When my dad asked me to join him and his mates on a bucket-list trip to Fiordland, I didn’t hesitate. I had heard stories about this wild corner of New Zealand but nothing prepared me for how untouched and magical it truly is.
The Journey In
Fiordland sits on the southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island, far removed from crowds. Apart from the odd cray fishing boat, the area feels almost untouched by human hands.
Our adventure began with a 6 a.m. stop at Te Anau Bakery for a classic mince and cheese pie before being picked up by Cheeky Kiwi Shuttles. The drive to the ferry was spectacular in itself, with snow-capped peaks and deep valleys at every turn.
On the ferry, we passed the mighty Manapōuri hydro power station, which produces enough energy to power more than 600,000 New Zealand homes. From there, it was a quick van ride before boarding our home for the week — Tudico with Fiordland Expeditions.
Life on Board
Tudico had everything we needed: a dive deck and barbecue out the back, hot showers (essential after diving in the snow), a galley, bunks for the crew, and a warm fire that kept spirits high. The setup was simple but comfortable, perfect for a week at sea.
Fishing in Fiordland
Our first stop was for blue cod. The footage didn’t make it into the video, but Fred was more than happy to show us with his hands just how “massive” his catch was. We also tried our luck at hāpuku fishing, landing a couple for dinner while releasing the rest. Nothing went to waste — even the hāpuku frames were shared with the local seven-gill sharks circling below.
Diving Highlights
For me, the real highlight was scuba diving. Fiordland is famous for its unique underwater environment. The sheer number of crayfish was staggering — I’ve never seen so many in one place in all my years of diving.
Another standout was the black coral. Usually only found at extreme depths, here it grows at just 20 metres due to the dark, tannin-stained waters. Watching my dad finally see black coral up close was a special moment.
Snow, Food, and Stories
The weather was full of surprises. One evening we sat inside eating fresh seafood while snow fell outside — a surreal mix of warmth and wilderness. Chef Jackie kept us well-fed with whatever we caught that day, from cod to crayfish, all cooked fresh and shared among the group.
A Grand Finale
After five unforgettable nights, the trip wrapped up with a helicopter ride over the Fiordland ranges back to Te Anau. The views from above were every bit as dramatic as those below the surface.
This was truly a trip of a lifetime — incredible diving, challenging fishing, stunning scenery, and memories I’ll never forget.
