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Good morning and welcome on board your tour to Piopiotahi, Milford Sound today. It is with pleasure that we provide commentary direct to you as we share today’s journey. We hope you will relax and enjoy your day. Please feel free to ask the driver any questions you may have. Your comfort and safety are important so here are some tips as we begin the day. For those with mobility problems please enter and exit at the front of the coach where the driver attends the door offering assistance to those who require it. Your seat reclines for maximum comfort. While the coach is moving, please remain seated and if the coach is fitted for seatbelts by law these must be worn. For your convenience there is a toilet on board. In the unlikely event of an accident, follow the instructions of your driver and remember exits are at the front, side door and rear doors, and emergency exit windows at the rear. For the comfort of others, we ask that you don’t eat messy food on board, smoke cigarettes or use electronic vapes as we have plenty of rest stops for that. Just pay attention to the time the driver gives you to return to the coach. New Zealand is a beautiful country, and we have a great day ahead. Thanks for choosing to travel with us and we hope your day will be a memorable one.
Kawarau Bridge
We are now approaching the Kawarau River, the only outlet of Lake Wakatipu. As we cross, you’ll notice the two bridges here at Frankton – one modern, one historic – each with a unique story. The older bridge, built in the 1930s, was for many years the main route in and out of Queenstown. It was a narrow, single-lane structure that served the region well for decades, but as Queenstown grew into the bustling tourism hub we know today, the bridge became a traffic bottleneck. Queueing during peak times was common and navigating the give-way system could test even the most patient local driver! In response to this, a new two-lane Kawarau Falls Bridge was opened in 2018. This elegant structure now carries all vehicle traffic and includes a dedicated walking and cycling path. It’s helped ease congestion and improved access between Queenstown, the airport, Frankton, and the wider Southern Lakes region. The original bridge still stands beside it and has been retained as a heritage walkway and cycle path. From here, you can enjoy impressive views up and down the Kawarau River – a popular photo stop for both locals and visitors. Just beneath these bridges, to the right, you may spot water control gates built back in 1926. These gates were part of an ambitious – and ultimately failed – attempt to lower the riverbed to expose gold believed to lie beneath. The idea sparked widespread public excitement, with shares sold across New Zealand and even on the London Stock Exchange. Around £100,000 was invested, but when the gates were closed, the river dropped by less than a metre – not nearly enough to expose any gold. It was a major disappointment, and many investors lost everything. Today, those gates are still used to help regulate the level of Lake Wakatipu – a lasting reminder of bold dreams, Queenstown’s pioneering spirit, and the ever-evolving infrastructure that connects this stunning region.
Remarkables
For the next 20 kilometres, we'll be travelling alongside one of New Zealand’s most iconic landmarks—the Remarkables. This striking mountain range cradles the well-known Remarkables ski area and is named for the remarkable colour changes that sweep across its slopes throughout the day. On icy mornings, they appear a cold, steely grey, but by late afternoon, the peaks often soften into shades of pink and lavender—an unforgettable sight. This mountain range was carved during the great glacial ages, and if you look closely, you might spot vertical grooves running down their faces. These were carved by massive rocks trapped in moving glaciers, grinding against the mountain under immense pressure as the ice advanced. The Remarkables have been a popular skiing area for many years and until the access road was opened in 1984, helicopters were used to transport adventurous skiers to the slopes. Heli-skiing, as it is called, is very popular in New Zealand and the Queenstown and Mount Cook region provides a variety of unspoilt terrain for those who want to ski “away from it all”. Although the access road is open only during the winter months, the view from the highest point on the Remarkables ski field is truly magnificent. On a clear day, you can see as far as Aoraki, Mt Cook – New Zealand's highest peak – standing proud, some 270 kms away by road. And, by looking to the west towards the Fiordland region, Mt Christina is visible. Down here on the lower northern slopes, the rolling farmland was once part of the Remarkables sheep and cattle station, established in the 1860s by Queenstown pioneer William Gilbert Rees. Long before that, the Māori knew these mountains as Kawarau—the same name they gave to the Kawarau River, which begins its journey beneath the range.
