Milford Sound, also known as Piopiotahi, is a fiord located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island within Fiordland National Park, A natural wonder that offers breathtaking sight with its towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and jaw-dropping views. it is also home to several species of marine life such as bottle-nose dolphins, fur seals and penguins. The fiord is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 1200 meters or more on either side among the peaks are The Elephant at 1517 meters and The Lion at 1302 meters. It is the only fiord in New Zealand that is accessible by road. However, its remote location, bounded by steep cliffs and dense rainforest, means its special features remain un-spoilt. Milford Sound continues to captivate even the most experienced traveler with its beautiful surroundings, ink-dark water, gushing waterfalls and captivating views waiting to be discovered.
History
Milford Sound was formed by ancient glaciers. It was discovered by Māori people more than one thousand years ago, who used it to for fishing, hunting and collecting precious pounamu (green stone). The Māori named the fiord ‘Piopiotahi’ literally means ‘place of the Singing Thrush’ – a bird which is now extinct. Later, the first European settler to visit the fiord was a sailor called Captain John Grono in 1823. He named it Milford Sound after Milford Haven in Wales. Following Cook’s mapping of the sound, sailors and whalers formed the first European settlement there.
Things to do
You already know that Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s top visitor attractions. But you might be wondering what to do when you get there. There are a variety of ways to experience Milford sound’s beauty, but the most popular is to visit on a day tour that includes a scenic cruise around its water. Here are some of the best things to do…
Scenic Cruise
The most popular way to experience Milford Sound is by taking a boat cruise. It lasts about two hours and showcases all the highlights including seal rock, towering waterfalls, dramatic cliffs and the stunning fiord itself. There are daytime and overnight cruises available, you can choose the one that suits you best.
Kayaking
Kayaking is another popular activity in Milford Sound. Explore the fiord at your own pace by renting a kayak. This allows you to get up close to the cliffs, waterfalls and the marine life that calls the sound home.
Hiking
There are several beautiful hiking trails in the area, ranging from short walks to multi-day treks. Here are some hiking options and tips for exploring on foot:
- Milford Track: The Milford Track is one of the most famous multi-day hikes. It’s a 33 miles trek that typically takes four days to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush rainforests, cross suspension bridges and encounter stunning waterfalls. Due to its popularity, it’s essential to book huts and campsites well in advance.
- Routeburn Track: The Routeburn Track is another renowned multi-day hike that offers breathtaking alpine scenery. It’s about 20 miles long and typically takes two to three days to complete. The track passes through diverse landscapes, including beech forest, alpine meadows and mountain terrain.
- Key Summit Track: If you are looking for a shorter hike with incredible views, the Key Summit Track is a popular choice. It’s a 3 hour return hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The trailhead is located on the road to Milford Sound.
- Hollyford Track: The Hollyford Track is a multi-day hike that starts near Milford Sound and takes you through diverse landscapes, including beech forests, rivers and remote valleys. This hike offers a more off the beaten path experience.
- Lake Marian Track: The Lake Marian Track is a moderately challenging hike that leads to a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by sheer rock walls. It’s about 3 hours return hike and provides a serene setting for picnicking.
Scenic Flight
Take a scenic flight over Milford Sound to get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape. Fly across the mountain ranges and beech forests of the South Alps, above the famous Milford Track and over the Sutherland Falls. These flights often provide the opportunity to land on glacier.
Underwater Observatory
The stunning Milford Sound continues underneath the water. A stop at the Underwater Observatory allows you to descend 10 meters below the surface of the fiord, to witness the vibrant marine life in their natural thriving environment. The fully air-conditioned underwater viewing chamber provides a unique opportunity to view the real life ecosystem below the surface of the fiord – very different from the artificial environment of an aquarium. Rare black coral can be seen as well as anemones, sponges, sea stars, horse mussels and a multitude of fish. It offers a unique opportunity to see the underwater world of fiord up close and learn about the importance of marine conservation.
Scuba Diving
As spectacular below the water as it is above, Milford Sound is known by divers as New Zealand’s ‘coral capital’. The sheer cliff faces plunge into the inky darkness, creating stunning diving amongst black coral trees, some reaching 6 meters in height. Typically found in deep-water trenches, these coral trees exist in Milford’s shallower water thriving in the dark water where sunlight fails to penetrate the layer of freshwater and seawater. Completely white with a jet-black skeleton, black coral viewing is renowned amongst the diving community.
Best time to diving: While diving is enjoyable year-round, with different seasons bringing different species, the dive operating seasons primarily run from October to April.
How to reach
Piopiotahi is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. To reach there, you generally have a few options, but keep in mind that the journey can be as rewarding as the destination due to the incredible scenery along the way. Here are the most common ways to get to Milford Sound:
- Drive Yourself: The most common way to reach Milford Sound is by driving. You can rent a car in nearby towns like Queenstown or Te Anau. The drive takes you through the scenic Milford Road, which is a highlight in itself. The journey is approximately 4-5 hours from Queenstown and around 2-3 hours from Te Anau, but it’s recommended to plan for extra time due to stops along the way.
- Bus and Coach Travel: Various tour companies and bus operators offer guided tours to Milford Sound. This option is convenient if you prefer not to drive or want to learn about the area from a guide. You can find days tours from Queenstown and Te Ananu that include transport and a cruise of the sound.
- Air Travel: If you are short on time or prefer to fly, you can take a scenic flight from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound. This provides an aerial view of the stunning landscapes. Several tour operators offer these flights.
Where to stay
Milford Sound is a remote and pristine natural area in New Zealand, and while it’s a popular tourist destination, the accommodation options are limited. There are only a few places to stay in and around Milford Sound, and they tend to get booked up quickly, so it’s essential to plan and make reservations well in advance. Here are the primary accommodation options in Piopiotahi.
- Milford Sound Lodge: The lodge is the main accommodation option within the area. It offers a range of accommodations, including self-contained chalets, lodge rooms and backpacker-style rooms. The lodge is nestled in a serene rainforest setting and provides basic amenities, a restaurant and a camper-van park.
- Overnight Cruise: Another unique accommodation option is to spend the night on a cruise. Several cruise operators offer overnight cruises in fiord. These cruises typically include cabins with stunning views, meals, and guided activities.
- Camping: There is a basic camping area at the Milford Sound Lodge camper-van park for those with campervan or tents. Keep in mind that this is a more rustic option.
When to go
Summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit Milford Sound, so if you want to avoid crowds, option for spring or autumn. Winter visitors will be at the weather’s mercy, but tours and accommodation can be cheaper during this time and the area’s snow-covered peaks are a sight to see.
