Milford Sound’s spectacular beauty is internationally renowned and the picturesque landscape, in the Fiordland National Park, is classified as a World Heritage Area.
Actually a fiord, Milford Sound was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago to create the stunning mountainous cliffs that plunge dramatically from thousands of feet high down to the ocean floor. Glistening waterfalls and hanging rainforests shroud the Milford Sound mountains.
Centre stage is iconic Mitre Peak – one of the most photographed mountains in New Zealand – rising over a mile high out of the water and shaped like a bishop’s hat. Towering peaks The Elelphant (4977 feet) and The Lion (4272 feet) also rise out of the water in the sound.
Cruising by boat on Milford Sound is an amazing way to experience the grand scale and dramatic beauty of the place. You get to pass so close to waterfalls that you can feel the mist on your face while taking in the mountains towering above you.
A cruise is also the perfect way to observe the rare and fascinating wildlife that inhabits Milford Sound. Dolphins often play in the bow wave and fur seals, sea lions and penguins can be seen lounging on rocks or swimming nearby while a myriad of native birds can be seen soaring overhead.