Kāi Tahu – Ngāi Tahu People
For Kāi Tahu, the people of this place, the landscape and its resources are woven into identity, whakapapa, and daily life. The mountains, rivers, and coasts provide not only sustenance but also taoka (treasure) that carry mana (prestige) and connect whānau (family) to their tūpuna (ancestors) and to the whenua (land). Tikumu (mountain daisy) and taramea (wild spaniard) from the high country, and pounamu (greenstone) from the rivers and valleys of Te Waipounamu (South Island), are more than natural resources — they are symbols of prestige, love, strength, and belonging. These taoka have shaped Kāi Tahu traditions of exchange, artistry, and cultural practice for generations. As mana whenua (people of the land), Kāi Tahu hold tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty) over this takiwā (area). The responsibility of kaitiakitaka (guardianship) flows from whakapapa (ancestral line), binding people to care for the land, the waters, and the treasures that sustain them. This responsibility is not only about protection, but about exercising leadership, ensuring balance, and passing knowledge forward. Today, Kāi Tahu continue to express their identity through care for both people and place. The same values that guided the use of tikumu, taramea, and pounamu now underpin innovative approaches to regenerating the whenua, restoring waterways, and protecting cultural knowledge. Practices such as customary harvest, the revitalisation of weaving, and the stewardship of pounamu are carried forward alongside new models of governance, conservation, and enterprise. In this way, Kāi Tahu show that their relationship to this landscape is not confined to tradition alone, but is a living commitment — adapting, protecting, and creating for generations yet to come.
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is once again coming into view ahead of us. Off to the right, across the water, you might spot the beautiful valley of Cecil Peak Station. This remote high-country farm has no road access—so the only way to get there is by boat. Lake Wakatipu itself is the longest lake in New Zealand, stretching 87 kilometres in length. It sits 310 metres above sea level and plunges to a depth of 403 metres. The water is incredibly pure—98.9% to be exact—and stays a crisp 11 degrees year-round. Now here’s where it gets interesting: the surface of the lake mysteriously rises and falls by about 12 centimetres every five minutes. Scientists have suggested it may be due to wind patterns or atmospheric pressure, but no one can say for certain. And that’s where local Māori legend offers another explanation—Manata, the legend of Lake Wakatipu. According to Māori legend, the lake was formed through a forbidden romance between a young warrior Matakauri and Manata a beautiful daughter of a Māori chief. Matakauri set out to rescue his beloved Manata after she was stolen by a taniwha (giant), Matau. After defeating the beast, Matakauri set his body ablaze. The flames carved out the large, winding ‘S’ shape of the lake, which is said to match the shape of the taniwha body. The heat generated by Matau’s burning body, melted the snow in the surrounding mountains. Soon the chasm filled with water until Lake Wakatipu was ultimately formed. All that was left of the incinerated taniwha was his cruel heart which lay beating on the floor of the valley. The oscillation of the water rising and falling every five minutes is still attributed to the beating of Matau’s heart at the bottom of the lake. According to geologists, during the last ice age about 10,000 years ago, the movement of the glacial ice carved the bed of Lake Wakatipu. This takes the bed of the lake to over 90 metres below sea level. There is however no sea connection to cause the rise and fall in the lake level, so “perhaps the Māori legend may be true after all”. The road we're now travelling on is known as Kingston Road. It was built during the Depression, with around 150 men working on the project. It opened in 1936 at a cost of just $140,000—quite a feat for the time. Before the road existed, people either used a rough trail—difficult and dangerous in places—or preferred to travel by boat on the lake. One especially tricky section was known as the Devil’s Staircase, and even today, it needs regular maintenance to stay open.
