Welcome to Milford Sound,
|
It is a must to visit Milford Sound when in Queenstown.This is the famous Milford road. We had heard much about the alpine beauty of Milford Sound from books and friends.
It may be a long drive from Queenstown but you will be too distracted by the beauty of virgin rainforest, mirrorlike lakes and alpine scenery to even notice it!
Surprisingly, the long drive had turned out to be so refreshing. We were rejuvenated by Mother Nature, no wonder Milford Sound is regarded by many as one of the scenic wonders of the world.
To fully enjoy the drive and trip, you need to allow plenty of time for stops, to capture those special moments and marvel at the sheer landscape.
Don’t forget to top up your petrol (if you have a rental car in new Zealand) at Te Anau as there are no gas stations in Milford Sound.
The weather at Milford Sound is often not as perfect as you like it to be. But that is a significant feature of Milford Sound - the everchanging weather!
The sound may look moody when it rains but you will be enthralled by countless of cascading and magnificent waterfalls!
Whatever it is, you will be inspired by the grand landscapes and glistening sun on the deep waters.
Don't forget to stop for your New Zealand picture at Mirror Lakes.
The drive continues down to Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, through the respectable narrow and dark Homer Tunnel, then to Cleddau Valley.
We stopped to snap a photo at a melting avalanche before the Homer Tunnel.
Most importantly, rub on some insect repellent to keep away the famous sandflies of the west coast! It itches terribly if you are bitten!
My first aid tip: Don’t leave home without a bottle of tea tree or manuka oil.
There are many coaches and tours that offer trips to Milford Sound but it can be exhausting to make it back to Queenstown within a day and you would be spending most time in the bus.
A better thing to do (which we did) is to stay in Te Anau for a night. That way, you can see Milford in an unhurried pace.
Besides, you may need to allocate more time for safe driving, especially during wet conditions and you may need to slow down on narrow and steep turns.
The lakeside town of Te Anau is a good base to the spectacular Fiordland National Park, famous for its varied walks. It’s very popular among hikers from all over the world.
To really experience and get close to the fiord and feel the spray of the waterfalls, you need to take a scenic New Zealand cruise. There are a few cruise operators in Milford Sound.
We chose the nature cruise on board the Milford Mariner.
You can choose to relax in the comfortable and spacious cabin (a good idea if you have little ones like I do)or step out to the deck if you want to be close to nature.
Wherever you are - in the cabin or the deck - you will experience the tranquility and calmness of the mystic Milford Sound.
This is another enjoyable New Zealand cruise for us and during the cruise, we spotted lots of fur seals basking on the rocks.
We even spotted few of the Fiordland crested penguins! Just keep your eyes open during the cruise! Your binoculars will come in handy at this point.
Bring a windbreaker if you intend to sit at the deck (it’s windy and cold!), that’s where you learn more about the surrounding landscape with the commentary guide.
The highlight (to me) of the cruise was the 'spray' from the mist of the waterfalls as the Milford Mariner sailed close the majestic falls from the cliff.
To avoid the rush with the coach tours (which usually take the 1.30pm cruise), plan it either earlier or later.
If you have time, the overnight cruise would be a great experience. Unfortunately we have to skip that as the overnight cruise does not accept little children.
Well, whether it’s a 2 hour cruise or overnight one, I’m sure you will be refreshed by the enchanting beauty of the fiords.
The journey to the Milford Sound will leave memories of New Zealand's natural best in the South Island.
Back to the top of this page
Take me back to South Island
