Encompassing almost 3 million acres in the southwestern part of New Zealand’s South Island, Fiordland National Park is home to three of the country’s Great Walks (the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn tracks), three sounds (Milford, Doubtful and Dusky) and an abundance of fjords, waterfalls, rainforests and lakes.

Two towns serve as gateways to the park: Te Anau and Manapouri, which are about 20 minutes apart. We stayed in the area for five days and found a charming retreat to play host: the four-room Cabot Lodge. The hotel can arrange all manner of activities for guests, including jet boating on the Waiau River, helicopter tours of the park, seaplane rides from the hotel’s private jetty, cruises into the sounds and fishing on nearby lakes and streams.

Here are six ways to explore this beautiful area. The Travel Office can arrange all the activities and excursions below.