Enchanting spots: Milford Sound
Milford Sound, located on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is one of the most spectacular fjords I’ve ever seen. Justifiably used as the decor for one of the scenes in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, Milford Sound‘s calm, dark blue waters contrast sharply with the towering snow-capped mountains that hug its shores. In its middle, the 1,623 meter Mitre Peak rises dramatically while stunning waterfalls tumble down from the sheer rock cliffs, which reach a height of 1,200 meters in some places, and add to the breathtaking beauty of the fjord.
Take a cruise
The majesty of this place can best be appreciated by taking a cruise – there are various options including an overnight cruise. This is one of the top visitor attractions on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island so if you’re visiting Milford Sound on your own, go in the mornings or later in the afternoon to avoid the hordes of tourist buses. The boats take visitors across the fjord, alongside the awe-inspiring rock face of Mitre Peak and past several waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins, seals and penguins along the way. If you’re standing outside on the deck – something I recommend you do – make sure you have a raincoat on when the boat passes some of the waterfalls – feeling the cold droplets on your face is a glorious experience. As the boat gets closer, the fine mist turns into a blistering cold shower! 
“The Finest Walk in the World”
An alternative method, if you have more time, is to hike along one of the many trails around the fjord. The most famous trail is the ‘Milford Track‘, often called the “finest walk in the world”. The trail winds its way through stunning mountain scenery and the gorgeous temperate rainforests of the Fiordland National Park. Various tour companies in Queenstown offer guided hikes along the Milford Track as a 5-day/4-night package. If you have the time and are physically fit, I seriously recommend this hike. The sight of the imposing snow-capped mountains, massive granite canyons, dark blue lakes and eerie mossy forests is simply enchanting!
See other Velvet Escape Enchanting Spots:
- Palazzo Ducale Mantua, Italy
- Cappadocia, Turkey
- Tortuguero, Costa Rica
- Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
- Palenque, Mexico
- Sydney Opera House, Australia
- Mount Nemrud, Turkey
- Tikal, Guatemala
- Petra, Jordan
- Blue Lagoon, Iceland
- Ngorongoro, Tanzania
- Whitehaven beach, Australia
Gosh! How come I missed this amazing post before? New Zealand is rapidly raising in my bucket list. Thanks for sharing such wonderful insights!
Thanks Ant! Glad you loved the post!
The Milford Track was definitely one of the highlights of my time in NZ.
Cheers,
Keith
Incredible photos, Velvet. Loved the post, I’m looking forward to walking the Milford Track once the weather warms up again!
I know, shocking! I have been to Queenstown & Christchurch, but I need to do a proper Sth Island trip
Hi Angela,
You should head down to South Island. The area around Queenstown and Te Anau is my absolute fave!
I’m shocked!
Cheers,
Keith
Very inspiring! I haven’t been that far south and I live in NZ! Definitely on the list…
Thanks for your comment Isabelle. It’s such an awe-inspiring place.
Hugs,
Keith
Awesome pictures! Mine didn`t came out that good
I remember the fine mist of the waterfalls. It is a nice experience. Takes for bringing back memories with your post!