Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
POP 114
The first sight of Milford Sound is stunning. Sheer rocky cliffs rise out of still, dark wa-
ters, and forests clinging to the slopes sometimes relinquish their hold, causing a 'tree
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 Mil-
ford 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 of-
fices in Te Anau.
Rosco's Milford Kayaks
KAYAKING
( 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 challen-
ging 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 grandmother could do', and kayak-walk combos on the Milford Track.
Fiordland Wilderness Experiences
KAYAKING
( 03-249-7700, 0800 200 434;
www.seakayakfiordland.co.nz
; Sandy Brown Rd, Te Anau; per per-
son $145; Sep-Apr)
Offers guided six-hour trips on Milford Sound, with four to five
hours on the water.
