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Practical user information

Travelling in the fiords

This section provides information on what can be expected in Fiordland waters, what is important to bring with you and ways of minimising the risks of being in such an isolated environment. It includes some general information about anchorages and moorings, as well as about shore-based huts. See the Fiord-by-fiord section for more detailed information.

Travelling in Fiordland is one of the most spectacular trips you can undertake, either as an individual boatie or as part of an organised trip. However, the weather can be unforgiving and the isolation makes even the most minor of incidents potentially serious.

It doesn't take long for storms to hit the coast and when they do, the weather can change dramatically in a matter of minutes. It is important to be aware of this, especially when you are out on the exposed open coast.

During the summer months, in the area from Dagg Sound to north of Big Bay, south-west 'day breezes' can be a common occurrence. These winds can regularly be in the 25-30 knot range and can reach 35 knots at times. During these periods, vessels travelling south should make their passage during early daylight hours (before 10.30 am). From 11.00 am onwards the 'day breeze' will have taken effect and the sea conditions from that time will only worsen. This wind will generally not abate until after sunset. With these weather conditions in mind it is important to check there is a good weather window of opportunity to get to your chosen destination. Be prepared to sit out bad weather and be mindful to select the correct anchorage for the conditions.

Moorings and anchorages in Fiordland

Sheltered areas throughout Fiordland are important for providing safe anchorage for travelling vessels. They range from small sheltered bays to fully enclosed coves that are usable in any weather.

An anchorage is an area of the coastal marine area which has been set aside or is used for the temporary securing of a ship using its anchor. Moorings are defined as any weight, post or other structure placed in, or on, the bed of the coastal marine area for the prime purpose of securing a ship, raft, aircraft or floating structure, and do not include ships' anchors. Anchoring in Fiordland often involves breastlines from the bow and sternlines to the shore.

General guidelines on anchorages

Anchoring in Fiordland is quite different to many other areas of New Zealand. Below are some tips for anchoring:

• visiting vessels should carry anchoring gear that is suitable for Fiordland. It should have sufficient chain and rope or wire of at least 70 m, with a quality anchor of high holding capacity
• use all sternlines provided; however, a general check of the condition of these lines, especially in little-used anchorages is advised, as chafing will occur as the lines age
• anchoring should always be done before dark so that sternlines and mooring lines can be seen, especially as these may be encrusted with mussels and partially sunken
• most anchorages in the northern fiords (north of Doubtful Sound/Patea) require a sternline
• when using sternlines in bad weather, keep as close to the shore as safety allows to shelter from sea conditions
• the anchorages described in the Fiord-by-fiord section of this guide are the main anchorages for use when shelter is required. However, during times of light winds the heads of all fiords are suitable for anchoring. A note of caution: all heads of fiords can quickly change from around 30 m to 1 to 2 m depth, mainly with mud banks, so caution should be taken while approaching to anchor
• most anchorages and sternlines are maintained by commercial fishermen. VHF contact should be made with these local operators if they are in the area so that anchorages do not become overcrowded during peak times (see 'Radio Communications' section)
• in the northern fiords where you are using sternlines, be warned that the sandflies will be extremely annoying throughout the warmer parts of the year in light-wind conditions. Where possible, during light winds, anchor out in the middle at the head of the fiords to keep away from the sandflies. Alternatively, before coming to the area it would be worthwhile spending some time adding protection such as fine mesh screens to the main entranceway to the vessel and to hatch openings. A good supply of insect repellent will also help to reduce the irritation of sandflies.

Some points on moorings

Anyone who puts in a mooring does not have exclusive rights of use of a specific area, but they do have proprietarily rights over the mooring block or chain.

Avoid using someone else's mooring if possible, although owners generally do allow such use, provided that the mooring is suitable for the size of the vessel and is not required by its owner at that time.

Within existing mooring areas, largely informal arrangements have worked in the past with few apparent problems. Even so, owners of mooring facilities need to recognise they have responsibilities to ensure their use of the mooring does not result in damage to other vessels. The safety of mooring blocks, chains and lines is the owner's responsibility. Environment Southland must be satisfied the mooring is sufficient for the vessel and types of sea and weather conditions that could reasonably be expected in the area.

