OFFBEAT

Milford Sound: New Zealand's Most Romantic Experience

Aditi Jindal

Last updated: Apr 6, 2018

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Do

Ride the Wellington Cable Car for stunning views over the harbor and city

See

Visit the award winning Hamilton Gardens located at Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton. Entry wont cost you a penny!

Eat

Craving for an Indian meal. The Taste of India restaurant in Te Aro, Wellington will welcome you with mouth-watering delicacies

Filmy

New Zealand: I Hate Luv Storys, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai,
Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon and Players, are a few Bollywood films shot here

Shop

Handmade arts and crafts at Vesta, Queenstown
Food, wine and souvenirs at Rotorua Night Market

Want To Go ? 
   

Of all the places I’ve visited, Queenstown in New Zealand will always be my favourite. Whether it is the gorgeous landscapes, calm blue waters, Queenstown adventure or Fergburger - the famous restaurant in Queenstown serving gourmet hamburgers; I enjoy them all. But if I were to point at that one love interest guaranteed to leave you spellbound, it will be Milford Sound in Queenstown, New Zealand. Located on the west coast of the South Island in New Zealand, Milford Sound is approximately 295 kilometres from Queenstown and is one of the most stunning spots in New Zealand.

milford sound new zealand
Milford Sound At Dusk

 

History Says…

Milford Sound was discovered by the Maoris more than 1000 years ago. Legend has it that Maui, one of the greatest heroes of the Polynesian history, was trying to attain immortality for mankind but died in the attempt. A piopio bird is believed to have flown here, mourning for him. So, the Maoris named the place Piopiotahi. However, it was in the year 1912, when a European called John Grono landed here and renamed it Milford Sound after the town of Milford Haven in Wales.

Read more: 7 Reasons Why You Should Be Planning an Adventure Holiday to Auckland, New Zealand

waterfall milford sound new zealand
 A picturesque waterfall in Milford Sound

 

The Beauty That Milford Sound Is!

From snow-capped peaks to the waterfalls that gush forward and dissolve halfway into mist, from lush-green rainforests to the incredible dark colour of water; Milford Sound will ensure you are at a loss of words every minute your eyes unravel its beauty. ‘Wow’ is usually the one word that slips out. And yes, you need not jump from one corner to another in order to catch a glimpse of the rainbow. There are plenty easy opportunities here! While you admire the bright rainbows, don’t miss clicking the most iconic Mitre Peak which is more than a kilometre in height, rising straight out of the sea.

No matter what season you choose to travel, Milford Sound will always be a treat for the senses. In fact, if you happen to visit this wonder during rains, the breathtaking effect of the waterfalls in full force will only magnify your experience.

rainbow at milford sound new zealand
A glorious rainbow at Milford Sound

 

Getting There

It takes approximately 4 hours to reach Milford Sound but the journey itself is so beautiful that it would take me another blog to share the scenic road trip with you. And, if you can’t resist the photographer in you, I’d recommend hiring a car for this excursion so that you can take a stop and spend time at the many photo-stops en route. However, you may board any of the popular coach tours that start from both Queenstown and Te Anau.

Read more: 4 New Zealand Road Trips That Will Make You Want to Hit the Road Right Now

milford sound new zealand
Boat Cruise at Milford Sound

 

To discover the beauty of Milford Sound, you can opt for a scenic flight tour, paddle through the waters on a kayak or cruise in a boat. Depending upon how much time you have, you can choose whether you would like a day cruise or an overnight tour at the Milford Sound. Nowadays, many backpackers prefer to trek. Their trail usually begins from the northern end of Lake Te Anau and ends with a boat cruise from Sandfly Point to the Milford Sound wharf. The walking track is open between the months of October and April and it takes approximately 3 to 4 days to complete the entire trek.

milford sound new zealand
Milford Sound on a cloudy day

 

New Zealand’s of little surprise to learn that author Rudyard Kipling refers to Milford Sound as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’! Come and explore nature’s sheer beauty of the place as you enjoy an incredible holiday in New Zealand.

Book Your Holiday to New Zealand Now!