Discovering Unseen Scenic Wonders: What Awaits When You Finally Go?
Milford Sound, often hailed as one of the “Eighth Wonders of the World,” is a unique terrain that China does not possess. This enchanting place has garnered mixed reviews, and the journey from Queenstown takes nearly 5 hours. Several times, I doubted whether it was worth the effort. However, driven by an insatiable curiosity for the world, I felt compelled to personally experience and document these natural wonders that might vanish in our rapidly developing society.
Despite my initial hesitations, I decided to embark on this adventure, and it seemed Lady Luck was on my side. The cruise had been canceled the day before due to heavy rain, and the road to the fjord was closed. Fortunately, our cruise was scheduled for the next morning. That night, I anxiously checked the road updates, from closure to requiring snow chains, until everything was clear by early morning, though there was still an avalanche warning ⛔️.
Departing from Te Anau, the over two-hour drive was a visual feast. The scenery along the way was breathtaking, especially after passing through the tunnel, where snow-capped mountains appeared like something out of a fairy tale, their beauty almost surreal ✨. It’s no exaggeration that this route is rated as the “most beautiful highway.”
Although it didn’t rain that day, I missed the spectacular scene of hundreds of waterfalls cascading down like an “apocalyptic version.” Nevertheless, standing by Milford Sound on an overcast day, the calm water was soothing. While it wasn’t as breathtaking, it was still a journey worth experiencing.
The boat slowly glided through the mountains, heading towards the endless horizon, and my heart felt expansive. The ingenious work of nature, the rugged mountain walls, the occasional penguins 🐧 on the shore, and the strong wind on the return trip, made everything uniquely beautiful.
For me, this trip was absolutely worth it, but whether it’s worth coming depends on the individual. Everyone has different preferences and values, so the experiences will vary. If you long for the “apocalyptic version” of the waterfall spectacle, you might risk disappointment; you need to ask yourself if you can accept such an experience—just a tranquil fjord, weaving through the mountains. If you are willing, then come and experience it once 🌿.
I believe that the scenery along the way will never disappoint you 💛.
‼️ For those who want free parking, you can set your location to the following spot, which has limited parking spaces. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the dock, so remember to arrange your time in advance to avoid being late.
📍Deepwater Basin Parking & Bus
@Photography Potato
