Step Back in Time in One of New Zealand’s Most Remote Fiords
Tucked deep within Fiordland National Park, Preservation Inlet New Zealand is a secluded treasure steeped in history and surrounded by untouched wilderness. Once a bustling frontier during the 1800s gold rush and timber milling era, this isolated fiord now feels like a hidden museum of New Zealand’s early European settlement. Rusting relics, sawmill ruins, and abandoned mining settlements lie scattered across the landscape, offering a unique window into a bygone era. The Preservation Inlet Discovery Cruise provides a remarkable way to explore these forgotten sites, combining expert commentary with rare access to this remote corner of the country.
The journey isn’t just about history — it’s a full immersion into Fiordland’s raw, rugged beauty. Small boat trips and kayaking excursions allow travellers to glide through serene waters and slip into quiet coves, far from the usual tourist paths. The surrounding rainforest-clad mountains and tranquil bays create an atmosphere of complete seclusion, perfect for those seeking to disconnect and explore somewhere truly untouched. Preservation Inlet, named Rakituma by the Māori, is a world away from the crowds — and that’s exactly its appeal.
Wildlife and Wilderness – A Remote Retreat for Nature Lovers
Preservation Inlet is not only a historical site but also a thriving natural sanctuary. The area’s remoteness has protected its biodiversity, making it one of the best places in New Zealand for wildlife encounters. Dolphins often cruise alongside boats, while fur seals haul out on rocky outcrops, and rare birdlife can be seen and heard throughout the inlet. The stillness of the environment enhances these encounters, with the quiet giving way to birdsong, the splash of a dolphin, or the distant call of a native owl.
Whether you’re joining the Discovery Cruise or exploring by kayak, the sense of wilderness is constant. This part of Fiordland receives far fewer visitors than Milford or Doubtful Sounds, making it ideal for those in search of tranquillity and authenticity. Each bay, waterfall, and hidden cove feels like a secret, waiting to be discovered. It’s the kind of place that stays with you — a remote, peaceful corner of New Zealand that offers both solitude and story.
Top Things to Do in Preservation Inlet New Zealand
- Join the Preservation Inlet Discovery Cruise
- Visit historic gold mining and sawmilling sites
- Explore shipwrecks along the shoreline
- Kayak through quiet coves and forested inlets
- Watch for dolphins, seals, and rare native birds
- Discover abandoned settler relics in the rainforest
- Enjoy photography in untouched wilderness settings
- Learn about Fiordland’s early European history
- Take a guided walk with expert naturalists
- Experience complete off-the-grid tranquillity
For those interested in history, Preservation Inlet also has a rich cultural heritage, with evidence of Maori occupation dating back over 800 years. Captain James Cook discovered Preservation Inlet during his first voyage to New Zealand in 1770. He named it "Preservation" as he recognized the inlet's sheltered waters and abundance of resources, which were essential for the health and survival of his crew during long sea voyages.
Cook and his crew also made contact with the local Maori people, trading goods and exchanging knowledge about the area. The area was also the site of several gold rushes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and remnants of the miners' camps and equipment can still be seen today.
