Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
avalanche' into the waters. The spectacular, photogenic 1692m-high Mitre Peak rises dead
ahead.
Milford Sound receives about half a million visitors each year, many of them crammed
into the peak months (January and February). Some 14,000 arrive by foot, via the Milford
Track which ends at the sound. Many more drive from Te Anau, but most arrive via the
multitude of bus tours. But don't worry: out on the water all this humanity seems tiny
compared to nature's vastness.
Sights & Activities
The clue is in the name: Milford Sound is all about the water, and the landforms that en-
velop it. It's enough to make you go misty-eyed, as an average annual rainfall of 7m fuels
innumerable cascading waterfalls. The unique ocean environment - caused by freshwater
sitting atop warmer seawater - replicates deep-ocean conditions, encouraging the activity
of marine life such as dolphins, seals and penguins. Getting out on the water is a must.
One of the best perspectives you can get of Milford Sound is from a kayak, dwarfed by
the cliffs. Two operators can get you out on the water, both of which have booking offices
in Te Anau.
Rosco's Milford Kayaks
( 0800 476 726, 03-249 8500;
www.roscosmilfordkayaks.com
;
72 Town Centre, Te Anau; trips $99-255)
Guided,
tandem-kayak trips including the 'Morning Glory' ($189), a challenging paddle the full
length of the fiord to Anita Bay, and the easier 'Stirling Sunriser' ($189), which ventures
beneath the 151m-high Stirling Falls. Among many other options are trips 'your grand-
mother could do', and kayak-walk combos on the Milford Track.
KAYAKING
Fiordland Wilderness Experiences
( 03-249-7700, 0800 200 434;
www.seakayakfiordland.co.nz
; Sandy Brown Rd, Te Anau; per person $145;
Sep-Apr)
Offers guided six-hour trips on Milford Sound, with four to five hours on the wa-
ter.
KAYAKING
Descend Scubadiving
( 0800 337 2363;
www.divemilfordsound.co.nz
;
ex Te Anau/Milford $349/299)
Offering a chance to see
marine life unique to the Fiordland marine reserve (including a multitude of corals), Des-
DIVING