Wye Creek
Very shortly, we’ll cross over a small stream called Wye Creek. You might not guess it just by looking, but this stream plays an important role locally—it powers a small hydroelectric station located at the base of the creek, right on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. For many years, this little station supplied a large portion of Queenstown’s electricity needs. Half Way Bay Sheep Station can be seen in a valley to the far side of the lake. This station has no road access. Back in the day, the only transport to these isolated high-country farms was aboard the TSS Earnslaw—a beautiful old coal-fired steamship that’s still operating today. These days, she’s used for sightseeing cruises from Queenstown, but she’s been a proud presence on the lake since 1912. In fact, she’s the only coal-fired passenger steamship still operating in the Southern Hemisphere—earning her the nickname "The Lady of the Lake." The farms you see scattered around the lake are mostly what we call High Country stations—vast sheep properties that stretch far into the mountains. Farming in these conditions is no easy task. It takes skill, determination, and a fair amount of courage to work these rugged landscapes and make a living from them. In the early days, starting from the 1850’s, many stations were as large as 100,000 hectares. Today however stations are much smaller. The natural infertility of the soil broke many an early farmer before they had really begun. It was not until the late 1940’s, when aircraft became available to spread countless tonnes of phosphate-based fertilisers onto previously unworkable hill country, that the potential of these lands was finally realised. But even with improved soil, the High Country throws plenty of challenges at farmers throughout the year. Hot dry summers bring the constant danger of grass fires to rage over the hills. Later in the year early snowfalls can trap sheep high on the mountains. This results in the very tiring job of “Snowraking” where tracks must be trampled down through the snow to lead the sheep to safety. “Snowraking “ is often a very dangerous task. Sheep are sometimes trapped over steep bluffs or on avalanche-prone slopes and must be led to safer ground by these trails; there’s no alternative for the snowraker; they have to create trails for the sheep even in these dangerous areas. As you can see, some of the major requirements for the farmers who work in these high country conditions are skill and courage. In New Zealand, the people who work with sheep and cattle are called “Musterers”. At shearing time in the early summer, and again in the autumn before the winter snows arrive, the Musterers work high on the mountain slopes with large teams of dogs to bring the sheep down to the low country. It can take many days, covering many miles, to clear the sheep from the mountains. These days helicopters are used more and more often to herd the sheep or to transport the Musterers and dogs up the mountains. A lot of sheep dogs are now seasoned air travellers and look forward to their helicopter flights. Not so the pilots, who at 1,500 metres, don’t relish the thought of 5 or 6 boisterous sheep dogs barking and brawling around in the small cockpit.
Devils Staircase
We are now passing over the section of road known as the Devils Staircase. In the distance, at the southern end of the lake is the small township of Kingston. We learned earlier of the legend of Lake Wakatipu, and how the Māori people believed it was created. Geologists, of course, have different opinions. During the last of the Ice Ages, about 10,000 years ago, this great valley was carved by a tremendous river of ice. This river made its way down from the mountains at the head of the lake, to a point where it dumped what is called its “terminal moraine”. This unstoppable flow of ice know as a Glacier, drags itself down, leaving behind tortured evidence of the forces taking place. These scarred paths are still visible on the valley walls and are termed “striation marks”. When the glacier finally stopped moving, there remained at its head gigantic heaps of gravel, sands and rocks, which is the terminal moraine. We see this as we approach Kingston. It actually towers above the town. Similar deposits are found in the Tasman Valley at Mt. Cook and at the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers on the West Coast. All this ice movement has carved the bed of Lake Wakatipu to a depth of 403 metres, which is actually 90 metres below sea level. However, with no sea connection to explain the rise and fall in the lake level, so perhaps it is the giant’s heart endlessly beating.
