Milford Sound is the eastern fjord of the Tasman Sea, also known as Milford Sound (English: Milford Sound, Maori: Piopiotahi). It means “First Native Thrush” in Maori. Thrush). It is a glacial terrain located in the Fiordland National Park in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. The fjord was formed during the ice age, and its deepest point is 265 meters away from the Mitre Peak. The Maori believe that the fjord was created by a powerful blacksmith named Tutilakifanua. He carved out the cliffs and magnificent mountains of Milford Sound with a magical axe.

Geographical environment

Milford Sound is the largest and most famous fjord in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. The river extends 22 kilometers inland. The water surface of the fjord intersects the cliffs perpendicularly, and the glacier is cut into a V-shaped section. After the canyon sank, the landscape it is today was formed. In all mountain streams, you can see waterfalls of all sizes. On the cliffs, the ding-dong or roaring waterfalls form a beautiful natural symphony. The most famous waterfall is Sutherland Falls, located on the Milford Fjord, with a total drop of 580 meters, which is among the best in the world.

Drifting in this fjord, you can see mountains surrounded, cliffs, waterfalls, springs, and glaciers, giving people infinite beauty. The 14 fjords on the west coast have a total length of 44 kilometers and a maximum depth of 500 meters. The fjords on the south coast are longer and the estuary is wider. There are also many small islands in the middle. The scenery is magnificent and the nature is amazing! It’s no wonder that the British writer Kipling called it “the eighth wonder of the world.”

Before the first European sailors came in 1792, the Maori had mined greenstone (nephrite, a type of jade) in the area. Milford Sound is now the northernmost fjord in Fiordland National Park and the end of the Milford Trail. Crayfish are abundant in the fjord. The town of Milford Sound is one of the only permanent settlements in the area.

Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and fiord crested penguins live in Milford Sound, especially at Seal point (Seal point) where a large number of young seals often gather. On a calm day in Milford Sound, the water will reflect the magnificent Mitre Peak.

Natural wonders

Milford Sound National Park, the largest fjord with the most perfect natural landscape. The Fiordland National Park, a piece of land that has not been destroyed by human civilization, is a natural heritage. Whenever it rains, there will be many “temporary waterfalls”. These waterfalls pour down from the surface of the cliff, some up to 1,000 meters long. The Milford Sound, hailed as “the eighth wonder of the world” by British writer Rudyard Kipling, is formed by glaciers formed during the long ice age through long-term dripping through the rocks. Its deepest part is the same as that of Maitel. The Mitre Peak has a drop of 265 meters.

The Maori believe that the fjord was created by the powerful blacksmith Tu Te Raki Whanoa (Tu Te Raki Whanoa). He carved the rugged cliffs and towering mountains of Milford Sound with extraordinary craftsmanship.

Whether it is rainy or sunny, Milford Sound will present picturesque scenery. The mountain peaks on both sides of the fjord stand in deep water, rushing straight into the sky, and waterfalls pour down from steep cliffs. Milford Sound is the most convenient fjord in New Zealand. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the area in many ways. They can take a day trip by airboat or stay overnight on a rented boat.

In addition, sightseeing planes, sea kayaking trips and diving trips are also good choices. The underwater observation of the Hudson Cove (Harrison Cove) provides visitors with a great opportunity to see the world of underwater creatures. There are black corals, 11-legged starfish, beautiful sea anemones, and interesting snakes and starfish entwined on black corals.