Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park

This is going be a different type of review than a standard hike or waterfall review. For starters, I don't have a trail log. I didn't hike Milford Sound, but it is such an amazing place, I couldn't not share it with you.

Milford Sound, located in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, is one of the most stunning natural attractions I have had the pleasure to witness. This breathtaking fjord offers dramatic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and an unforgettable experience

I arrived at Milford Sound under overcast skies, typical yet enchanting. It wasn't long before the skies cleared though. As I soon would discover, the rain prior to my arrival would leave me breathless. Instead of my typical hike, this would be a boat ride, and boy was i in for a treat, with the towering cliffs rising dramatically from the fjord, cloaked in lush temperate rainforest, and more waterfalls than I could count. While the fjord is well known for some permanent waterfalls, rain brings many other temporary falls. Many!

The boat ride was amazing and very enjoyable, more relaxing than a hike for sure. While I didn't get to see dolphins, the seals rested on sun-warmed rocks in a few places. Although, I wasn't here for the wildlife as much as I was for the spectacular beauty of the landscape.

The boat ride was just beautiful view followed by another beautiful view, followed by another , and another, and so on. They do take you very close to one of the waterfalls and warn you well ahead of time to go below if you don't want to get wet. Of course I stayed up top to enjoy the moment to it's fullest, and it did not disappoint. It was cold, but refreshing at the same time, and the wind created by the falls was almost overwhelming at times. Quite an experience.

Access & Parking: The fjord is accessible by road via the breathtaking Milford Road (State Highway 94). Parking lots at the visitor center are limited; arriving early helps, but I didn't have any issues a tad later in the day. I took my time on the way in making a few stops for the views along the way. My recommendation may be to get to the boat ride earlier, and then maybe make your stops on the way back out. Or if you're like me, you'll make stops in both directions. The weather plays a big part in what you will see, or at least how you get to see it.

Weather Preparedness: Waterproof layers and quick-dry clothing are essential. The unpredictable weather often transforms the scenery, making each trip unique.

Reflections & Final Thoughts: This visit to Milford Sound was nothing short of breathtaking. The interplay of water, stone, forest, and mist created a landscape both powerful and serene. I found myself returning again and again to the scene of cascading waterfalls, and just enjoying the stunning beauty she had to offer. I am not kidding when I say it may be the most beautiful place I have ever visited.

The tiny spray of rain, once a discomfort, became the embodiment of what makes this place unforgettable—the raw, weathered beauty of the wild. It's no surprise that Rudyard Kipling famously called it the “eighth wonder of the world.”

Final Rating: 9.5 out of 10 — Milford Sound is a near-perfect masterpiece of nature. A few practicalities (parking, crowding) are minor notes in an otherwise symphonic experience.