Located in the southwestern corner of the South Island of New Zealand, Fiordland is a rather remote but spectacular area of tall mountains, deep lakes, green forests, and gushing waterfalls. We drove down to Te Anau for a few days a couple of weeks ago.
Milford Sound is one of the key attractions in Fiordland, about a 2-hour drive from Te Anau.
1. Just the drive up from Te Anau on the Milford Highway is worthwhile. The soaring cliffs and waterfalls crashing down from them are awe-inspiring.
Fiordland by FuzzSummit, on Flickr2. Arguably the best driving road in the world?
Cleddau Valley by FuzzSummit, on Flickr3. While I'm not a big fan of organized tours, a cruise on the Milford Sound was awesome. We did the cruise right after a rainy day, and so got to see a lot of waterfalls (which normally don't "run" when it's dry).
Milford Sound by FuzzSummit, on Flickr4. Milford Sound at twilight. Make sure to pack a lot of insect repellent, because the sand flies are unbelievably irritating.
Milford Sound twilight by FuzzSummit, on Flickr5. Tons of alpine lupins were in bloom.
Cascade Creek by FuzzSummit, on Flickr6. We hiked the Key Summit Track. The low clouds on the way up were quite unreal -- looked almost fake, as if someone had turned down the blinds.
Who turned down the blinds? by FuzzSummit, on Flickr7. But as the clouds burned off, the views over Hollyford Valley were magical.
Key Summit views by FuzzSummit, on Flickr8. The walk on the Kepler Track was fantastic, complete with swinging bridges through dense beech and fern forests.
Hiking Kepler Track by FuzzSummit, on Flickr
