Milford & Doubtful Sounds
Fiordland is the largest area of true wilderness remaining in our country, and it has a very special interface between the land and the sea. Its national and international importance is so significant that in 1986 it was given world heritage status by the World Conservation Union. Fiordland has ecological features that are absolutely unique, in the true meaning of that word. The World Heritage Area of Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking escapes. Deep fiords, towering peaks, and unyielding native rainforest define this dramatic region, captivating visitors from all over the world.
Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand. Located in 3 million acres of the Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a “must-see” for any traveler – magnificent untouched native forest and bush, pristine waterways and lakes, glaciers and high peaks. Fiordland National Park is truly breath-taking, whether sunny or raining – when waterfalls flow like nowhere else.
The Milford Road (between Te 
Anau and Milford) is New Zealand’s most remote highway providing access to spectacular mountain valleys. Travel from Te Anau to the forested Eglinton Valley, through the Homer Tunnel and out into breath-taking Milford Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise of the Milford Sound viewing the spectacular waterfalls and famous Mitre Peak. Grand, brooding, serene and wild, Milford Sound draws visitors from all over the globe to cruise its length. Luxuriant rain forest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls. In the foreground stands Mitre Peak, a majestic presence dominating the skyline. Hanging valleys, alpine lakes and cloud-piercing summits hidden from the road.
The kea is a large parrot about 48 cm long and weighing about 1 kg and is the world’s only alpine parrot. The kea’s notorious urge to explore and manipulate makes this bird a pest for residents and an attraction for tourists. Known as “the clown of the alps”, to South Islanders the kea has been heralded as the worlds smartest bird (it’s intelligence rivals that of a monkey by The Institute of Cognitive Biology in Vienna), it will investigate backpacks, boots or even cars, often causing damage or flying off with smaller items, a common occurrence witnessed at the entrance to the homer tunnel.
Doubtful Sound is an overwhelming place. You can feel the power of nature here – the remoteness, the wildness and the peace. Known for its wilderness and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and
it is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. When you discover Doubtful Sound you will be struck by its silence – a silence broken only by birdsong, or maybe the rushing of a distant waterfall. Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it’s over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland’s densest rainforest and to view the colourful alpine moss gardens. On reaching Deep Cove, a cruise or kayak will take in the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound. Keep a look out for wildlife as bottlenose dolphins frequently come alongside your vessel, fur seals bask on the rocks around the fiord and rare penguins can at times be observed.
