The most popular Sound in the Fiordland National Park, Milford is the only Fiord accessible by road. Arriving into its very small village, you will be greeted with an amazing view of Mitre Peak. Sheer cliffs rise from hundreds of meters below the water’s surface – a dramatic and awe-inspiring sight. The length of the fiord is 16 kilometers long and can be best explored on a cruise into the heart of the sound. Marine mammals such as dolphins and seals can often be seen, and after a large downpour the hundreds of waterfalls along the way are thunderous – and a real sight to behold
THE “EIGHT WONDER OF THE WORLD”
Milford Sound is Described as “Eight Wonder of the World” by Rudyard Kipling, and I totally agreed! I can’t really put the experience I had there into words because it is just out of this world. It’s a Fiord in the South West of New Zealand and it was surrounded by sheer rock faces as high as 1,517 meters.
I highly highly recommend you to make the effort to go there. When I was there I literally put my camera and my phone away because nothing is good enough to capture what you see creating the feeling that you experience. It’s the jaw-dropping view and the feelings of total awe!!
It was the kind of place that makes you feel small by being in the presence of greatness and pure beauty, and not in a bad way. It makes you wonder, how can there be such a serene and peaceful place on this side of the world while on the other, there’s war and chaos?. How can I be so lucky to be able to witness this part of the world? All of these thoughts, emotions, and feelings rising up inside me as I was moved to tears. It’s grandness put my life into perspective, and I think that’s the reason why this place is considered to be the Eight Wonder of the world.
CRUISING INTO THE HEART OF THE SOUND
For this trip, we booked a two and a half hour nature cruise of spectacular Milford Sound by Real Journeys. Onboard one of three purpose-built vessels we experience tumbling waterfalls, towering peaks, lush rainforest, and native wildlife. We Learned about the region, its history, and its natural surroundings. The package was inclusive of a delicious picnic lunch. We were told to keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and penguins – frequent visitors to the fiord.
When we took the cruise, there was light rain and cloudy. It is the wettest place in NZ (if I remember correctly what the guide said) so there is a high chance of rain when you visit. Even then, it didn’t diminish anything of the whole experience, it added a mystique atmosphere to the place. The mountain top was covered by fogs, create an eerie and mysterious ambiance just the way I liked it. Although I’m pretty sure it will also be super amazing under the sunlight.
We saw sea lions sleeping on the rocks, and one was playing in the water. The boat got really close to one of the waterfalls and I swear I wasn’t the only one giggling with joy as the sprinkle of water fell on my face. There is even a night cruise there, where you can spend a night on the boat which sounds awesome.
The guide of the cruise that we took (2,5 hours cruise and it cost NZD 115/person) was very knowledgeable in telling all the history, facts, and legends. I can tell that they are very passionate about their job and very appreciative of the Nature that they present every day. When you have a good tour guide, it totally makes a difference!
The Milford Road
The trip to reach Milford Sound itself was a treat, a scenic route through Crystal clear lakes, towering mountains and lush, glacier-formed meadows, this area is abundant with picture-perfect scenes and countless photo opportunities. Prepare for some of the most beautiful and iconic scenery in the country when you take the road to Milford Sound. We took the Chasm Walk, a short stroll through native beech forest to several waterfalls. As we approached Milford Sound, we went through the Homer Tunnel, an engineering marvel at 1219 meters long. Most stops and points of interest are well signposted on the 121-kilometer road and make sure to leave plenty of time for scenic stops. Below are a selection of walks that you can find along the Milford Road :
Lake Mistletoe – time: 45 min return
Suitable for all ages, Lake Mistletoe is reached by a short forest walk. The entrance is signposted opposite the Te Anau Downs hotel complex.
Mirror Lakes -Time: 5 min
A good place to stretch your legs during the drive to Milford Sound. Small lakes provide outstanding reflective views of the Earl Mountains. Waterfowl and wetland plants can be seen against a backdrop of the beech forest.
Lake Gunn – Time: 45 min round trip
The Lake Gunn Nature Walk is an easy 45-minute loop walk suited to all ages and accessible to wheelchairs.
The loop track passes through the red beech forest and gives glimpses of the birdlife typical of the Eglinton Valley. Side trips can be made to several lake beaches and sheltered fishing spots.
