FIORDLAND PROMOTION ASSOCIATION

Press, 2 September 1986, Page 26

FIORDLAND PROMOTION ASSOCIATION

Created during an ice age, the Southern Lakes and Fiordland region encapsulates in one relatively. small area, scenes of amazing beauty and endless variety. Here are savage hills, rugged and barren. Shadowy bush clad valleys where red deer and wapiti roam but man has not yet ventured, adjoin snow-capped mountains and ancient glaciers. ■ Milford is dominated by the fiord — majestic, mysterious, always lovely. The area is rich in native flora and fauna, unique, unspoiled, and walking is a popular pastime. Guided walks include the Milford, Hollyford and Routeburn tracks. The famous Milford Track is described as “The finest walk in the world.” Fiordland National Park covers more than one million hectares. Its beauty is dramatic — bush filled valleys, scrub covered

ridges, sharp peaks, steep walled fiords which penetrate deep inland and beautiful lakes. Lake Te Anau on the edge of the Park is the largest lake in the South Island. The Tourist Hotel Corporation opened up 55km of Fiordland National Park to all who are ablebodied, fit and prepared to experience one of the most rugged, grandiose and unpredictable areas in the world for weather. This has been achieved by providing well-ap-pointed lodges and employing experienced guides who escort and supervise parties on the trek. Te Anau is the gateway to the dramatic a.nd pristine landscapes of Fiordland National Park. Surrounded by impressive forested mountains, placid Lake Te Anau features numerous small islands . and solitary caves.

Hlghllghting this region is the Te Anau Caves with extensive limestone caverns and a unique glow-worm grotto. z Named by the Maori, “Caves of Rushing Water,” the original stream that first formed these caves still flows through them and they are the only living caves in the Southern Hemisphere open to the public.

The launch or flight charters are a must. Launch excursions, either daily or three to six days, take in Dusky Sound, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

High standard accommodation Is available throughout the region.

Fiordland must rate as one of the most visually exciting regions of New Zealand and will stimulate all visitors who revel in scenic grandeur.