Resolution Island (New Zealand) Island
Remote New Zealand island in Fiordland National Park
A remote island at the entrance to Dusky Sound in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand, noted for rugged coastline, native bush and access by boat for wilderness trips and conservation work.
Resolution Island (New Zealand) at a Glance#
Address: Resolution Island, Fiordland (Fiordland National Park), New Zealand
Hours: No formal hours - island is unstaffed (day visits only)
Admission: Free (transport and charter costs apply)
About Resolution Island (New Zealand)#
Resolution Island is a large, rugged island in Fiordland in the southwest corner of New Zealands South Island, lying within or adjacent to Fiordland National Park. The island is largely uninhabited and characterized by steep terrain, native forest, and coastal fiords.
It is noted for its remoteness and natural values rather than visitor facilities; access is by boat and the island is visited mainly by experienced hikers, conservation teams, and small-scale guided trips. There are no major settlements or developed tourist infrastructure on the island.
Historically and in recent decades the island has been included in conservation efforts to protect native species and habitats, with restricted access used to limit human impact in sensitive areas.
Geographically it lies off the southwestern coast of the South Island in the Fiordland region, accessed via the Tasman Sea and nearby fiords and sounds.
- Remote conservation area: Part of Fiordland in southwest New Zealand and managed as a remote, uninhabited island within that wilderness region.
How to Get to Resolution Island (New Zealand)#
Resolution Island is reachable only by water. Charters and specialist eco-operators run from Te Anau, Deep Cove (Doubtful Sound) and other Fiordland bases; expect a long day and variable sea conditions. Permissions or coordination with the Department of Conservation (DOC) are recommended for landing.
Tips for Visiting Resolution Island (New Zealand)#
- Book a conservation-minded operator - many boat charters in Fiordland work closely with DOC and local iwi and can explain the island's predator-eradication history.
- There are no visitor facilities on Resolution Island; plan for a full-day excursion with food, water and waterproof gear.
- Observe strict biosecurity rules: New Zealand's island sanctuaries require clean boots and gear to avoid reintroducing pests.
Best Time to Visit Resolution Island (New Zealand)#
Visit in summer for reliable weather windows; operators run charters from Te Anau and coastal bases in Fiordland.
Weather & Climate near Resolution Island (New Zealand)#
Resolution Island (New Zealand)'s climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2212 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 10° - 16° | 13° | 236 mm | - | - | 8.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 11° - 16° | 14° | 162 mm | - | - | 7.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 10° - 15° | 12° | 166 mm | - | - | 8.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 9° - 13° | 11° | 150 mm | - | - | 6.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 11° | 6° | 148 mm | - | - | 6.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 5° - 9° | 3° | 199 mm | - | - | 7.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 5° - 9° | 3° | 145 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 5° - 9° | 3° | 141 mm | - | - | 7.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 6° - 10° | 4° | 172 mm | - | - | 8.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 11° | 6° | 247 mm | - | - | 7.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 8° - 13° | 10° | 230 mm | - | - | 9.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 9° - 15° | 12° | 216 mm | - | - | 7.7 m/s | - | - |