Cruizin through Milford Sound

Fiordland, South Island, New Zealand

Days 10-11

Total Distance: 2,545 kilometres/1,581 miles

Fun Fact: Milford Sound is actually a Fiord, not a Sound, by today’s definition. A Fiord is created by glacial action that produces u-shaped valleys with steep cliffs. Fiords are also characterized by shallow entrances that slope quickly seaward to deep water. A Sound is a river valley that has been flooded due to the land sinking below sea level.

Our trip through New Zealand has not only been adventurous, but we continue to see more and more breathtaking scenery with each new town we visit. We got into Milford Sound on Monday, November 1 and it was a bit dreary. This is the first weather we have come across that has not been perfect spring/summer weather. Luckily the 5 hour drive from Queenstown was quite picturesque and made for great places to stop and take more pictures.

Arriving into the small town of Milford to Milford Lodge where we stayed, we quickly realized that there was nothing in the town except for the ferry terminal so decided against staying our originally planned two nights and opt out of one. We had a lazy afternoon and hoped for better weather in the morning so our cruise would be a pleasant one.

The next morning we awoke to beautiful clear blue skies (I know I continue to use the word beautiful, but the weather really can’t get any better!) and decided to take the early 9:15 cruise through Milford Sound.

The cruise was amazing and it is hard to put into perspective how massive the Fiord really is. Take a look at the picture below of the small boat (by small it carries 300+ people) next to the rock face.

We were also lucky enough to see a colony of fur seals taking their morning naps after hunting all night. They are so precious with their sweet puppy faces!!!

 

Overall the drive to and the cruise through Milford Sound was breathtaking and we were glad we made the long venture to see the beautiful Fiords.