Fiordland

Milford Sound was described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. Carved by glaciers during the ice age, steep rugged cliffs fall almost vertically into the sound and the drive or flight in is absolutely breath-taking. But this place gets weather – 7 metres of rainfall a year. So it will most likely rain while you are here but, when it rains, the scenery is even more spectacular with waterfalls cascading down every cliff the sea below. This destination is an absolute must do.

Culture

Māori discovered Milford Sound more than 1,000 years ago. Tribes would travel there to fish and hunt around the fiord, and to collect precious pounamu or greenstone. In Māori legend, Milford Sound was formed by Tu-te-raki- whanoa – an atua or godly figure who hacked the sound from the land with his toki (adze). The Māori name for Milford Sound, Piopiotahi, means “a single piopio”. When the legendary hero Maui died trying to win immortality for his beloved people, a piopio (a long-extinct native bird) was said to have flown here in mourning.

Fishing

Pure Salt, is one of the only operators on this remote piece of coast. Worth it though if you have time. You can fish, dive and hunt and all three are without equal in New Zealand.

Diving

Must Do's

Take a tour of the sound by boat.

Dive the black coral gardens (less than 30metres below the surface).

Do one of the area’s amazing walks.

Want To Visit?

We Recommend

Fiordland
Pure Salt
Black Dog Bar