From now on, I will be sharing my past travels as part of my Travel Throwback Thursday #TTBT.
After our short visit to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, our next stop is Fiordland National Park. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound were the attractions I was the most excited for. The natural beauty of mountains plunging deep into the ocean waters; so deep in areas that humans and robotics have yet to reach.
Milford Sound – Photo by Andy Crampton
Since the majority of my time was going to be spent kayaking the Doubtful Sound, there was not much time for exploring Milford Sound. After driving from Dunedin, we arrived in Te Anau for some lunch. After refueling our bodies, we started the long, scenic drive to Milford Sound.
Beer and burgers!
I was very thankful that I was not on a tour bus. The roads were windy, which is not good for someone that gets carsick! Also, since we drove the scenic drive, we stopped at many of the pull-offs to take pictures and enjoy the beautiful views.
Driving along Milford Scenic Route – Photo by Andy Crampton
Mirror Lake
Entering Fiordland
We drove until we could not drive any further. A little disappointed with the few options to explore, we walked around as much as we can. The sound was truly amazing. I had never seen anything like it and was in awe. I took the same picture over and over hoping to capture the beauty, which was impossible. Milford Sound was one of the places you have to see in person!
Photo by Andy Crampton
Photo by Andy Crampton
The above image shows just how little there is in terms development. Across the water are the visitor building, cafes, and guided tour buildings. The steep mountains jetting into the sound and the water limited our exploration of the area. Boat and kayaking tours can be booked, but we did not have the time or the budget. Instead, we found a short trail through trees.
Photo by Andy Crampton
Hiking trails are few and far between; Kepler and Routeburn Tracks are the most popular. The tracks span over miles and elevation. Since we were only in New Zealand for 2.5 weeks, we wanted to see the most as possible, so hiking these was not an option. Milford Sound was an amazing introduction to Fiordland. I couldn’t wait for the overnight kayaking trip in the more remote Doubtful Sound!
The impressive Mitre Peak – Photo by Andy Crampton
What destination do you recommend seeing in person?
New Zealand Series:
- Two and a Half Weeks through New Zealand
- New Zealand: Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
- New Zealand’s Milford Sound – A Photo Essay
- Trip Report: Kayaking the Doubtful Sound
- Queenstown – Trekking and Celebrating a New Year
- Wanaka – Tramping Rob Roy Peak and Glacier
- Touring the Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers for Free
- South Island: Exploring New Zealand’s West Coast
- Things to Do in Nelson, New Zealand
- Mountain Biking above the Queen Charlotte Sound
- Connecting New Zealand Islands: Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry
- Trip Report: Trekking Tongariro Alpine Crossing
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