Here rules the wild
New Zealand stands for immensity, nature and dreamlike landscapes . Pure air, wild routes and unforgettable places where the land boasts of greatness and might. Here we are small, almost insignificant , and we can experience how, apart from humanity, life continues its course with order and serenity.
A landscape that makes us feel small
Dare to fly to our antipodes has a prize, and Fiordland National Park it is one of the most interesting in the South Island. This National Park, made up of 14 Fjords, It is located in the Southwest of New Zealand, and since 1990 it is recognized as Heritage of humanity by unesco. It was then that, together with Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring and Westland, it became part of Te Wahipounamu , which in Maori means "land of the green stone", for its abundance of jade , the most precious mineral in the area.
MILFORD SOUND AND DOUBTFUL SOUND
In Fiordland there are two essential alternatives: Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound . Choosing between one or the other will depend above all on the available time and our budget.
Milford Sound it is the fjord more accessible and affordable , and getting there means going through the Milford Road , a road that starts in the small town of Tea Anau (mandatory stop for refuel in case of making the journey with your own vehicle). Worth leave on time and make stops at the different points of interest that you will find signposted along the way, while enjoying the landscape.
Milford Sound, a must
During the first half hour, the route is marked parallel to the Lake Te Anau -the more great from the South Island and the second from New Zealand-, and reaches the mistletoe lake . From here, lovers of hiking will find small walks that are crowned with Milford Track , a four-day journey between valleys carved by glaciers, ancient tropical jungles and impressive waterfalls, recognized as one of the most impressive of the world.
Following the route to Milford Sound we find four essential stops. We will start with the first three: Eglinton Valley , an extraordinary scene of golden grasses surrounded by steep stone slopes that once housed a glacier; Mirror Lakes , small roadside lakes that reflect the earl mountains creating magical snapshots and Homer Tunnel, which, opened in 1954, is the only road access to Milford Sound.
Via Milford Road
Crossing it is quite an adventure due to its rough looking , its steep gradient and the traffic lights they operate to avoid two-way traffic. As a fun part, waiting, before crossing it, they are the keas , an indigenous species of alpine parrot who does not hesitate to approach the vehicles to browse and p eat food
Once the tunnel is crossed, it appears before us a winding (and dangerous) descent that keeps impressive views thanks to the monumental stone walls that surround it. The prospect will take your breath away.
As a last stop, you will find The Chasm and the fascinating rock excavations that the river Cleddau has been sculpting for thousands of years.
The Chasm, waterscape
We finally reached Milford Sound, also known as Piooiotahi in Maori and considered the “eighth wonder of the world” by british writer Rudyard Kipling. Imposing and above its waters, the peak rises miter , surrounded by sheer cliffs over 1,200 meters tall that arouse admiration along its 15 kilometers inland from the Tasman sea.
For its part, Doubtful Sound , ten times larger and three times deeper than Milford, has considerably more access remote . The "fjord of doubt" owes its name to the Captain Cook , who refused to navigate it by not feeling capable of knowing how to return to the sea. It was not until 1793 when the italian Alexander Malaspina crossed its waters in an expedition financed by the Spanish crown , which is why some of its islets have Spanish name.
Doubtful Sound, even more remote
To get here it is necessary to hire a tour from queenstown (two and a half hours) or from Tea Anau (20 minutes) . The journey is made by bus to e Lake Manapouri , which you have to cross by boat, to finally catch another bus on the Willmot Road to the beginning of the fjord. The result of this difficulty is a visit more exclusive and an impressive environment silence, peace and solitude . Perhaps this feeling is Doubtful's biggest advantage over Milford.
Long, sinuous and with a depth of more than 400 meters (the largest of all the fjords), Doubtful has three main “arms” and various heart attack cascades that are drawn from the area of the Deep Cove to the sea along its 40 kilometres. Landscape, virgin and wild , reveals the little influence of the human being, a fact that adds more mystery and impression to the visit.
The magical lake of Te Anau
TO DO?
In both Milford and Doubtful there are many activities to choose from, but without a doubt a cruise through the fjords themselves it is indispensable. Signing up to browse them is the best way to discover each one of their corners, get to touch -even to drink - the water of its waterfalls and observe the lively marine fauna among which are small penguins, seals and dolphins.
The options are completed with dives of diving, kayak or helicopter excursions, hiking and climbing. those also available night cruises allow an even more experience unforgettable.
Our recommendation for Milford is avoid organized excursions and make the journey to the fjord on your own. In this way, you can enjoy the different stops at your leisure. don't hesitate to ask the inhabitants of Te Anau: They will gladly answer any questions you may have (and with a big smile).
Waters from which it is possible to drink
WHEN TO GO?
With an average of 182 days of rain per year, Fiordland is one of the places wetter of the world and has precipitation and atmospheric fog during all seasons. The months of December and January corresponding to their summer; are the rainiest , but it is also when there is more flow waterfalls ; likewise, the wild life is more active during spring and autumn ; and in winter , the snow of the mountains creates a beautiful landscape that contrasts with the green of the forests. This is the reason why It doesn't matter when to travel to Fiordland, as it will always surprise.
Any time is good to discover these landscapes
WHERE TO STAY?
For the most daring, without a doubt, live the experience in caravan will make this little route even more unforgettable. However, there are lodging options for all tastes and pockets in Te Anau and Manapouri, and there is the possibility of sleep in cabins within the same park for those who decide to carry out the Milford Track.
Best in motorhome
PRACTICAL DATA
- The distance between Te Anau and Milford Sound is 120 kilometers . The journey, including essential stops and taking into account that driving in New Zealand is slower, takes approximately two hours and half. The last gas station is in Tea Anau , so refueling before heading to Milford is a sensible idea.
- In case you choose to book a tour, cruise or excursion, it is advisable to do it in advance to avoid unforeseen last minute
- Throughout the year, the temperature is cold and the probability of rain and fog is very high. flock well dressed with different layers and opt for a last one that is waterproof It will be appreciated in any season.
At night it is even more unforgettable