Milford Sound Travel Guide

Named by the Welsh discoverer, Milford Sound is a bit of a misnomer in hindsight. At the point of its discovery, the Welsh had not knowledge of geology. Sticking to what they knew, it was named Milford Sound after Milford in Wales .

On a par with the Grand Canyon in grandiosity, nothing can prepare you for the towering granite spires, unpredictable weather and shear wilderness of the sound.
This is the most photographed area in the whole of New Zealand .

Two tectonic plates meet here, the Pacific and the Australasian which goes some way by way of beginning to explain how such a dramatic landscape was created.

Taking a ferry tour is a must, this will take you around and under some of the waterfalls which span from trickles to roaring torrents and run the duration of the sound.
The microphone guided tours inspire you with the story of its discovery and discuss the geological origins whilst presenting you with rock samples and early Polynesian artifacts to handle and examine as you take your trip.

Up near the north end is an underwater observatory, manned throughout the year, this 10m submersible is open to the public.
The tour guide will talk you through and then leave you to watch the fishes, crabs, seals and anemones in their natural environment.

The drive back has about 4-6 stop-off points on the way to Te Anua which are well worth a visit if the weather is fine.

Fill up with petrol before you leave because there are no petrol stations in the sound itself.

This is a magical day out which will thrill even the most jaded, travel hardened individual giving a glimpse of what put the New Zeal in New Zealand..