Kingston
Shortly we will pass by Kingston town at the foot of Lake Wakatipu. Kingston is situated at the very northern boundary of Northern Southland and stands on the land on was once the terminal moraine of the glacier which during the last ice age, filled the bed of Lake Wakatipu. The lake originally drained south to the Mataura River. As the moraine blocked the flow, a new outlet, the Kawarau River, formed at Frankton. Traces of Māori settlement have been found around Kingston; the name of the Māori village has been perpetuated in the Kingston scenic reserve, Te Kere Haka. With the discovery of the Wakatipu goldfields, Kingston became important in the district transport system, with a busy shopping centre, 10 hotels, 2 banks, several stores and a butcher shop. At one time as many as five thousand people camped in and around Kingston. The original name of Kingston was St. John, after St. John Brannigan, the Commissioner of Police. It was also known as Georgetown. Kingston owes its existence to the fact that it was once a railway terminus at the northern end of the railway from Invercargill. The railway came to Kingston in 1878. The rail section from Kingston to Gore was known as the 'Kingston Flyer', from which the train now derives its name. The railway ceased service between Lumsden and Kingston in 1970 and between Gore and Lumsden in 1971. Before the road was constructed round the side of the lake in the 1930’s, all of the people, goods, and stock came by rail to Kingston and then were loaded onto a lake steamer for transport to Queenstown. Many boats plied the lake but the most enduring of these, the 'Earnslaw', was reassembled at Kingston and launched there in 1912. Today,14km of track from Kingston to Fairlight has been preserved and restored on which the Kingston Flyer carries tourists for a true stream train experience. The Kingston Flyer comprises of a carefully restored refreshment car, two ordinary carriages, a gallery car known as the birdcage, and a combined carriage-guards van hauled by the last of the Ab class coal fired locomotives. Also nearby is the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, a 186-kilometre journey that starts right here in Kingston and winds through some of Southland’s most scenic and peaceful landscapes. So, whether by rail or by bike, Kingston offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and a great way to slow down and take in the beauty of southern New Zealand.
Fairlight
We are now travelling through the Upper Mataura Valley and beside the famed Mataura River. This is one of the most popular fly-fishing streams in New Zealand. Fishermen from all over the world travel to New Zealand to enjoy some of the finest trout fishing to be found anywhere. The Mataura, like all lakes and rivers in New Zealand, is public property, and for the payment of a few dollars for a fishing licence, all people including overseas visitors may fish in their waters. Both Brown and Rainbow trout, and to a lesser extent Atlantic and Quinnat salmon, are to be found in our lakes and streams. These fish are not native to New Zealand but were imported in the last half of the 19th century. The trout in particular have thrived here and fish up to 5 kgs in weight are still common in some areas. With most rivers and lakes free of pollution, New Zealand has a justly deserved reputation for excellent fishing.
Garston
We are now entering the settlement of Garston. Garston’s main claim to fame is that it is reputed to be the furthest settlement from the sea in all of New Zealand. As a point of interest, nowhere in this country is it possible to be more than 128 kms from the sea. Garston, probably named after a suburb of Liverpool, is nestled in the Upper Mataura Valley. This valley was carved out by a glacier, the remnants of which also resulted in the formation of Lake Wakatipu to the north. Mr N. Chalmers, the European to see the lake, passed through the valley in 1853. By 1860, sheep station holders had arrived to take up grazing rights in the fertile valley. In 1862 gold was discovered in the Nokomai and Nevis Valleys. A large influx of miners, including many Chinese, followed. With gold strikes dwindling in the 1870s, closer subdivision meant that many miners turned to farming in the area. The opening of the rail link between Kingston and Invercargill in 1878 helped to increase settlement in the valley. Of historical note are the two churches – a Roman Catholic church built in 1903, and a Presbyterian church built in 1923 - the adjacent cemetery and the stables alongside the Hotel. This region is an area of fertile sheep farming country. During springtime there are often large numbers of new-born lambs frolicking all over these pastures. The size of the farms in this more fertile land is much less than the High Country stations. However, with animal numbers per hectare so much greater, annual production is very high indeed. There are also notable differences in farming methods. Whereas the main source income in the High Country is from wool production, here in the lowlands, sheep are farmed for both wool and meat, often with a greater emphasis on meat. High yielding crops such as oats, barley and wheat are also grown and harvested here.
Maori Weapons
We are passing through the small country town of Athol. Athol is known for its farming and has a history of gold mining. Before the arrival of Europeans—and with them, the devastating introduction of muskets—intertribal warfare among Māori was fought mostly in hand-to-hand combat. These conflicts often stemmed from utu, or the principle of reciprocity and revenge, where honour and mana (prestige) were restored through physical retribution.Because the fighting was hand to hand, the Māori developed a small but effective range of weapons, based around clubs. The long clubs the taiaha, pouwhenua and te whatawha were all made of wood, about 1.5m long with a striking blade at one end and a stabbing point at the other. Short clubs or patu had sharply honed edges which could cut like the edge of a sword and were used to parry and thrust at close quarters. The patu that were made of greenstone were called mere; mere were also made of bone or wood, and could be either smooth edged or notched. Young tane (men) were taught to use the weapons, which required the same sort of swordsmanship as those taught in Medieval Europe. Today, there is a growing resurgence by modern Māori to revive the skills of the taiaha and mere, thereby preserving this important part of their culture.
