and comfortable. The little extra touches set Dunluce apart from the norm & made the whole experience very enjoyable.
Andrew Sweeny