09 Jan 2021

A Stunning Day in Milford Sound

Those waking at dawn this morning were treated to an impressive sight at the mouth of Milford Sound where a crescent moon hung low over the Mount Pembroke icefield in a cloudless sky.

Following breakfast we launched our Zodiacs at Anita Bay, the source of Tangiwai Jade, and Zodiac cruised our way up Milford Sound to Harrison Cove where we took in the scenic wonders exploring impressive rock formations, verdant fauna, cascading waterfalls as we passed under vertiginous cliffs.

On one, a pair of fearless rock climbers tested their skills on a high buttress of hard gneiss while below them on Copper Point, a group of adolescent New Zealand Fur Seals loafed on rock shelves as clouds of sandflies swarmed around their elegant whiskers.

While the rata at sea level has now finished flowering, a crimson band higher up indicates the late bloomers.

A highlight of the day was cruising through the heavy spray of thundering Stirling Falls, the cool mist a refreshing tonic on this hot, sunny day.

Our cruise ended at Milford Sound Observatory, a 'reverse aquarium' 10 metres below sea level where the people are on the inside and the wildlife, including a species of black coral usually found at depths of 500 metres in the open ocean, are in their natural habitat. 

We're taking in the sights of Fiordland as we sail to Doubtful Sound.

Images © C.Todd, Heritage Expeditions