Milford Sound is New Zealand's most famous destination, and it's easy to understand why.
The highlight of any visit is a cruise alongside cliffs towering in spots more than 5,000 feet above the sea.
But there's also plenty to do on land.
Two of New Zealand's multi-day, "Great Walks" wind through the area – the Routeburn Track and the Milford Track.
A couple of hours away you'll find another scenic gem,
Te Anau.
with its own Great Walk – the Kepler Track.
and the landscape between Te Anau and Milford Sound is an attraction in itself.
Even the most seasoned traveler can't help but be impressed.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The only place to stay in Milford Sound is the Milford Sound Lodge, which fills up weeks, if not months in advance.
Most guests choose to stay in Te Anau, where there are plenty of accommodations for all budgets. It's also possible to drive in for the day from Queenstown, which is about four hours away.
MILFORD CRUISES
Several agencies offer cruises, so there's no need to book ahead. The majority of the trips last one-to-two hours. The cost is about $50 USD.
WEATHER
The best word to describe the weather in Milford Sound is unpredictable. It receives up to 23 feet of rain a year – the second highest amount in the world behind only the mountains of Tahiti.
I met a New Zealander who told me several years ago he visited the Milford Sound area for a week, and it only rained twice: once for three days and the other time for four.
But where there is rain there
are also waterfalls.
There are so many outdoor activities to choose from in New Zealand. One of the best is simply admiring the view.
Next Stop: Oamaru
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