Milford Sound, nestled within the breathtaking Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, is the most renowned and expansive of the park’s many fjords. Carved during the Ice Age, this natural wonder boasts dramatic cliffs, majestic glaciers, and cascading waterfalls, earning it the title of the “Eighth Wonder of the World” from British writer Rudyard Kipling.
Its unique coastal location bestows a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers, where temperatures hover around 19 degrees Celsius in summer and 9 degrees Celsius in winter. The area is also one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving an average annual rainfall of 7 meters. During heavy downpours, up to 0.
25 meters of rain can fall in just 24 hours, creating a mesmerizing display of countless temporary waterfalls that plunge from the towering cliffs, some reaching drops of several thousand meters.
Stretching from the South Pacific into the heart of the South Island, Milford Sound spans about 3,000 meters in width and 20,000 meters in length. This fjord, characterized by U-shaped valleys carved by tributary glaciers, features mountains that soar up to 1,830 meters high. The deepest point, near Stirling Falls, plunges 390 meters below sea level.
The waters of Milford Sound are a fascinating blend of fresh water from the mountains and seawater from the ocean, which remain distinctly layered. Situated close to the Tasman Sea and the iconic Mitre Peak, the fjord is a haven for diverse marine life, including seals, penguins, dolphins, and even young whales, making it a vibrant and captivating ecosystem.
I’ve always wanted to visit Milford Sound! The combination of towering cliffs and those stunning waterfalls sounds absolutely magical. I can’t believe how much history is packed into that place, carved by the Ice Age like something out of a dream. Definitely adding it to my travel bucket list!
Milford Sound sounds incredible! I had no idea it was so full of dramatic landscapes. Definitely want to visit there someday.