New Zealand’s fjords and glaciers are some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on earth. Secluded bays framed by towering cliffs were formed thousands of years ago by receding glaciers.
Experience Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound by boat with a guide who’ll lead you through this unspoiled wilderness. Spot humpback whales, seals and penguins in their natural habitats.
Fjords
Whatever you’re doing – whether on a cruise or taking a land tour – New Zealand’s fjords and glaciers are some of the country’s most breathtaking natural landmarks. Carved by glaciers over time into stunning fiords, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and sparkling lakes are some of its most stunning natural wonders.
Milford Sound, one of the world’s most renowned fjords, should not be missed on any New Zealand cruise itinerary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its fiords and multiple waterfalls (most notably Stirling Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Bowen Falls).
Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound provide magnificent opportunities to observe wildlife such as sea birds, penguins and fur seals. You may also spot whales, dolphins and humpback whales up close.
Franz Josef and Fox glaciers are a must-see, running straight down to the sea in their valleys surrounded by dense podocarp rainforest. You can take a helicopter ride or join an organized ice walk for closeup views of both glaciers’ terminal faces.
Glaciers
New Zealand’s glaciers are some of the most captivating in all of nature. These rivers of ice, which can cascade from mountains into the sea, have been carving their way through landscapes for millions of years.
World-wide, there are over 3,000 glaciers. However, most of them are located at high altitudes in remote places – making exploring one a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Franz Josef and Fox is one of New Zealand’s most beloved national parks, situated on the west coast of South Island’s west coast. These magnificent monuments offer visitors an array of activities to suit everyone’s taste – from helicopter viewing to hiking through their trails.
Experience these majestic glaciers by helicopter, flying over their snow-capped peaks and deep crevasses before landing on top and exploring by foot. Or take a boat ride on a glacier terminal lake to get up close to floating icebergs that are more than 500 years old!
National Parks
On a New Zealand cruise, you’ll pass some of the country’s most stunning national parks. These protected natural areas are administered by the Department of Conservation and boast stunning fjords, glaciers, and mountains as your backdrop.
New Zealand boasts 13 National Parks, many of which are World Heritage Sites like Tongariro National Park. Don’t miss out on exploring these incredible areas!
Fiordland National Park/ Piopiotahi is the most renowned of all national parks for its majestic fjords. View stunning snowcapped peaks plunge into crystal-clear waters of these ice-carved fiords on most cruises!
New Zealand’s mountains are among the tallest in the country, with Mount Cook standing at 3,724 metres atop Mt Cook. Other majestic peaks rise from a rugged coastal region.
Aside from breathtaking landscapes, these parks are home to an abundance of wildlife. Dolphins, seals and penguins inhabit the fjords while other birds inhabit forests and mountainsides.
Activities
New Zealand boasts an array of activities and attractions for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking an exhilarating adventure holiday or simply want to unwind with gorgeous hot pools, there is something here for everyone!
Experience the splendor of a national park on an exciting boat tour or get up close and personal with rare wildlife on a bungy jumping, jet-boating, skydiving or ziplining adventure. There’s something thrilling for everyone here – explore national parks, experience thrills like never before on ziplining, skydiving or bungy jumping adventures!
For an unforgettable day trip, a cruise through Milford Sound is a must-do. Its stunning fiords and massive sea cliffs adorn this area.
The fjords are home to several rare bird species such as kiwis and dolphins. If you’re lucky, you might even get lucky enough to spot one of these majestic creatures!