No-anchoring areas

Please note that there are seven small areas in Fiordland where anchoring is prohibited. Discrete no-anchoring areas are located in Bligh Sound, Precipice Cove (Bradshaw Sound), Te Awaatu Channel (Doubtful Sound/Patea), Wet Jacket Arm, Nine Fathom Passage (Dusky Sound), Awash Rock and The Narrows (Long Sound) in Preservation Inlet. These areas are home to particularly fragile species that could be damaged by an anchor or its swinging chain.

For further information on anchorages and moorings in Fiordland, contact Environment Southland (see 'Contact information' at the back of this guide).

Huts

There are eight huts throughout coastal Fiordland, from Big Bay in the north to Preservation Inlet in the south. They are maintained by the Department of Conservation in Te Anau and provide welcome relief for travellers with smaller vessels.

For more information about each hut please visit the Department's website (www.doc.govt.nz).

Please remember that each hut has a charge associated with it, ranging from $5-$10 per person per night. To purchase hut tickets, please contact the Department of Conservation before your trip.

Protected areas

This section describes two kinds of protected areas within the Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Area: marine reserves and 'china shops'.

Marine reserves

Marine reserves are New Zealand's most comprehensive tool in marine biodiversity protection. They may be established in areas that contain underwater scenery, natural features, or marine life of such distinctive quality, or that are so typical, beautiful or unique that their continued preservation is in the national interest. Marine reserves are managed by the Department of Conservation.

The first two marine reserves established in Fiordland were proposed by the Fiordland Fishermen's Association, through its parent body the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen, and were formally established in 1993. They are the Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve and Te Awaatu Channel (The Gut) Marine Reserve in Doubtful Sound/Patea.

In 2005, with the passing of the Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Management Act, eight new marine reserves were gazetted. Fiordland now contains 10 marine reserves, found from Milford Sound/Piopiotahi in the north to Preservation Inlet in the south. They range in size from 93 ha to 3,672 ha, and in total include over 10,000 ha of fiord marine habitat.

It is important to note that all of the 'internal waters of Fiordland' boundary lines and the majority of Fiordland's marine reserve boundaries are not marked with physical markers. To avoid any accidental fishing inside a marine reserve, fishers and vessel skippers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the boundary co-ordinates and topography features provided in maps in the Fiord-by-fiord section of this guide and to ensure they remain spatially aware at all times. Where marine reserves are marked, you will see markers as shown in the picture below.

Similar sorts of rules apply in marine reserves as do in national parks on land. Some activities are restricted or prohibited to protect the marine life in the area. Enjoy your visit to the marine reserve, but note:

• all marine life is totally protected
• no fishing, netting, taking or killing of marine life is allowed
• no polluting, disturbance or damage is allowed
• no dredging, dumping or discharging any matter is allowed
• no building of structures is allowed
• no removal of any natural thing from the marine reserve is allowed.

Recreational, educational and scientific activities are permitted and encouraged as long as they do not disturb or endanger the plant and animal life or natural features. In all marine reserves you may:

• kayak, dive, snorkel, swim and investigate in rock pools etc
• take photos, picnic on the beach and build sand castles
• anchor (with care, and only where allowed)
• navigate through.

Rock lobster holding and pot storage areas within marine reserves

As there is limited space and suitable depth for storing rock lobster pots inside some fiords, four marine reserves have areas designated for commercial rock lobster fishers to store (in holding pots) live lobsters caught outside the reserve, and for the storage of rock lobster pots that are not in use at the time. All rock lobster catching pots and holding pots that are not in use that are situated in these areas must have the doors open. These storage areas are not available for use by recreational fishers.

You can find more information on each individual marine reserve in the Fiord-by-fiord section of this guide.

China shops

In addition to establishing marine reserves, the Act gave recognition to a number of other high value areas throughout Fiordland. These areas are designated 'china shops'.

China shops are discrete areas noted for their abundance and/or diversity of animal communities, plant communities, a mixture of both, or areas containing key individual species.

Due to the nature of the fiords, the china shops are often located where the current is strong, where fiords change direction sharply, or in the narrow channels around islands.

Five of these china shop areas have been designated as no-anchoring zones in an effort to protect these special and fragile habitats. You can find more information on the specific locations of china shops in the Fiord-by-fiord section of this guide.

 

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