Milford Sound Essential: The World Most Beautiful Fiord
Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park is repeatedly described as the eighth wonder of the world. The fiord is carved 16 km into the mountains from the Tasman Sea, flanked by sheer granite walls rising 1200 meters straight from the water. Mitre Peak is the iconic triangular summit. Rain transforms the cliffs into thousands of waterfalls. Even the most spectacular photographs fail to prepare you.
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Mitre Peak
The iconic 1692-meter peak rises directly from the sea at the edge of Milford Sound. Visible from the boat cruise and the waterfront, it is one of the most photographed natural features in New Zealand.
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Stirling Falls
A 155-meter waterfall plunging directly into the sea at the side of the fiord. Boat cruises pass close enough to feel the spray. After heavy rain, hundreds of similar temporary waterfalls cascade from every cliff.
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Milford Sound Boat Cruise
The definitive experience, a two-hour cruise through the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea and back, with commentary on the geology, wildlife and ecology of Fiordland.
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Milford Track
One of the Great Walks of New Zealand, the four-day Milford Track begins at the head of Lake Te Anau and ends at the edge of Milford Sound. It passes through some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the world.
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Underwater Observatory
Milford Sound's unusual combination of freshwater surface layer and permanent darkness allows deep-water species including black coral to live in remarkably shallow water. A submerged observatory reveals this unusual ecosystem.
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Seal and Dolphin Watching
The Fiordland waters support permanent populations of New Zealand fur seals resting on the rocks and bottlenose dolphins that regularly accompany the cruise boats. Penguins are also occasionally sighted.