Exploring Milford Sound and Fjordland in New Zealand

Milford Sound is a world-renowned natural wonder. Massive mountains rise out of deep fjords and the area is completely unspoilt. The population of the Milford Sound area is approximately 150 and the focus is completely on tourism.

Although early explorers named the expanse of water a sound, it is actually a fjord. A sound is a drowned river valley that has sloping sides and a delta. A fjord is a drowned glacial valley that is extremely deep and has very steep sides.

What can Tourists do in Milford Sound

Access to Milford Sound is by sea, road or air. The closest town is Te Anau which is two hours away by car. The journey by road is an adventure in itself as the highway winds between soaring mountains and passes through the Homer Tunnel. There is only one lane in this 1.2 kilometre long tunnel and traffic is controlled by traffic lights. The walls of the tunnel are unlined granite.

The most popular activity in Milford Sound is the cruises. There are several companies offering these and various types of boats are used. Some trips are a couple of hours long while others are overnight.

The day cruises travel along one side of the fjord and cross over to the other side for the return journey. The rainfall in Milford Sound averages at seven metres per year and results in a number of majestic waterfalls that cascade into the fjord.

Other sights along the way include fur seals that enjoy basking on the rocks and Mitre Peak which rises to a height of 1695 metres. A floating underwater observatory was re-launched in 2010 and has panels explaining the history of the area as well as the formation of fjords. Ten metres underwater, visitors are treated to 360 degree views from a spacious viewing chamber.

Small aircraft make regular flights across the area and are popular with visitors.

Facilities in Milford Sound
Milford Sound village is tiny and consists of a cafe and bar. Fuel is available but expensive. Accommodation is limited and the best option is an overnight cruise or Milford Sound Lodge that offers riverside chalets, backpacker accommodation and campervan and camping sites.

Milford Sound is a rugged wilderness area that is described as one of the natural wonders of the world. Tourists visit the area year round and brave the high annual rainfall and the snowy, icy roads in winter. The reward of majestic unspoilt scenery is well worth the effort of accessing the area and accommodation is available for those who wish to stay over.

Reference: Milford Sound tourist brochures