Milford Sound Travel Review: Expectations vs Reality 🏔

Perhaps my expectations were unreasonably high before setting off for the “only fjord landscape China doesn’t have.” The guide mentioned that a heavy downpour the previous day had filled the mountain waterfalls to the brim, which only heightened my anticipation for the day’s adventure.

Just five minutes into our journey, the largest waterfall appeared to the right of the bow. Over the next 1.5 hours, the water flow from the cliff-side waterfalls was not as impressive as I had hoped. The constant strong winds added to the experience, but it felt somewhat similar to a cruise on the Yangtze River, lacking the unique charm I was expecting.

As we neared the end of the tour, the captain skillfully navigated the boat as close as possible to the base of the grand waterfall. The powerful gusts generated by the cascading water in the canyon created a truly majestic and awe-inspiring scene, leaving a lasting impression.

Deepseek’s explanation of the fjord landscape—
Fjord landscapes are distinctive coastal formations sculpted by glacial erosion, typically found in high-latitude regions. During the ice age, massive glaciers carved deep and wide U-shaped valleys. As the climate warmed, the glaciers retreated, allowing seawater to flood these valleys, creating long, deep bays.

💡Personal feelings

1⃣ When taking photos, lower the exposure; a darker tone enhances the dramatic beauty of the fjord scenery;

2⃣ The wind in the fjord is incredibly strong, so be sure to wear a waterproof jacket and warm clothing when outside the cabin. When the boat gets close to the waterfall, the mist can be quite heavy, so take extra care to protect your phone and camera from getting wet;

3⃣ There’s no need to purchase a ticket that includes a buffet lunch. The food options are limited, and the meat tends to be quite tough.