Milford
Sound (Piopiotahi in Māori) (Pop: 80) is a fjord carved by
glacial action in the south west of New Zealand's South Island, within
Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. It has
been judged the world's top travel destination in an international
survey and is acclaimed as New Zealand's most famous tourist destination.
Milford Sound is 295 km from
Queenstown
and 279 km from
Invercargill (about four hours' drive), with most of the tour buses to
the sound departing from Queenstown and 121 kms from
Te Anau.
The drive to Milford Sound
itself passes through unspoiled mountain landscapes before entering the
1.2 km Homer Tunnel which emerges into rain-forest-carpeted canyons that
descend to the sound. The winding mountain road, while of high standards, is
very prone to avalanches and closures during the winter half of the year.
Mitre Peak, apparently the most perfect cone
from the land, when seen from the water is revealed as part of a chain of
peaks. Milford Sound has hanging valleys of native flora and fauna carry fresh
water to the sea. Milford Sound has a wide range of native wildlife.
Tramping, canoeing and some other water sports are also possible. A small
number of companies also provides overnight boat trips. There is otherwise
only limited accommodation at the sound, and only a very small percentage of
tourists stay more than the day.
An underwater tourist observatory found in
one of the bays of the sound provides viewing of black coral, usually only
found in much deeper waters. A dark surface layer of fresh water, stained by
tannins from the surrounding forest, allows the corals to grow close to the
surface here
Like the rest of Fiordland, Milford Sound receives a lot of rain. Indeed, some tour operators
argue that the sound is best seen on a rainy day as all the waterfalls can
be seen in their full glory. Many recommend seeing it during a sunny day and
in the rain to see both worlds as they are both very different and amazing.
When visiting Milford Sound
and its natural beauty, do not forget insect repellent due to sand flies in
the late afternoon early evening and a raincoat as weather can change
without notice
Travelling from
Milford Sound is in modern buses and coaches with
InterCity Coachlines operating a fleet
of eco-friendly air conditioned buses with reclining seats and foot
rests. Great
Sights and
Newmans Coachlines operate premier
services using a fleet of modern eco-friendly air conditioned coaches
featuring reclining seats with foot and head rests and onboard toilet/washroom
facilities.
If you want to
explore and see New Zealand's unique scenic beauty from Milford
Sound,
there are a range of flexible 'Book As You Go'
bus, scenic coach, ferry travel and
sightseeing passes
giving you
value for money travel.
Your 'Book As You Go' flexible bus, scenic coach and ferry pass, allows
you to travel through out New Zealand on New Zealand's largest regional and
national bus, coach, scenic coach, ferry and sightseeing network, that
includes Cook Strait ferry sailings between the North and South Islands,
sightseeing tours - like dolphin watching cruises in the Bay of Islands and
lots more. Travel is discounted, so you will be saving money, as you travel
plus it gives you total freedom to alter your plans whenever you want.
Set your own itinerary and travel when you want, as your 'Book As
You Go' flexible bus, scenic coach and ferry pass is valid for 12 months so you can
stay a while and leave when you please.