Jollies Pass
As we climb towards Jollies Pass, to a height of about 400 metres, we have on our left a hill known as “Mid Dome”. Before the arrival of man, great forests once covered areas like this and kept the topsoil stable. With the arrival of man, many of these forests were burnt bare. The Moa-hunters were the first to burn the forests to drive their quarry, the 3m high flightless Moa, from the bush into areas where they could be easily killed by waiting hunters. Later, with European settlement, the early sheep farmers would burn the forest and undergrowth, as they drove their sheep further inland in a constant search for new grazing lands. These factors, combined with sheep and other introduced animals such as Deer, Goats and Rabbits eating the mountain tussock and grasses bare, have all contributed to erosion problems. From the top of Jollies Pass, if weather conditions permit, you can look over a landscape running to the foothills and mountains.
Five Rivers Turnoff
Coming up shortly on the right is Five Rivers turnoff to Te Anau and Milford Sound via the Five Rivers Plains and Mossburn. Taking this route, we will head across the Five Rivers plains towards the Takatimu Mountains, named after the Takatimu Canoe, one of the great fleet of canoes reputed to have brought the Māori people to New Zealand from distant Polynesian Islands. We will also cross the Oreti River, one of the five rivers that drain the Southland plains, and a favourite haunt for the recreational trout fisherman.
Five Rivers Plains
We are now driving across the Five Rivers Plains. Five Rivers Plain, a broad, open landscape surrounded by distant peaks and mountain ranges. This area forms the catchment for five rivers—the Irthing, Cromel, Acton, Oswald, and Dilston. These rivers were named in the 1800s by J.T. Thomson, the chief surveyor for Otago, who borrowed the names from rivers in his home county of Northumberland in England. All five rivers feed into the Oreti River, which begins high in the Eyre Mountains and flows all the way south, eventually reaching the New River Estuary near Invercargill. In the surrounding area are two stone cairns or memoriam erected to record historical events that have occurred in the area. The first is at Lowther to our south and marks the site of the battle of Waitaiamea, between the Ngatimamoe and Ngaitahu tribes in 1725. The battle ended when Ngatimamoe's chief Makohu slew Ngaitahu's chief, Kaweriri by mistake and fled for West Dome, where he eluded his pursuers in fog. The second cairn, at Domes Pass, marks the site of the Jolly Wagoners Hotel. The memoriam also commemorates four "unknown pioneers" as "somebody's loved ones". The four are presumed to be: Margaret Smith who was drowned in 1866 when a coach overturned in Fryer's Creek; a cook who dies of wounds; a miner from Nokomai; and James Carron, who thought tutu berries were harmless, ate them, and consequently died of poisoning. You will observe exotic trees growing which were planted to give shelter from the very strong north-westerly winds, so common in this exposed area. Wind in New Zealand comes predominantly from the west. It tends to be strong in the winter and moderate in the late summer and early autumn, except for July and August in the South Island, which are usually less windy than the summer months. Overall NZ is a windy country. The prevailing westerlies combined with the topography of the country have a dominating effect on the whole climate. The westerlies bring higher rainfall to the western side of the Southern Alps, hence the extreme rainfall and humidity levels often experienced on the west Coast and in Fiordland. Because most of the moisture is removed from the winds on the western side of the Alps, the prevailing westerlies also create a dry northwest Foehn wind on the eastern side of the Alps. This wind is particularly felt in Canterbury, where the accompanying droughts are often the most devastating weather conditions faced by the farming communities.
