By Coach and by Cruise, Milford Sound is worth the Trip

The Fiordland of New Zealand is home to scenery that is considered one of the ten natural wonders of the world. Milford Sound is at the top of the list of remarkable areas to visit. The soaring mountain peaks are covered with snow. Their majesty is reflected on the crystal clear waters of the seemingly bottomless fiords. The only sound accessible by vehicle, Milford Sound is surrounded by alpine beauty, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Riding along Milford Road in a comfortable small coach allows you to fully comprehend the spectacle around you. You may spot keas or dolphins along the way, and seals or penguins are plentiful during certain seasons. Beautiful Mitre Peak and Mount Tutoko stand powerfully in the distance. Tutoko is the highest mountain in Fiordland, and is a glacier accessible only by helicopter. The majesty of the mountains is unsurpassed. Homer Tunnel, which opened in 1954, is part of the Milford Road and goes through the Darran Mountains. An amazing manmade construction, the one-way tunnel is just one more part of an awe-inspiring journey to Milford Sound.

As you ride along on your Milford Sounds tour and observe, listen as the guide weaves stories of early Maori history. You may find yourself wondering how the early indigenous people conquered this formidable land. Fiordland has New Zealand's wettest climate; rainy season lasts year round. The guides add interesting and sometimes humorous perspective to the beauty surrounding you.

Your alpine journey along the road is enhanced by stops at more than dozen scenic turnouts. You'll want to have your camera ready at all times. The scenery is breathtaking and good photos are a must. Along Milford Road, waterfalls abound. A short walk to Marian Falls will take you through a lush rainforest where colorful birds and other wildlife can be observed. The cascade at Marian Falls is one of the most splendid in New Zealand. You'll be amazed as the powerful waters fall from the mountains into the Hollyford Valley. Other waterfalls can be seen from the comfort of the coach, and are equally remarkable. All of them flow into the splendid Cleddau and Hollyford Rivers, which in turn flow to grand Milford Sound.

Extending your tour of Milford Sound by boat is nearly mandatory. Only from a boat can you revel in the towering ancient glaciers or hear the pounding of the incredible waterfall cascades. Seals and dolphins may playfully surround your small craft. A part of your Milford Sounds tour is Milford Deep, a 10-metre deep underwater observatory surrounded by living coral. The 360-degree view may include colorful sea creatures. Overnight cruises will allow you to experience the still calm of Milford Sound, the silence broken only by the cascading waterfalls and calling birds.