Milford Sound is a fjord located on New Zealand’s South Island, within Fiordland National Park in the southwest. It opens to the Tasman Sea and is widely known for its dramatic cliffs, Mitre Peak, and lush rainforest surroundings. The common access point is State Highway 94 via the Milford Road, and the area is part of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Key details
- Location and geography: Milford Sound sits in Fiordland, carved by glacial activity and extending about 12 miles (19 km) inland with steep valley walls that plunge to depths around 1,680 feet (512 meters). It is the northernmost fjord in Fiordland National Park.
- Māori name: The fiord is also known by its Māori name Piopiotahi, reflecting dual naming under Treaty settlements.
- Access and activities: The primary road access is the Milford Road (State Highway 94). Popular activities include boat cruises, kayaking, and even scuba diving in the Piopiotahi Marine Reserve area.
- Quick context: Milford Sound is often highlighted as New Zealand’s iconic natural destination, renowned for its rainforested cliffs, waterfalls, and distinctive dark waters.
If you’d like, I can tailor practical travel details (best time to visit, weather patterns, typical tour options, or how to plan a day trip vs overnight stay).