Key Summit – Time: 3 hours return
From the Divide car park follow the Routeburn Track for about an hour to the signposted turnoff to Key Summit. From here it is a 20-minute climb to Key Summit with panoramic views over the Humbolt and Darran mountain ranges. A self-guided alpine nature walk takes you through a variety of native vegetation.
Gertrude Saddle – Time: 4-6 hours return
River crossing, navigation, and alpine skills are required for this route.
From the car park located near the eastern portal of the Homer Tunnel, the marked route meanders its way up the valley from alpine vegetation. During and after the rain there are some creek crossings, so expect to get wet feet.
There are no markers above the bush line so navigation skills are essential. Do not follow the rock cairns made by previous walkers as they do not indicate the correct route. From the head of the valley, the route heads up to the saddle. Cross the base of the waterfall and sidle across the slopes towards Black Lake. From here parts of the route are very steep and are not suitable for those with limited hiking experience, or a dislike for heights. The track route goes up steep rock slabs and is treacherous when wet, frosty or icy – there are steel cables assist you through this section. From the saddle, there are breathtaking views of the valley and part of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.
East Homer Nature Walk Time: 20 min return
Please note this walk cannot be accessed if avalanche danger closes the car park.
Located on the Eastern side of the Homer Tunnel this short nature walk gives an opportunity to see the alpine landscape close-up and see the plants and animals that survive in this harsh environment.
The Chasm – Time: 20 min return
This popular walk is on the western side of the Homer Tunnel. Two-foot bridges over the Cleddau River offer spectacular views of a series of waterfalls. Thousands of years of swirling water have sculpted round shapes and basins in the rock.
Tutuko Valley – Time: 5-hour return
This route is accessed from the Tutuko bridge on the Western side of the Homer Tunnel. The track is lightly marked as it heads up the valley. After approximately 2 1/2 hours return to the car park via the same route. If you have good navigation and river crossing skills you can continue further up the riverbed.
Piopiotahi/Milford Foreshore Walk – Time: 30 min
At the entry to the main visitor car park at Milford Sound you will find the start of this short loop walk. Walkthrough beech forest to viewing points with access to the beach. These viewing points have some of the best views of Mitre Peak as well as great views up the Arthur Valley. There are several panels along the way to help you interpret your surroundings.
Also starting in Te Anau is the Kepler Track, another one of the Great Walks. This track is very accessible and you can easily enjoy a day walk along with the start of the route and around the southern end of Lake Te Anau. Call into the Department of Conservation office at the Southern end of Lakefront Drive.
A bit about Te Anau
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and as such as also a great place to base yourself to enjoy the many walks and hikes available in the area. One of the most famous walks starting here is the Milford Track and you can experience a day walk introduction with Ultimate Hikes on their Milford Track guided day walk. If you choose to explore yourself there are many more options too. A short drive along the Milford Road will put you within reach of many walking tracks varying from 10 minutes to 6 hours.
Te Anau is the last town before you reach Milford Sound (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes drive around 118 Km). It is the most sensible option for us to stay in this little town for our trip to Milford Sound from Wanaka. If you have the time to explore, then it is a perfect place since as mentioned it’s the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
General Tips :
- Bring an insect repellent there because there are swarmed by flies that are native to Milford Sound.
- Plan your trip well, to make sure that you leave plenty of time for scenic stops along the way.
- Bring a raincoat or a poncho and nice waterproof shoes, as there’s a high chance of rain and you don’t want it to ruin your experience just because you’re not prepared.
- Check condition daily for longer walks before venturing out. this information is courtesy of The Department of Conservation and you can find detailed information on their website or at their visitor center in Te Anau.
- Due to its remote location, planning your trip can be a bit tricky. You can either stay in Te Anau or you can base yourself in Queenstown. if you are like us who rent a normal car instead of a camper van, then Te Anau is your Best Option. If you Rent a camper van then you have more flexibility to chose a place to stay. There is plenty of campsite along the Milford Sound and this way you’ll get to see more of the scenic places.
- I did mention to Base yourself in Queenstown, and on a day trip, you can visit Milford Sound. But bear in mind, that the distance between Queenstown to Milford Sound is 287.4 km (3 hr and 44 minutes drive). If you are going to do this, then be prepared to drive almost 600 km for a return trip.