Nature / Wildlife
Fiordland is a haven for native New Zealand birds, such as tui, kea, kaka, native pigeon, bellbird, tomtit and grey warbler, and the endangered takahe.
The flightless alpine takahe was thought to be extinct until the 1950s when a small group was rediscovered in Fiordland's Murchison and Stuart mountains. Since then, a breeding programme has helped increase the population, and DOC continues to carefully monitor the only wild population of about 160 takahe.
Marine life thrives in the fiords, home to bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, Fiordland crested and little blue penguins, and visiting whales. Scenic cruises and kayak tours explore the fiords and wildlife in its natural habitat.
Milford Sound’s high annual rainfall and distinctive narrow shape creates a fresh water layer on top of the seawater, allowing deep-water dwelling species to exist at a much shallower depth. Milford Sound Underwater Observatory and guided dive tours give visitors a glimpse of rare species such as the red and black corals.