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Fiordland National Park was officially designated a national park in 1952. While the North Island of New Zealand plays host to famed tourist attractions like Tongariro National Park and Huka Falls, the less-populous South Island comes equipped with its fair share of natural beauty as well—and when it comes to dazzling landscapes, it’s tough to beat Fiordland National Park. The largest national park in all of the country, this sprawling preserve offers snow-capped peaks and vast swathes of lush rainforest, with a staggering array of native animals and plants thriving within its boundaries. In addition to boasting spectacular scenery, Fiordland National Park also offers plenty of promise for visiting birdwatchers, with a wealth of hardy avian species thriving on the open ocean. Seabirds are a common sight within park boundaries, with local avifauna ranging from the black-fronted tern—one of New Zealand’s many endemic species—to more widespread creatures like the southern royal albatross and sooty shearwater. Along the water’s edge, explorers can also spot waders like the variable oystercatcher and South Island pied oystercatcher, but no visit is complete without catching a glimpse of the Fiordland penguin, an endemic species that gathers in small colonies along the coastal forest. Fiordland penguins often create nests beneath tree roots. In addition to indigenous birdlife, Fiordland National Park visitors can also spot their fair share of aquatic mammals out on the water. Pinnipeds abound across the region, with potential sightings spanning from the New Zealand fur seal—a common sight along the Fiordland coastline—to colossal creatures like the southern elephant seal or leopard seal, both of which are considered rare visitors rather than resident species. Alongside these animals, the waters also play host to bottlenose and dusky dolphins, while truly fortunate visitors may catch a glimpse of a surfacing sperm whale, one of New Zealand’s year-round resident cetacean species. Past the shoreline, the rainforest-filled interior of the park is home to a wide variety of other birds, several of which are endemic to New Zealand. Some of its most famous residents include the kea—a type of large, omnivorous parrot—as well as the southern brown kiwi, a nocturnal bird that’s famed for its unique appearance, bearing bristly feathers and a particularly long beak. While the latter is difficult to spot during a daytime visit, birders can look forward to other renowned species including the tūī, mohua and New Zealand bellbird—and for any visiting herpetologists, the park’s rainforests also serve as a crucial refuge for several reptile species including the Awakopaka skink, a critically-endangered animal that’s believed to be found nowhere else on the planet. MORE FOR YOU The kea is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. New Zealand is brimming with captivating landscapes across both the North Island and South Island, but when it comes to finding the perfect combination of natural beauty and biodiversity, it’s tough to beat Fiordland National Park. Across the preserve, visitors can feast their eyes on rare seabirds and colossal whales, while the forested depths of the park harbor some of the nation’s most prized avian species. Though far from the only New Zealand national park worth visiting, Fiordland perfectly encapsulates the rugged beauty that’s brought the nation worldwide fame, providing guests with an opportunity to marvel at glacial fjords, towering trees and a staggering array of endemic creatures all in one fell swoop. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
