Milford Sound, Coastal fiord in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Milford Sound is a fiord in Fiordland that cuts inland from the Tasman Sea with sheer rock walls rising directly from the water. Waterfalls cascade down from the surrounding cliffs, creating a dramatic landscape shaped by glacial erosion over time.
Captain John Grono first found this inlet in 1812 and named it after Milford Haven in Wales. The name was later formalized by Captain John Lort Stokes during his survey work.
The Māori name Piopiotahi comes from an extinct native bird that was important to the Ngāi Tahu people. This connection to local traditions shapes how the place is understood and respected today.
The road from the inland plateau is the main way to reach this location, and boat tours depart regularly from the terminal throughout the day. Weather can change quickly, so bring layers and be prepared for rain at any time of year.
An underwater observatory at Harrison Cove lets visitors descend below sea level to see black coral and marine animals without entering the water. This submerged viewing chamber offers a rare glimpse into the fiord's deeper ecosystem.
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