Day 10: Queenstown - Milford Sound
Milford Sound is an absolute requirement on any New Zealand itinerary. A part of Fiordland National Park, it is reputed to have the most spectacular views in the whole country, and that is saying a LOT. Located 15 kilometers inland from the Tasman Sea, this magical place has received many accolades including World’s Top Travel Destination by TripAdvisor and Rudyard Kipling once called it, “the Eighth Wonder of the World.” My expectations were extremely high.
Most people seem to make it a day trip but I decided I’d give myself the best opportunity to experience the Sound in all its glory and booked an overnight cruise. I chose and highly recommend Real Journeys located in central Queenstown. The Milford Mariner overnight cruise included the comfortable bus journey with a number of photography stops; overnight accommodations, a 3 course buffet for dinner and breakfast; a small bar; and options of kayaking or a small boat tour offering the opportunity to see seals, penguins and dolphins. There is an educational nature expert on board explaining everything you’d want to learn about the fiords. https://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/
The drive, which is stunning in and of itself, took almost 7 hours including stops.
Arriving at a tiny port, we boarded the Milford Mariner by about 3pm and headed out to explore the fiords. The Milford Mariner is a purpose built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords, it sleeps 60. Every moment on the cruise is a close up and personal experience of the fiord’s spectacular views of mile high mountains, numerous waterfalls cascading hundreds of meters over cliffs into the sea, white clouds rising out of green hills, snow capped mountains, rain & fog, and seal, penguin, & dolphin sightings. It truly was spectacularly breathtaking everywhere I looked.
