Milford Sound

We based our drive to Milford Sound in Lake Te Anau. The drive to Milford Sound is about 2-2.5hrs with a few scenic stops. The drive itself is already sooooo breathtaking. We booked at Milford Sound cruise with Real Journeys, about NZ85 per person. The nature cruise is about 2.5hrs long. As we only have 2 nights in Te Anau, we went for the shorter cruise which is in Milford Sound. I have a feeling that Doubtful Sound is much nicer. But the trip would have taken the whole day and much much more expensive.

Milford Sound rains about an average 200 days a year. We were considered extremely lucky that it was a fine and sunny day when we went. The west coast of NZ have sandflies problem especially from Spring onwards except for Winter. It is best to purchase an insect repellent from the local pharmacies as they have their own unique formulae to combat the flies. Originally, I wanted to purchase Bushman but settled for Skin Inc. instead. Skin Inc. insect repellent is one of the best that I have owned. The smell is nice and the spray worked well.

Nature cruise with Real Journeys

Waiting for the cruise to depart

Milford Sound is actually a fiord, having been carved by a glacier.

Some say Milford Sound is best viewed during a rainy day as the waterfalls would be even more spectacular.

Seal colony, lazing in the fine weather.

Ultra zoom at 300mm.

As our tour departed at 1030am, the weather was considered cold and windy. I was so frozen… Only hubby managed to brave the wind and had the shot above.

The clouds were so low during our drive, they covered half of the mountains at Milford Sound. Only clearing up in the afternoon. The feeling was mystical.

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After the cruise, we had plenty of time to slowly drive our way back to Te Anau. Day is much longer during summer. We went in November, the sun only set at 9pm. A good sign for photography enthusiasts like us, as we do not have to rush or postpone our dinner.

A 15min return walk to The Chasm. Quite a spectacular sight as the waterfall plunges into the deep.

Tiny weeny winding road in the midst of the majestic mountains in Milford Sound.

Reached this place after driving out of the 1.2km long Homer Tunnel. We were so excited to see the leftover snow/ice.

From iPhone.

Preparing for our couple shot.

Over to the other side of the Homer’s Tunnel, an adventurous “cow boy” climbed up the treacherous rock formation.