Fiordland

The Campervan is Your Secret Weapon Here

Fiordland is the busiest tour bus route in New Zealand, and the whole game is about timing. Buses leave Queenstown around 6:30am and roll into Te Anau at 8:30 or 9am. If you're already on the road by then, you've won. Stay the night before at one of the lakefront holiday parks in Te Anau or push further in and camp at Cascade Creek in the Eglinton Valley, which puts you even closer to Milford come morning.

The Road is the Thing

Milford Road is, in my mind, the best drive in New Zealand. Full stop. After Pop's View everything steps up big time. Falls Creek, Monkey Creek, the Homer Tunnel and the pullover right after it in a natural amphitheater about 1000 metres up. That last one isn't even on Google Maps but it's my favourite spot on the whole road. On the way back, between noon and 3pm, the road quietens down as everyone's on a cruise. That's your window for the hikes. Lake Marian is a 10 out of 10 for me, and Key Summit is right up there too. Sandflies are the one real downer, so come prepared. The RANKERS promo code gets you a discount on Milford Sound cruises and even sea kayaking if that's more your speed.

Te Anau is More Than Just a Pitstop

Te Anau is a genuinely nice little town with a lakeside walk that leads to a free bird sanctuary where you can eyeball the Takahe, basically NZ's Dodo that came back from the dead. The glow worm caves are across the lake by boat, just your tour group in the dark with the caves and the worms. Pretty special. The RANKERS promo code applies there too, worth using.

If Solitude is Your Thing, Go to Doubtful

Doubtful Sound is a full day from Manapouri and, for me, it's the better cruise. Fewer people, more remote, and they cap the numbers each day. Stay the night before at one of the Manapouri holiday parks and get on the early sailing. It's cheaper, quieter, and well clear of the Queenstown bus tours. There are RANKERS promo code discounts on the day cruise and even overnight options if you want to go all in.