Milford Sound, Really?

Milford Sound is a famous fjord on the west coast of New Zealand that opens up onto the Tasman Sea. Since we were in Queenstown, I decided that I wanted to check it out. So Nic and I got up at 6 and loaded ourselves onto a tour bus.

The bus ride over to Milford takes yo through an Alpine pass and I would actually say the bus ride was more interesting that Milford Sound itself.

We had a few opportunities to stop and stretch our legs. The bus driver, Adrian, correction, very knowledgeable Adrian, would stop at key points so we could take pictures of the area.

 As you can see, the sun decided to leave us this day. As good a day as any not to be on our bikes.

One stop was at Mirror Lakes. Oooh, see the reflection?

 And another stop was near the top of the Alpine highway.

 This is a Kea, and an alpine parrot only found in NZ. This guy was not camera shy but I think she was cold. She kept trying to get into some guys car.

 After the top of the pass, we stopped at another location called the Chasm. Another nice place to get out and stretch our legs.

 Finally getting to Milford, we got loaded onto the Milford Mariner.

 We headed up the south side of the sound and back down the north side.

 Sterling Falls

 Furry Seals.

 Looking out onto the Tasman.

 And heading back a closer view of Sterling Falls.

Thoughts?

Cheese & Rice! What a long fuckin day! 7am pickup and not dropped off until after 8pm. For a total of 10 hours on a bus and 2.5 more on a boat. Some people love this stuff , especially people of the diaper wearing variety. Having done Milford I think I have found the upper limit of the tourist in me. Moving forward , sight seeing activities are going to be kept to convenient activities. Case in point, the Wanaka Helicopter ride from a few days ago. Now that's how to you see the country side.

Advice?

If you decide to do this, think about booking it as a fly in and out tour (costing only an extra $350). If you decide to bus it, try to position yourself in Te Anau and try the tour from there. You'll save about 5 hours. Also, weather can be an issue. On the day we did it, flights could not get in or out. For best conditions and best waterfalls, try to pick a sunny day that follows heaving rain.


New Zealand is a beautiful country. Wanna see it? Take a wine tour, go biking or go on a road trip. Maybe just youtube Milford Sound.