Milford

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is at the end of route 94 out of Te Anau. A destination of awesome scenery with tall mountains rising straight out of the sea. It is also one of the wettest places on Earth intercepting moist westerlies off the ocean. It rains most days and some parts receive up to 9 meters of rainfall per year. The run-off into the Sound is at times so great that the fresh water forms a layer about one meter deep on top of the denser seawater.

If you like waterfalls then this is the place for you. The mountainsides are covered with water cascades after rain - everywhere you look. I was doubly lucky - staying in a beautiful chalet next to the River Cheddau and my only full day there was sunny, but it rained very heavily during the two nights with thunder and lightning...very, very frightening, but awesome.

	A rest stop on the walk along a section of the Milford Track. Note the colourful rocks covered in red lichen.
	A view from the chalet patio situated on the banks of Cheddau River. Here's a view after rain - note the multitude of waterfalls.
	It's hard to appreciate the scale of this waterfall, the huge volume and speed of water rushing down the mountain and projecting into the air.
	One of the most photographed mountains in the world - Mitre Peak - and a rare view because it's cloud-free!
	A majestic view of the Sound from a cruise boat- mountains rise vertically out of the water..
	Another view with cruisers enjoying the sights and sunshine as we head back to the dock.
	Stirling Falls - a 155 meter drop. Hard to put a sense of scale to it.....but it's very impressive!
	Be aware of the drenching fall-out from the Falls. The boat passes close-by to catch unsuspecting cruisers with a cold shower. This is a view from inside the water-tight cabin - my camera isn't at all waterproof!
	Sunlight catches fine droplets from falling water to produce the most delicate and colourful rainbows.