Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a scenic spot in the north of Fiordland National Park, New Zealand, and its spectacular Mitre Peak has attracted many travelers. The 14 fjords in Fiordland, preserved in good conditions, render a magnificent and extensive view.

Milford Sound, at the northwest of South Island, is the biggest fjord. "Sound” means deep fjords. On July 17th, we took a boat and visited Milford Sound, the most beautiful fjord of the total 14 fjords.

Taking the broad catamaran, the cruise begins smoothly. The captain and crew are very hospitable, and even the command module is open to passengers who want to take a look or take photos. You can sit inboard to relax yourself or come to the deck where the captain’s cabin is located to enjoy the unique view of fjords.

Passengers can move freely on the catamaran. When standing on the deck, you can enjoy the overall view of fjords, including Milford Sound. On the both sides of fjords are steep cliffs. Only two fjords of the 14, including Milford Sound, have been initially developed for traveling.

2,000,000 years ago, a massive glacier that was several thousand thick disappeared, leaving a deep valley. Then the sea filled in the valley and created the fjords. The farthest distance that the sea has penetrated into the land is 40 kilometers.

Boats sail downward with the current of fjords and will arrive in Tasman Sea; boats sail against the current and will return to the north side of fjords. Shipowners here stick to the people-oriented principles; no matter what scenic spots they go to, they will consciously slow down the sailing so as to let travelers get closer to waterfalls and enjoy the surrounding beauty, including the spectacular Bowen Falls and magnificent Mitry Peak.

When the sun rises, we looked up to the steep snow mountain,and at that moment we saw a rainbow across the torrential waterfalls. The seven different colors, with the sparkle of water spray, bring people a bright state and make them amazed at the great ecology and excellent environmental protection in New Zealand.

Mitry Peak and Elephant Hill, rising vertically from the sea, are respectively 1,692 meters and 1,517 meters high and are symbolic landscape. Numerous waterfalls hang on the cliff, just like the Milky Way coming down in torrents to the sea. The biggest waterfall, Bowen Falls, falls from a height of 160 meters.

Freshwater pouring from mountains and suppressing tides

Milford Sound reminds people of the Three Gorges, with green mountains stretching on the both sides and creating a heavy atmosphere in the gray sky. Sightseeing boats in the fjord are different from those in our country. Apart from big glass windows, above the seats are glass windows as well, which makes the whole boats bright. A sightseeing boat normally only carries a few people and only 60% of the four-seat leather coaches on both sides are taken because it is in winter, which is the off-season.

We saw a large amount of freshwater pouring from mountains down to the fjords, so the surface of fjords accumulates a thick layer of freshwater, which makes it less likely for the water under the layer to diffuse temperature and also suppresses the influence of tides. Along with the reflected images of mountains on both sides, a unique underwater environment of fjords which is similar to that of a deep sea is created.

You can also find black corals in a shallow sea which is less than 30 meters deep in the fjord; however, black corals normally grow in a deep sea which is tens or thousands of meters deep. According to the crew, Fiordland National Park is also a paradise of whales, sea lions and seabirds. However, it was cloudy when we traveled the park, so when we cruised, we didn’t find these animals.

Habitat of rare animals

The whole Fiordland retains the original features of New Zealand. The view of endless meadows and flocks of cows and sheep are not born in New Zealand. It is said that after the intrusion of Europeans, most lands on the island were turned into ranchers and farmlands, which made the coverage of primeval forests on the island less than 20%. Currently, almost all primeval forests of large ferns in New Zealand are located in the scenic zones.

South Island was isolated from other lands for thousands of years, thus giving birth to one and only special species, including the famous Gallirallus australis and kiwi birds. Fiordland National Park has become the habitat of these endangered rare animals. In 1990, Fiordland National Park, a land that has not been destroyed by human civilization, is entered into World Heritage List of United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organization as a natural heritage.