Takatimu Mountains
Directly ahead of us are the Takatimu Mountains, well known in Māori mythology. As we travel across these plains, standing proud before us are the sacred Tākitimu mountains – always cloaked in snow through the winter months, and visible from much of Southland. The highest peak you see out there is known as Spence Peak, rising 1,634 metres into the sky. To Māori, these are not just mountains. They are the resting place of our ancestral waka (canoe), Tākitimu. Tākitimu was one of the great waka that carried our ancestors across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean, on the long journey from Hawaiki to Aotearoa (New Zealand). Tākitimu was guided by the great navigator, Tamatea Ariki Nui. When he reached the Waiau River, at the southern edge of Fiordland, Tamatea and his people rested after their voyage. The stories handed down tell say that while they rested, enormous waves rose up from Te Waewae Bay. The waka was lifted and cast inland, where it remains today as the Tākitimu mountain range. Those waves had names of their own – O-te-wao, O-roko and O-kaka – each remembered in Māori traditions. The surrounding plains are called Kā Rā-o-Tākitimu, meaning ‘the sails of Tākitimu,’ because the land here resembles the sails of that mighty waka spread open across the whenua (land). To us, waka are tapu. They are not just vessels for travel – they are embodiments of whakapapa, of community, of wairua. To build a waka was a sacred act. The tohunga would first lift the tapu from a great totara tree, making offerings to Tāne-mahuta, atua of the forest. Then, with stone adzes, fire, and flax lashings, the people shaped the timber into a living vessel of mana. So, when you gaze upon the Tākitimu Mountains, remember – you are not only looking at peaks of rock and snow. You are looking upon a great waka, an ancestor of this land. These mountains stand as a reminder of the voyages, of Tamatea’s leadership, and of the enduring bond between Kāi Tahu and this whenua (land).
Oreti River
The start of the Oreti River is high up in the Thomson Mountains to our west and flows 169km southwards across the Southland District to enter Foveaux Strait, south of Invercargill. Four main rivers that drain the Southland Plains, the Waiau, Aparima, Oreti and Mataura. In the 19th Century, it was these rivers, and the fertility of the surrounding alluvial plains that drew pioneer farmers and settlers to the Southland region.
Mossburn
Mossburn located here on the main highway from Queenstown to Milford primarily services nearby deer, sheep and cattle farms. Mossburn is surrounded by snow-capped mountains in Winter and excellent tramping areas in Summer. Nestled under "West Dome" mountain, Mossburn is surrounded by magnificent landscapes and clean, fresh flowing rivers. Before the arrival of Europeans, the Māori in Northern Southland were hunter-gatherers. Tool production was important for their survival; they travelled great distances to obtain materials. Mossburn was on the route to the Dart River, which supplied the best source of greenstone or jade which was highly prized by the Māori and shaped into cutting tools, jewellery and weapons. In the 1850s European settlers claimed this area for sheep runs. By 1867 Mossburn had an accommodation house. Stores and hotels began in the 1880s; a post office in 1883, and a school in 1887. The railway from Gore arrived in 1887 and carried passengers until 1937 and freight until 1983. George Chewings began the grass seed boom in the 1890 which would make Mossburn famous. Chewings fescue was grown on many properties and sold worldwide until the 1950s. One of the first aerial top-dressing businesses in the province began in Mossburn in 1950 and later transported deer cullers. New Zealand's first Drysdale flock was developed in the area in the late 1950s, and in the early 1970s deer farming was pioneered here and now venison is a large part of the farming economy. A statue of a large stag stands at the western end of Mossburn and is a popular photo shot for passing tourists. Mossburn claims to be the Deer Capital of New Zealand. Trout fishing is the main attraction, with three very good fishing rivers: the Oreti, Aparima and Hamilton Burn Rivers in very close proximity to the town.
