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| Fiordland
& Milford Sound |
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Travel books tried
to describe Milford Sound. The photographs attempted to capture its beauty.
But neither words nor pictures could ever depict the awesome story of
Milford Sound in a few short pages. And this is only a gist of Milford
Sound, the eighth wonder of the world! After all, it is difficult to describe
the beauty of God’s creation.
Milford Sound
and Fiordland come together, like hand and glove. The birth of
this beautiful story starts from Fiordland.
The first part of the journey
commences on a road that follows Lake Te Anau for 30 km (90 miles)
before entering dense forests. The trip will then pass through the Avenue
of the Disappearing Mountain where it is difficult to believe what
you see. As the journey progresses through the mountain, you will pass
more forests, river flats and small lakes until the road drops toward
the forested upper Hollyford Valley at Marian Camp. At this point,
the road divides into two directions. One leads to the no-exit Hollyford
with the Murray Gunn Camp while the other leads to Milford Sound. Following
the road towards Milford Sound is a drop of 690 meters (2,264 feet) between
sheer mountain faces that will eventually emerge into the Cleddau Valley
with its awe-inspiring chasm.
 Finally,
the road reaches the tip of Milford Sound where fine accommodations await.
At the Milford Sound Hotel, you will find a small photographic display
that depicts the history of the region. Behind the hotel lies Donald Sutherland
(1843 - 1919), “the hermit of Milford”, who managed the first accommodation
at Milford. The Sutherland Falls was named after him. On a regular
basis, boats from the southernmost end of Milford Sound would carry visitors
16 km (10 miles) on excursions to the open sea. These excursions are very
popular and should be booked in advance.
Milford Sound is
dominated by several awesome landmarks. One of the most unforgettable
masterpieces would be Mitre Peak, a 1,692 meter (5,551 feet) pinnacle
of rock. The other would be Bowen Falls, which is 162 meters (531
feet) high.
Milford Sound is
also accessible by foot. Again, the journey begins from Te Anau. This
time, stop at Glad House at the head of the lake. From there, walkers
can use the Milford Track, which passes Fiordland National Park,
to reach Milford Sound. The Track takes up to three days, and will lead
the walker through some of the most majestic scenery nature can ever create.
Meals and accommodations are provided at huts along the track.
Apart from the Milford
Track, Fiordland National Park also boasts of other world-renowned treks,
including the Routeburn Track and the spectacular Kepler Track,
which winds along mountaintops and valleys across the lake from Te Anau.
Red deer shooting is encouraged at specified areas only. However, the
flightless takahe, the park’s native bird life, is strictly protected.
The bird was thought to be extinct until rediscovered in 1948. From the
park headquarters in Te Anau, there are many fun bush walks available,
even for the less energetic. It crisscrosses the Manapouri area.
Of course, there are also launch trips and scenic flights for those who
want to view the place from a different perspective.
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