KIA ORA!!!!!
WELCOME TO PIOPIOTAHI
MILFORD SOUND
NEWZEALAND
PANORAMIC VIEW OF MILFORD SOUND
Deep within Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction. With its magical combination of mountain peaks, ink-dark waters and superb dramatic forest-clad cliffs, it must be seen to be believed.
An amazingly beautiful place, named as the 8th wonder of the world by the famous British journalist and writer, Rudyard Kipling.
In 2008, Milford Sound was declared as world's top travel destination, in the international survey conducted by Trip Advisor.
Milford Sound runs 15 kilometres
inland from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that
rise 1,200 meters (3,900 ft.) or more on either side. Among the peaks are
The Elephant at 1,517 meters (4,977 ft.), said to resemble an elephant's
head, and The Lion, 1,302 meters (4,272 ft.), in the shape of a crouching lion.
Milford Sound sports two
permanent waterfalls, Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls. After heavy rain temporary waterfalls can
be seen running down the steep sided rock faces that line the fiord. They are
fed by rain water drenched moss and will last a few days at most once the rain
stops.
LOCATION:
Milford sound is situated in the south west part of south New Zealand, within the Fiord land national park.
GETTING THERE:
Most easy to incorporate in any Itinerary,
the easiest way to reach Te Anau is from Queenstown.
Distance between Queenstown and
Te Anau is 172 kms and driving time is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
Distance between Te Anau and
Milford Sound is 117 kms, and driving time is approximately 1,45 hours.
ITINENRARIES:
Suggested Itineraries for Milford
sound:
1) A day trip from Queenstown to Milford
sound, which includes a boat cruise in Milford Sound with an option of Helicopter
ride, either in return or to and fro from Te Anau.
2) An over night or extended stay at Te Anau, and take time to do various activities in and around Milford Sound and also
enjoy the tranquillity of the quiet town of Te Anau.
THE JOURNEY:
As all journeys in New Zealand are, the road trip from Ta Anau to Milford Sound is wonderfully picturesque. First scenic spot on the way is Ta Anau Downs, a great spot to view Murchison Mountains.
The next stop is Mirror lake. Small tarns (mountain lakes) on the roadside reflect the outstanding views of Earl mountians.
Mirror Lake
We then pass through the famous Homer tunnel at the altitude of 945 meters above sea level, which pierces through sheer rock and was completed way back in 1953.
Next stop is the Chasm,where we find a series of ferocious streams cutting through the rocks and giving them various shapes .
The Chasm
At last, we reach the famous Milford Sound and as soon as we enter the cruise boat terminal, we are awestruck by the view of Mitre Peak .
Mitre Peak
The cruise takes us through the Milford Sound fjords till the Tasman Sea. Through out the tour we can see many small and few big waterfalls cascading down the mountains and seals basking in sunlight on the rocks on shore line.
Waterfall at Milford Sound
Hidden under the surface in Harrison Cove is a unique and beautiful environment where one can see the rare black corals and colourful sea creatures. In the middle of Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, is the Underwater Observatory, where by descending just 10 meters underwater, we can observe all these from an air conditioned viewing area.
Underwater Observatory
After the cruise ,proceed to the divide car park from where we proceed for The Key Summit hike which offers one of the best views of Milford Sound. The hike is a constant steady climb ,not too steep and one with average fitness can easily complete.
Key Summit Hike
In a single day, one can enjoy the picturesque area of Milford Sound and be back to either Te Anau or Queenstown by late evening. Any trip to New Zealand is incomplete without the visit to Milford Sound, where journey is also as beautiful as the destination.
