The evolution of the natural world can be found written in Fiordland's wonderful landscapes. Ancient mountains of rock carved by the powerful grinding of ice as glaciers have extended and receded over millions of years.
Thought to be the location of the first European-built house in New Zealand, the first ship to be wrecked here and the earliest dockyards for shipbuilding, Fiordland is truly rich in all types of history.
Once remote and isolated, Fiordland's rugged landscape has a long record of both Maori and European habitation. Described by early European explorers as 'utterly useless except for mountaineers', the unforgiving land of high ridges, steep bluffs and deep glacial waterways was home to none but the hardiest.
Adventurous, resilient Maori explored Fiordland from around 800 years ago. Pursued by Ngaitahu tribesmen from the north, remnants of the major southern Maori tribe, Ngatimamoe, fled into remote parts of Fiordland in the late 18th century. In this remote place they were known as the 'lost tribe', remaining isolated well after European colonisation.
Captain Cook sailed his ship Endeavour close to Dusky and Doubtful sounds in the 1770's. Some 20 years later sailors returned to begin seal hunting. This profitable occupation lasted a couple of decades before seal numbers were reduced to near extinction and the activity became uneconomic.
In the early 1800's whaling became the new focus but the same indiscriminate killing, saw this business soon decline.
Gold fever was the next to hit Fiordland with a small rush to Martins Bay in 1886. Pickings however were slim and within a year all but a few miners had left.
The area around Big Bay became a thriving gold-mining town in the 1890s. Feeding the demand created by the growth of settlement, sawmills in the area also flourished.
But with the demise of the gold mining, the saw mills soon diminished too and before long the area returned to being the quiet isolated landscape it had always been.
1945 saw crayfish fishermen begin to arrive in increasing numbers from different ports around the South Island. This Industry boomed in the 50's and 60s soon becoming a major export industry. Hardy fishermen continue to fish these sometimes treacherous waters.
Also a highly risky business, deer recovery from helicopters gained momentum in the mid 20'th century. This is still an important business in Fiordland today.
By far the most important commercial activity in the Fiordland area today is Tourism. Tourism as an industry has grown steadily over the years since the opening of the Milford track in 1890. The area received a great boost with the construction of the Homer Tunnel after the Second World War, providing road access to Milford Sound.
Travellers are drawn from all around the world to experience first hand the superb natural features this region has to offer. Commercial tour operators and National Park staff collaborate in an effort to protect and preserve this magnificent part of the world, ensuring it will be enjoyed by generations to come.