| |
Southland > Te Anau >
Milford Sound
 Actually a fiord sculpted by
glacial ice; mountains rise almost vertically for a mile or more from the ocean
and as remote as it is, Milford Sound is one of the worlds rare
scenic jewels that must be seen to be appreciated.
Rain forests cling to the steep mountainsides and the area typically
gets 5 - 9 metres of rain per year. So even on a fine day, take a
warm sweater and a rainproof jacket.
There is limited food, petrol and
accommodation in Milford. In winter,
access is not totally guaranteed, as the road can be
closed briefly by slips or avalanche and the small
airport can be closed by fogs or high winds.
To preserve this
heritage region for future generations, the Milford
experience has been crafted by those who care and
work as tour guides.
Tour boats
Boats take from 20 to over 200 passengers on regular 1&1/2 - 2 hour trips out to the ocean and back
where you can gaze in awe at the sheer cliffs and high
waterfalls with the possibility of seeing dolphins and seals. Passengers have
a choice of sitting in the warm comfort of a cabin/lounge or being
out on deck.
If you are expecting to be on deck, take warm waterproof clothing
and sturdy footwear.
Food and beverages are served on most cruises.
Bookings are seldom required unless you are in a large party.
Tour boats will let off and collect passengers at the underwater
observatory.
Fares are from $45.00 per person with family discounts.
 Underwater
Observatory
The underwater observatory is a must. Walk down the stair and you
are 10 meters below the ocean where you can see the ecosystem, fish
large and small, sponges, mollusks, corals and other species.
Photography is encouraged and under water lighting is provided for a
better view and clear photos.
Walks
There is an easy 20-30 minute walk from the Milford carpark and on
arriving or departing the 15 minute return walk to the chasm is very
rewarding. Outside of the avalanche season The Homer Tunnel Alpine
walk is a stroll through boulders and alpine vegetation. The park
management has provided an information sheet that you must return
before leaving. Many signposted walks begin from the Hollyford road.
Air tours.
The airport is just a stroll from the Milford carpark and flights
depart every few minutes/as required to view the sound and
surrounding region.
Getting
there - self drive:
The 120 km drive from Te Anau takes a good 2
hours. (From Queenstown the
return trip takes 10 -14 hours).
 In summer,
traffic can be very heavy with over 2000 people per
day traveling this road, so it pays to take
advice from the visitor centre about road conditions
before leaving. Make sure you fill with petrol/diesel
before leaving Te Anau.
There are many photo
opportunities along the way, often with queues of
traffic, so be extra careful and considerate if
traffic is queuing behind you, do stop to let faster
traffic past.
Before entering
the Homer Tunnel, have your lights turned on and be
prepared for the plunge into total darkness, make
sure you take off your sunglasses as there is little
internal lighting on the descent through this 1.2 km
tunnel carved from the solid rock.
In winter there is
less traffic, however the road is subject to ice,
snow and avalanche, so if you are not comfortable
driving in these conditions, it is better to take the
bus.
Ultra modern
busses with high windows make for good viewing of
the magnificent scenery and they will make all the
photo stops. Coaches stop at the air or boat
terminal where you can get your boarding pass for
your flight or cruise.
When arriving by
car, we advise taking the first park you can find in
the signposted parking area to the left as you round
the right hand bend into Milford. To your right is a
cafe and bar with light meals and the boats moor just
a short stroll further on.
Accommodation
While many visitors stay in Queenstown, Kingston or even Lumsden,
most stay in Te Anau, with camping between Te Anau and Lake
Gunn.
Milford Sound Lodge/ hostel is well set up, it has limited rooms,
dormitories, a
communal area kitchen and showers. There is also parking for camper
vans and tent sites on gravel.
 Village
Inn Hotel Te Anau (The) - A modern
and unique hotel creates a feeling of 'stepping back in time' with
its carefully recreated Pioneer Village facades and is within
walking distance of the lake shore and town centre. Gateway to Fiordland World Heritage Park
and a perfect base from which to explore both Milford and Doubtful
Sound.
Check List
Raincoat, warm clothing, sturdy footwear, insect repellant.
Accommodation Directory
Fiordland National Park
|
|
|
|
