Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is situated in the scenic south-west corner of the South Island of New Zealand. As the largest of the 13 national parks in the country, it encompasses an expansive area of 12,607 square kilometers and is a significant part of the Te Wāhipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was established in 1990. Within the park, you'll find the majority of the largest unmodified vegetation area in New Zealand. The dense forests, which predominantly consist of silver beech and mountain beech, as well as podocarps, are often seen clinging to steep valley sides. The park is also home to a diverse array of shrubs and ferns, with the forest floor adorned with mosses and liverworts. The region experiences high rainfall, which provides vital support for the abundant vegetation. However, introduced species such as red deer and possums continue to pose a threat to the natural ecosystem. Despite these challenges, the park serves as an important sanctuary for numerous threatened native animals, including dolphins, bats, reptiles, insects and birds. Notably, the park is home to several endangered species that are unique to New Zealand, such as the takahē, mōhua, and the critically endangered kākāpō, which holds the distinction of being the only flightless parrot in the world. Additionally, the vulnerable Fiordland Crested Penguin and Southern Brown Kiwi are predominantly found within the park. As one of the most popular national parks in New Zealand, it attracts a significant number of international visitors, with well over half a million people making the journey to experience its pristine wilderness, majestic fiords, and breathtaking landscapes every year.