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Fiordland

 


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Look for the Qualmark, New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality.

 

Milford Sound (Piopiotahi in Māori) is a fiord in the south west of New Zealand's South Island, within Fiordland National Park, which is also classified as a World Heritage Site.

 

Captain Cook, in the 1770’s, charted the region and in doing so, incorrectly termed the fiords as sounds. The word ‘sounds’ subsequently appeared on maps and remains to this day. Milford Sound is acclaimed as New Zealand's most famous tourist destination. Milford Sound runs 15 kilometres inland from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 1,200 metres or more on either side. Among the peaks are The Elephant at 1,517 m (4,977 ft), said to resemble an elephant's head, and Lion Mountain, 1,302 m (4,271 ft), in the shape of a crouching lion. Lush rain forests cling precariously to these cliffs, while seals, penguins, and dolphins frequent the waters.

 

Mitre Peak, Milford Sound - click for more.
The Majestic Mitre Peak, Milford Sound

Stirling Falls, Milford Sound - click for more.
There's a plus side to Fiordland's heavy annual rainfall - waterfalls, and lots of them.


   
 

Cruise ship visits to Fiordland National Park tend to be scenic cruises as there are many restrictions on the use of ship's tenders for environmental and safety reasons.

Some cruise ships offer overland tours to Queenstown, Mount Cook and Dunedin. Ask your cruise ship for more information.

Activities within 5km of the port

Activities in Fiordland National Park tend to focus on cruising the fiords, including the world famous Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, and hiking or walking in the national park. To learn more about the Fiordland region, visit fiordland.org.nz.

Activity:

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Milford Sound Red Boats Scenic Cruises
Boat Cruises

Discover Milford Sound with Milford Sound Red Boat Cruises, and be captivated by some of the world’s most magnificent scenery.

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Cruising Milford Sound Ltd
Boat Cruises

Milford Sound - one of the world’s most stunning locations. Experience a spectacular cruise of this majestically carved glacial valley with towering cliffs, stunning waterfalls and marine life.

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Milford Sound Scenic Cruises, Real Journeys
Boat Cruises

Cruise the full length of Milford Sound on board one of our spacious, modern vessels offering excellent viewing opportunities. Queenstown/Te Anau coach connections available.

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Milford Sound Nature Cruises, Real Journeys
Boat Cruises

Leisurely relaxing cruises of Milford Sound with an onboard nature guide. Wildlife viewing. Coach connections from Queenstown & Te Anau. Overnight cruise option available.

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Milford Deep Underwater Observatory
Diving

More real than an aquarium, Milford Deep is the closest you can become to being a creature of the sea!