Fiordland, in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island, covers about 12,000 square kilometres and contains 14 fjords. Unlike the popular Milford Sound, most are not connected by road, small expedition vessels offer a rare way to reach this remote landscape.
The trip aboard the small catamaran Fiordland Jewel begins at Preservation Inlet, reached by helicopter from the Te Anau area. The route depends on the weather, taking the vessel through Chalky Inlet, Dusky Sound and Breaksea Sound before finishing in Doubtful Sound. Tasman Sea crossings can be rough, and the itinerary may change from one voyage to the next.
Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins inhabit the area. Walks lead through wet forest beneath ancient beech trees and past swollen creeks, guests can also kayak or watch waterfalls cascade down the slopes after rain. The account describes a rare encounter with kakapo, a flightless parrot facing extinction.
The region’s history includes James Cook’s 1773 expedition, later sealing and whaling, and a brief gold rush at Preservation Inlet. Only remnants of early settlements remain. Few vessels and the absence of road access preserve the sense of isolation, even though the journey from Queenstown to the embarkation point can take less than six hours.