Milford Sound and More

A fjord forms when a glacier retreats and the sea fills the valley that remains. Sounds are also valleys that have been filled by sea water. However, unlike a fjord, a sound forms when there is a rise in sea levels or the land sinks (or a combination of both of the two).  Well, technically, Milford Sound is a fjord.  And it is the most visited place in New Zealand, with nearly a million visitors each year.  But it is the journey to the fjords that is half the fun.  Bob and I made the two hour drive to Milford Sound from Te Anau on Friday, March 24, 2017.  There were picture taking stops around every corner! We had fun watching the New Zealand parrot - the Kea - at several of the scenic overlooks.

We took a 20-minute walk at a place called The Chasm.  The Cleddau River has cut through the rock, carving fascinating formations in the 22-meter deep ravine.  It's hard to see it in photos, but it was an intriguing sight.

When we arrived at Milford Sound, we booked one of the smallest boats for a 90-minute cruise around the fjord.  We were told the smaller boats were able to get really close to the cliffs and have waterfalls spray upon the passengers.  And they did!  It was a gorgeous day, and we were told that we were very lucky not to have rain, which is usual there.

 We saw otter and seals.

 Lots of waterfalls were seen and felt!

 Amazing water colors were admired.

What a heavenly experience!

On the way back to Te Anau, we stopped to hike Key Summit.  It felt good to get our feet moving and embark on another amazing trek.  This was probably the most rewarding summit yet.  In the distance we could see Lake Marion.  I couldn't help but think of my dad and how much he would have loved hiking in New Zealand.  It is places like this that bring a touch of heaven to earth.

At the summit, the ground was moist and covered with colorful mosses, and lots of small ponds dotted the landscape.  The surrounding peaks were magnificent from every angle.

I felt a tinge of remorse along with a hint of curious excitement as we left the Fjordland National Park.  In the morning we would leave the dramatic west coast and drive to the east coast city of Dunedin.