Milford Sound is an absolutely stunning destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s not difficult to see why it’s referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World”. Located in Fiordland National Park, this 15-kilometer stretch is surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, mountain peaks, and lush rainforests, making it a breathtaking sight to behold. It’s known as Piopiotahi in Māori and is a magical place that you must visit if you ever find yourself in New Zealand.
So…What Is So Special About Milford Sound?
It was our first time there, and I totally get why people are blown away by it. As we drove up, we saw these amazing rainforests and massive peaks that had been carved by glaciers. Plus, there were waterfalls and lakes everywhere, and the sky was all moody and dramatic. It was honestly one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.
Wildlife Is Unique
The wildlife in this area is truly impressive. If you take a boat tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Bleu and Tawaki penguins, as well as seals and dolphins.
Moreover, you might be lucky enough to encounter the most iconic bird of all, the Kea. This alpine parrot is known for its obnoxious behavior of snatching food right out of your hands. However, it can be quite interesting to observe.
The Rain Adds To The Beauty Of The Scenery
Milford Sound is probably one of the wettest places on the planet! It rains there intensely for around 182 days each year. On average, it gets 6,813mm of rainfall annually, but during heavy rainfalls, this place can get up to 250mm within 24 hours!
That’s when you can see hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down the mountains, making this place so unique and magical.
The Waterfalls
The waterfalls there are so impressive, it’s unreal! You can get super close to them by taking a boat trip. When it’s raining, the steep mountain faces become a canvas for hundreds of temporary waterfalls – it’s seriously one of the coolest things you’ll ever see.
Many Walks And Hikes
If you’re into hiking, Milford Sounds is where it’s at. They’ve got many of these “Great Walks,” like the Milford Track and the Routeburn, but even the shorter hikes will blow your mind. You’ll see icy rivers and all sorts of cool wildlife, and the alpine foliage is just nuts. It’s seriously one of the best places in New Zealand.
The Trip On Our Way Up
The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound takes less than two hours if you don’t stop. But you want to take advantage of the epic sights along the way. So, take your time to discover this extraordinary part of the country and make the most of your journey. Consider spending an entire day exploring this area to appreciate its unique sights.
Eglington Valley
The Eglinton Valley is a popular attraction in Fiordland National Park and is one of the first cool things you’ll see when you head to Milford Sound.
The valley has steep mountains covered in trees and golden tussock grass on the flat valley floor. You can drive on Milford Road through the valley, one of the few places in the park you can drive to. While you’re there, check out the famous Mirror Lakes.
Mirror Lakes
The Mirror Lakes are a popular attraction along Milford Road. They’re known for being absolutely gorgeous and reflecting the surrounding scenery. If you go there, you’ll see fantastic views of the Earl mountain ranges on calm days. Many people come to take pictures, but the Mirror Lakes are also home to significant wildlife. You might see rare birds like scaup or pāpango and grey duck or pārera. Plus, there are long-finned native eels and brown and rainbow trout around. Some signs tell you all of it.
The Mirror Lakes were created when the Eglinton River changed course long ago. This left behind two river bends that made the ‘oxbow’ lakes there now.
Monkey Creek
Monkey Creek is a cool freshwater spring in Hollyford Valley. A glacier feeds it, and the water is super pure, so loads of people stop by to quench their thirst and refill water bottles.
Here’s a fun fact: William Henry Homer named Monkey Creek after his dog, Monkey, rather than it being named after any monkeys. Homer was a surveyor who lived in Fiordland in the 1800s. You might have heard of him – there’s a Homer Saddle in the Southern Alps named after him, as well as the Homer Tunnel that goes through it.
Besides the stunning mountains and creek, It is an awesome spot to see some awesome wildlife. You can catch a glimpse of the blue duck (also called whio) swimming in the creek. And if you hang around the parking lot, you might even make the acquaintance of the super-friendly kea, the alpine parrot I was talking about earlier.
Is Milford Sound really worth it?
Milford Sound is an incredibly beautiful destination that is definitely worth visiting for several reasons. Its remote location in Piopiotahi ensures that visitors can fully immerse themselves in the area’s stunning scenery and natural wonders. The fjord is home to diverse wildlife, including fur seals, dolphins, and penguins.
An interesting fact about Milford Sound is that it was misnamed by European settlers. It is actually a fiord, not a sound. The difference lies in how they are formed. Sounds are created by the sea flooding a river valley, while Milford Sound was formed by ancient glaciers eroding the land.
Milford Sound’s captivating beauty and unique experiences make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand.
If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet
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Rachel Wolchin
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