Milford Sound is located on the southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island. It lies within the Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. This UNESCO classified site encapsulates and raises the bar of the word dramatic. Steep, rounded mountains rise up with a sudden break from valleys filled with water created by glaciers over unimaginable periods of time.
The original name of this area was Piopiotahi (meaning “a single piopio bird”), named by the Māori after a now-extinct thrush. It was renamed to Milford Sound by Welsh-born Captain John Grono around 1812. As of 1998, through the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998 which reinstated traditional Māori names across much of the South, this fjord was officially recognized by both names.
When it comes to the staggering views of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, one could consider the entire 10-mile distance inland as worth a sight. But Mitre Peak (Rahotu in Māori) is one of the most photographed sites in New Zealand. Rising up in the shape of a pyramid to a peak of 5,551 ft, this mountain is often used as an unofficial emblem of New Zealand’s wilderness.
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is one of the wettest places on Earth receiving from 236 to 295 inches of rainfall per year… raining for an average of 182 to 250 days per year. With this much rain falling upon the mountains of the fjord, heavy rain causes hundreds of temporary waterfalls to flow from cliffs with some falling for up to 3,280 ft. One of the few times a traveler can hope for rain on their journey.
Both above and below, this area is teeming with wildlife. Bottlenose dolphins are often seen playing alongside cruise ships and kayaks. New Zealand fur seals bask on rocks and cliffs. And, of course, everyone’s favorite clumsy (read adorable) creature nests here. The rare Fiordland crested penguin presents with its yellow eyebrow plumes nests in remote rainforests from July to November, and the smallest penguin species known as the little blue penguin can be seen at the mouth of the fjord.
From cruises to trails, from heights of peaks to small shores along rising mountains, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is an experience for the adventurous in spirit. It is said in Māori legend these fjords were carved by the god Tu-te-raki-whanoa, a masterpiece of nature’s movement through time. Regardless of belief, a certain magic is found when witness to such a sight. Just make sure to bring some rain gear and a curiosity for nature’s dramatic beauty.