MILFORD SOUND

It is perhaps the most famous natural site on the South Island, the one that everyone talks about and whose photos are passed around in hostels and on vacations. On the scale of New Zealand, Tongariro is perhaps the only comparable site. It must be said that there is enough. It is a beauty case with infinite charm. If you can, don't come during the high season, as there will be many cars and the cruises will be crowded. In winter, there are far fewer people, the snow adds to the magic, but beware, access may well be closed because of the weather. The best period is the off-season. The road from Te Anau is an attraction in itself. It takes about 120 kilometers and a good two hours, or even more with the different stops. There are many things to see along the way, lookouts, valleys, lakes, mountains, and more. Going up to the north, the Mirror Lakes can already be an interesting photo stop, with their mirror-like surface reflecting the summits. The view from the tip of Lake Gunn is even more stunning and romantic because of its grandeur. With a little time, venture into the Hollyford Valley towards Gunns Camp to see the small waterfalls of Lake Marian, after a short walk, and the very impressive Humboldt Falls, 275 meters high (20-30 minutes round trip). You will then have to pass through the Homer Tunnel, completed in 1953 and at an altitude of 945 meters. At the exit, the panorama is dazzling and one goes down little by little to the sea level to reach the Sound. Before reaching your destination, The Chasm may be worth a stop for its waterfalls and rock formations (20 minutes round trip). However, this trail is being restored at the time of writing due to inclement weather. Once on the banks, the beauty of the place becomes clear. There is a parking lot and a building where the boats leave. It is here that you will have to embark for the cruises. With a little luck, dolphins and sea lions will cross your path. The waterfalls are also very beautiful and the mountains plunging into the water with their twisted shapes command respect like Mitre Peak looking down on us from the top of its 1,692 meters of altitude. Here, if everything is green, it is for the simple reason that it rains 200 days a year and falls 6,800 mm of rain on average each year. Don't forget to bring your rain gear and good shoes!