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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Milford Sound

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is one of the most popular destinations when visiting Te Waipounamu / South Island of New Zealand. There are many beautiful places to see here, but Milford Sound should be on your bucket list. We've put together a Top 10 list for your reasons to visit.

  1. Milford Sound has incredible views. Its breathtaking landscapes include towering cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and lush rainforests. The surrounding scenery, carved out by retreating glaciers and mountain peaks, creates an incredible environment. Because of this beauty, Milford Sound is known as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
  2. Milford Sound is known for its waterfalls. Permanent, semi-permanent and temporary waterfalls change frequently. One of the wettest places on Earth. On average, it rains 182 days a year. With an annual rainfall of almost 6815mm (269in), the waterfalls are spectacular to see in person. 
  3. A scenic flight offers views of the fiord from above. A flight above Fiordland allows you to see hidden waterfalls, glacial lakes, and valleys that are only visible by air. You can also see the Southern Alps and unique landscapes from Queenstown to Milford Sound.  
  4. The wildlife in Milford Sound is diverse. You can find dolphins, seals, fish, penguins, and native New Zealand birds. The most common dolphins in Milford are bottlenose, but Hector and dusky dolphins love to swim near the boats travelling through the fiord. New Zealand fur seals can be found on the rocks at Seal Point. Spot Kea, Keraru, Kākā, Takahē, Tūī, Weka, blue duck (whio) and other seabirds.  
  5. Fiordland National Park is part of the World UNESCO Heritage site, Te Wāhipounamu. The area contains rocks, plants and animals that take us back 80 million years.  
  6. Although Milford Sound is a popular tourist destination, it is a remote and unspoiled environment. Escape from the rest of the world and appreciate the beautiful landscape. It is about two hours from its closest town and is the only fiord in New Zealand that is accessible by road.  
  7. View Mitre Peak, easily one of New Zealand's most recognizable natural landmarks.  At 1683 metres tall, it is a stunning site.  
  8. Milford Sound is a fiord formed by the erosion of ancient glaciers. See the rocks surrounding Milford Sound that were once part of the supercontinent, Gondwanaland, over 600 million years ago. During the last ice age, Milford Sound was formed.  Rivers of ice carved through the rock, resulting in steep cliffs and deep waters.   
  9. See lush rainforests surround Milford Sound, housing over 700 plant species native to the area. 
  10. Get amongst nature and join in outdoor activities. There are stunning boat cruises, adventurous kayak trips, and hiking for all levels. The Milford Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, is known as the Finest Walk in the World. The Milford Foreshore Walk, Milford Sound Lookout Track and the Chasm Walk are shorter, scenic walks.  

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and pristine environment. Whether you explore it all by land, air or sea, visiting Milford Sound will be the highlight of your Aotearoa New Zealand adventures. 
 

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