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Fiord in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Plug at wts wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is a spectacular glacier-carved fiord and town in Fiordland National Park on the west coast of New Zealand and is one of New Zealand's most well known scenic attractions. On display is a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. It is the best known of a series of fiords in the park, and the only one which is accessible by road.
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Rising 1,692 metres, Mitre Peak is Milford Sound's most famous iconic attraction. The mountain is named for its distinctive shape, similar to the mitre headwear worn by Christian bishops.
With almost continuous rainy days, Milford Sound is home to many temporary and permanent waterfalls. The largest permanent fall is the famous Lady Bowen Falls, located at the southeast end of the sound, north of the wharf. Named after the wife of Sir George Bowen, one of New Zealand's earliest governors, this stunning waterfall drops 160 metres from a hanging valley in the Darren Mountain Range.
Created by glaciers situated behind the mountains, Stirling Falls is the second largest permanent waterfall, located on the north side of Milford Sound, dropping 146 metres. Some ships are able to get underneath the falling water, making the falls one of the great highlights of the Sound.
Has smaller launches that get close to the shoreline.
Runs more cruises, geared towards scenery, wildlife or both.
This place can only be reached via one of the cruises. What they are trying to do is interesting, but they charge a lot to see the place and you get a whopping 15 minutes total there. There is not even enough time to look through the displays.
Specializes in operating smaller boats. Personal and informative crew.
Has new self-contained riverfront chalets (with baths), private doubles or twins and dorm-style bunk rooms. It also has plenty of powered and non-powered parking for camper vans by the river and a number of secluded tent sites in the surrounding forest. Milford Sound's only grocery shop (although small) is here and they can advise you on activities available in the area. Take the linking rain forest walk or their courtesy coach to the cruise departures.
Steamer Wharf, Queenstown. Alternatively experience a different overnight stay in Milford Sound - on board a boat. Two options include the Milford Mariner (private cabins with en suite bathrooms - 60 passengers) and the Milford Wanderer (twin or double compartments with shared bathroom facilities - 34 passengers). Overnight cruises include dinner, bed and breakfast. Plus exploring by tender craft or kayak. Overnight cruises are not available during winter (Jun-Aug).
By ship
Each year, scores of large cruise ships plying the Tasman Sea call upon Milford Sound as part of their New Zealand itinerary.
By bus
Milford Sound is commonly seen as part of a sightseeing tour from Queenstown or Te Anau. A day trip from Queenstown can make for a very long, more than 12-hour day.
By car
From Te Anau, it is 120 km on State Highway 94 or the Milford Road. Allow plenty of time (and fuel), at least 2–3 hours from Te Anau, when travelling to Milford Sound by car.
By foot
Milford Sound can also be reached by foot, being the end of the world famous Milford Track, the 'finest walk in the world'.
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Queenstown · International · ZQN
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