Explore Milford Sound: An Apocalyptic Adventure Travel Experience

Before embarking on our journey to Milford Sound, I was obsessively checking the weather, fervently hoping for rain every single day. 🌧️

The skies finally showed mercy, especially after our whale watching in Kaikoura was canceled. As we drove into Fiordland National Park, the sun was still shining, but as we ventured deeper, the sky gradually transformed into a moody overcast.

We had booked a scenic cruise with Cruise Milford 🚢, which lasted for two enchanting hours. The limited number of passengers—only about 10 people on our boat—made the experience intimate and enjoyable, with ample space on the deck to move around freely.

As we boarded, dark clouds began to gather, and a mystical mist enveloped the towering cliffs. The gentle lapping of waves against the boat and the spray from the waterfalls created an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The cruise sailed right under the majestic Stirling Falls, where the cascading water curtain drenched the deck.

Standing at the front of the lower deck, the view opened up dramatically as we approached the end of the fiord, giving the surreal impression of being at the edge of the world. 🌫️

To our delight, we were fortunate enough to spot a pod of playful dolphins, with 4-5 of them following us for a while. I managed to capture one with its adorable round head 🐬. There were also seals basking lazily on the rocks, looking so content that it made me wish I could be as relaxed in my next life.

On our way back, we encountered a stunning green parrot 🦜. Its vibrant feathers were a sight to behold, and it seemed to be waiting by the roadside, almost as if it was expecting passersby to offer it a snack.

📷: Sony a7c + 24-105mm
🎫: Booked the Cruise Milford 🚢 on the Real NZ official website
🚗: We drove from Te Anau, a scenic 2-hour drive. You can park in the free parking lot and enjoy a 15-minute walk to the boarding point, taking in the lush vegetation along the way.
👔: A brightly colored windbreaker, such as yellow, orange, or purple, really stands out in photos.

A woolen hat is a must, as the wind on the deck can be quite fierce.
🏠: The round trip to Milford Sound (from Te Anau) takes at least 4 hours. It’s highly recommended to stay overnight in Te Anau the night before, so you can start your adventure without feeling rushed.