Are you planning to travel to New Zealand? Then you have to plan and reserve a few days to visit Milford Sound, the fjord of Oceania . Located in the southwest of the Island, it is part of the Fiordland National Park . Along its 16 kilometers, it acts as a link between the interior and the sea , breaking the peace of the ocean with its steep peaks.
For many it is one of the most beautiful places that you have to visit at least once in your life; certainly not indifferent. Its steep cliffs, more than 1200 meters high, mesmerize the traveler.
Things to do in Milford Sound
Rudyard Kipling used to say that it is the eighth wonder of the world . Although it does not yet have this cataloging, the truth is that the strait seems sculpted. It is not for nothing that it has a glacial origin , despite the fact that the Ocean has won the game. Some of its waterfalls exceed 1000 meters of fall , which gives us a first view of the spectacular nature of the environment.
Milford Sound Cruise
One of the best ways to enjoy this environment is to take a cruise . Most of them go through the most emblematic spaces of the fjord, and take you to the Tasman Sea. You can travel to Milford Sound first, take the cruise and make the route to Te Anau, or vice versa.
Te Anau
It is the closest town to Milford Sound – if you have a vehicle, remember to refuel before leaving. There will be no more gas stations until the return. The population is striking, for the views it has and for being the epicenter of the fjord’s tourist activity. Depending on how you want to enjoy your destination -by cruise, plane, kayak, and a long etcetera-, you will have to make the reservation when you arrive in Te Anau, or confirm it if you have done it online.
Milford Highway
It is the road that will take you from Queestown , the reference town, to your destination. Allow 5 hours by car (3 maximum if you leave from Te Anau). The whole route is full of interesting routes.
Homer’s Tunnel
It is one of the highest tunnels . As it has only one direction, and is regulated by traffic lights, you have time to go down for a walk around the area to see the wonderful views it has.
Lake Gunn
Perhaps one of the most photographed pictures of New Zealand: the reflection of the great mountains on the waters of Lake Gunn.
Mirror lakes
Next to Lake Gunn, here we find this concatenation of lakes, each one more beautiful.
And, of course, the world’s most spectacular road and trekking routes are on the Milford Sound fjord.
Curiosities about Milford Sound
Did you know that Milford Sound is one of the wettest regions on Earth? It rains on average 182 days a year. In the rainiest months, from September to December, 18 rainy days accumulate. This is one of the reasons that make the spectacular Milford Sound Falls possible.
On the other hand, and as a formula to guarantee that you enjoy 100% of this spectacle of nature, there is no mobile coverage , so you will only use it to take photos and videos. Nothing to check WhatsApp or work emails. Disconnect!
A third curiosity (so you don’t get caught off guard): its waters are dark. By depth? Partly. But it also concurs that the rains carry tannins that stain the waters.
Milford Track, the best trail in the world
It is one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world . Travel 33 miles between Glade Wharf, located on Lake Te Anau, and the Milford Sound Pier.
Each of the meters that are covered reveals a new landscape: hills, waterfalls, hanging bridges, and dense forests .
Be careful, because the road is one-way, and you have to make a prior reservation , as it has a very limited number of passers-by (it is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand, something like the Cíes Islands in Spain).
How to book Milford Track
Whether you are going to travel in high season or low season, you must request the corresponding permit to travel through the Milford Track . Given its demand, especially in high season, we recommend that you reserve your place for the Milford Track well in advance.
To make the reservation you have two options:
- The website of the New Zealand National Parks service
- The Fiordland Park Visitor Center
In any case, minors under 17 do not pay , although they do have to be registered and attached to the permit; adults have to pay for shelters (about NZ $ 70 in high season and NZ $ 15 in low season).
The rules on the route are very strict : you have four days at most to complete the journey.
Is it a difficult trekking route?
Believe it or not, in reality the route itself is affordable for the traveler who is minimally fit – there are hardly any major slopes-; Of course, you have to be careful with the rains , as it makes the road more slippery.
In the first phase, you follow the Clinton River until its source, after which you pass the large groves, characteristic of the place.
Once you’ve planned how many days to complete the Milford Track, get the most out of the experience.
