77. Milford Sound, New Zealand. Travel to the World Heritage Fiordland National Park in New Zealand.
Have you heard of the eighth natural wonder of the world?
This week’s episode is all about this magical stunning part of New Zealand – Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park.
This was one of those experiences that was so incredible that it will definitely be a lifelong memory. We talk about it all the time and tell everyone we can to go and visit – and now you get to hear about it too.
Not only are we going to take you cruising on the 16 kilometre long, 290 metre deep sound with 1,600 metre sheer cliffs and 1000 metre high waterfalls, we also take you hiking in the lush rainforest.
Come with us as we tell you about the underwater observatory where you can see rare black coral. We also tell you about and the gorgeous little town with a massive lake that is a bit of a secret and is the best place to stay if you want to have a few days in the area.
Stay listening to the end to hear about our helicopter flight where we land on a glacier – yes we actually landed on the top of an actual glacier – it was freakin incredible it was like walking on top of the world.
We give you all the options of how to explore this spectacular area, where to stay and what we would do different if we went back again – spoiler alert – stay longer in the only luxury accommodation at Milford sound.
Please enjoy this week’s episode all about Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
SHOW NOTES AND PICTURES BELOW
Visiting Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park in New Zealand’s south west is one of those things that you will remember forever. This area is truly pristine.
Milford Sound is about 300km from Queenstown. It will take you around 4 hours to drive - but make sure you have snow chains as the weather can be very unpredictable. People choose to drive or take a bus tour to Milford Sound for the amazing views along the way. To say you will see incredible landscapes on your drive is an understatement.
Milford Sound was formed by glaciers - which are rivers of ice - up to two kilometres wide descending from the Southern Alps and flowing slowly down to the sea. They carved their course over millions of years out of solid rock as they descended. As the earth warmed, the glaciers retreated and the ice rivers melted.
In some places the trenches and valleys they left became lakes. In Milford Sound they created a fiord, a sheer narrow valley opening out to the sea with towering cliffs on either side.
Once you arrive at Milford Sound you can take a boat cruise which takes about two hours. You will travel along the 16 kilometre fiord and be amazed at the sheer cliffs on each side, some over 1,600 metres high. You will pass by many waterfalls, and if it has been raining, these are particularly impressive. The boat will take you up very close to the waterfalls, and you might even feel the spray of the water.
You may also see fur seals, penguins and dolphins. The mountains that surround the fiord are mostly covered in lush rainforest and there are many hikes for those who want to explore further.
There is only one place to stay at Milford Sound and that is the Milford Sound Lodge and Campervan park. You must book prior to arriving as they don’t take walk in bookings. Click here for the website
If you want to stay and explore the area a bit more and do some hiking including the famous Milford Sound Track, the best place is in Te Anau. It is about 2 hours drive from Milford Sound on Lake Te Anua. The lake is the second biggest in New Zealand.
Te Anua has great options for cafes and restaurants and you can swim in the lake if you like cold water temperatures! I’d advise to wear a wetsuit as the water temperature in summer is from 12 to 15 degrees celsius.
If you’re not into long hikes, then a stroll around the lake would definitely be a good idea. You can also take a fishing charter here, or for something unique, visit the glow worm caves.
Definitely, one of the most amazing things we have ever done in our travels was this tour to Milford Sound. Of course exploring the waterways, waterfalls, and the cliffs and mountains covered in lush vegetation was fantastic, but to top our day off, we took a helicopter flight.
The day was perfect and we could see for miles. I believe everyone who visits New Zealand, especially this area in the south island should find a way to see it from above, you will never regret spending the money to see this truly incredible landscape from the unique perspective.
Another highlight of our day was landing on top of a glacier. We were able to hop out and walk around. It literally felt like we were on top of the world. The experience you have in this white wonderland is second to none.
We go into much more detail about Milford Sound, the surrounding national park and the glaciers and helicopter ride in our podcast episode. If you would like to find out more then click on one of the players above. If you would like to see the other posts we have done on New Zealand then click on the button below.
Here is a list of the best tour companies with all the different ways you can explore this eight natural wonder of the world.
Milford Sound Flights: They offer scenic flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound, providing breathtaking views of Fiordland National Park and the iconic Milford Sound. The tour usually includes a flight with commentary about the landscape and a brief landing at Milford Sound.
Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters: Known for its helicopter tours, Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters could have provided glacier landing tours from Queenstown. These tours usually involved flying over stunning alpine scenery and landing on a glacier, offering an up-close experience with the icy landscape.
Milford Sound Scenic Tours by Bus: Various bus tour companies operate from Queenstown to Milford Sound, offering day trips or longer excursions. They include stops at key viewpoints along the journey, providing ample photo opportunities and allowing time to explore Milford Sound before returning to Queenstown.
Air Milford: Offers scenic flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown, usually including a short landing at the sound. The tour provides stunning aerial views of the Fiordland National Park and its famous fiords.