Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes that attracts many visitors to lay eyes on its beauty. Milford Sound was named (misnamed) by the first European settler who visited the secluded place, who thought the area is a sound (a river valley filled with seawater). However, Milford Sound is actually a fjord (or fiord), which the narrow and steep flooded valleys were carved by glaciers a long time ago. So, technically it’s Milford Fjord but the name remains as Sound (same as another touristic spot called Doubtful Sound).
The road to Milford Sound is a feat by itself. You’ll drive through narrow lanes surrounded by massive glacier carved mountains. If it’s been raining (which will happen more often than not), you’ll see countless waterfalls flowing down the rock faces.
While waiting at the traffic light before the tunnel (the only path drilled through the mountain to connect the outside world with Milford Sound), a cheeky kea landed on the side mirror of my car. Remember: DO NOT FEED THE ENDANGERED KEA!
Cruising Milford Sound - Boat Tour
There are quite a few things to do in Milford Sound, such as kayaking, snorkeling, diving, flightseeing and hiking the Milford Track, but the most popular attraction is cruising the sound on a boat. While you can buy a ticket at Milford Sound Cruises Information Centre when you arrive, you can find much cheaper deals at BookMe. Alternatively, you should also check out Klook or below to compare the prices and packages.
Where to park your car: The Milford Sound Public Car Park is very expensive at $10 per hour (only debit/credit card accepted). The best alternative is the free car park at Deepwater Basin Parking. From there, you can either wait for the free shuttle bus (may not be available due to staff shortage) to take you to the info center, or you can take an easy 30-minute walk on foot via the well-laid walkway. (melting Paradise duck)
The cruise departs Milford Wharf, sailing towards the end of Milford Sound fiord into the open ocean of Tasman Sea (if weather permits) and making a turn back to the wharf in a loop. Throughout the journey, the cruise will pass by many points of interest among the beautiful landscapes on both sides of the fiord. One of the features is the towering rock walls of steep mountains surrounding the fiord:
Milford Sound Waterfalls
Another highlight is no doubt the myriad of waterfalls flowing down from the huge mountains into Milford Sound:
The best part is definitely when the cruise gets up close to one of the big waterfalls. Be prepared to get ‘glacial facial’ and a taste of the fresh and pure glacial waters from the alps!
Hiding in the interior deck of the cruise to stay dry is quite a waste of experience, so bring along your water-resistant and enjoy the cool spray of the glacier waterfall!
At some point of the tour, the cruise will also pass by the ‘seal rock’, the only ‘seal-climb-able’ flat rock around the steep mountains in Milford Sound. More often than not, you’ll see seals, seabirds and even the rare Fiordland crested penguins resting on the rock.
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
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