Deer Farms
We are passing through an area now which is probably New Zealand’s most prominent deer farming region. Deer have only been commercially farmed on this scale since the mid 1970’s. About this time some progressive farmers realised that with the developing export venison markets, farming deer could be a viable alternative to traditional sheep farming. Once it was found that deer could be successfully farmed, many others also wanted to diversify into this profitable new industry. The principle of supply and demand then came into effect - the demand being large, and somewhat restricted. This saw prices of breeding stock soar and heralded the massive increase in deer farming that we have here today. It also saw the arrival of private investors who saw the possibility of excellent returns being made. Even now many of the deer we see may not be owned by the farmer on whose land they are grazing but will be owned by investors from all over New Zealand. Venison from these animals is exported mainly to the European market. Velvet, which is the antler in the soft stage of growth, is removed annually in the spring, and is also a high valued product. It is exported to Asian countries where it is processed for medicinal purposes. New management techniques are constantly being evolved to improve the ease of farming these animals. Initially, it was thought that deer would only graze the roughest bush and scrub, such as they would find in the wild. Today the best pastures are saved for them. One thing that will probably not change is the need for high fences to contain them, as the traditional one-metre-high fence is no more than a high step to these agile animals. New Zealand is considered unique in that, except for two now almost extinct species of bats, there are NO native mammals in the land. Deer are no exception to this rule and were introduced from other countries by the early settlers. The most common species to be found in this region are the European Red Deer and the North American Elk. The Elk, referred to as Wapiti, were given as a gift to the people of New Zealand by President Roosevelt of the United States, and in 1905 eighteen in number were liberated into the wilds of Fiordland. In the absence of predators all species multiplied so prolifically that they were soon declared a pest, and hunting feral deer became big business. Many of these hunters were employed by the government as part of a large-scale extermination policy. They would often spend months at a time hunting on foot in the forest and mountain regions. Later, as exporters began seeking access to overseas venison markets, small private companies used light aircraft to fly hunters to the more remote areas and to bring venison out for processing. This later expanded to involve expensive helicopter-borne operations and there were many incidents involving great risks and sometimes tragedy to those airborne hunters as they swept the mountain-tops and valleys in search of their elusive prey. The final chapter began with the demand for live deer by the low land farmer and a deer was soon worth ten times more alive than dead. The excitement of the hunt remains, however. Helicopter hunting was adapted to the new needs and the tranquilliser dart and the net replaced the rifle. Some of the more adventurous hunters simply leapt from the helicopter on to the back of the deer in an attempt to capture it! This proved extremely dangerous for both the hunter and the deer.
Red Tussock
The area we are currently passing through is a Department of Conversation or DOC preservation area for the red tussock. Tussocks are grasses, but in some ways the metre high plants resemble forests, protecting the small plants and animals that reside beneath their fringes. Within New Zealand, there are 16 indigenous species of tussock. Believe it or not, some of these individual plants can be up to 300 years old. When Europeans arrived in New Zealand, they found tussock in both the North and South Islands, however the most extensive tussockland occurred east of the Southern Alps from Marlborough to Southland. What the early settlers did not know was that the immense area of tussocklands they saw were a relatively recent phenomenon. About half the original forest along the eastern part of the South Island, was burnt by the Māori. It is believed that this burning of forest was to flush out and make it easier to pursue the now extinct flightless Moa. It is likely that the fires got out of control fanned by nor wester winds. After the fires, most of the land reverted to tussockland. Tussocks are well adapted to the rigours of the sub-alpine environment, able to withstand extremes of climate and temperatures that range from sub-zero up to 40 degrees C. Their ecological importance has been recognised; they act as heat conductors, melting and breaking up winter snow, and they capture moisture from fog, which is then slowly released to the lowlands below. Hence the establishment of protection areas managed by DOC to rejuvenate these important alpine grasses.
The Key
Haere mai ki Murihiku – welcome to Southland, known in te reo Māori as Murihiku, meaning “the tail end of the land.” This region has been home to Māori for many centuries. The first people to settle here were known as Waitaha – a name that refers to both a people and a collection of early tribes who lived in Te Waipounamu, the South Island, long before later migrations. Waitaha trace their ancestry to Rakaihautu, the great explorer who arrived in the waka Uruao. According to tradition, Rakaihautu travelled down the island, naming the land and using his digging stick, or ko, to form the great lakes of the South Island. These stories are treasured by Ngāi Tahu and help explain the deep ancestral connection to this whenua. After Waitaha came Ngāti Māmoe, who gradually merged with the older tribes through marriage and alliances. Then, in the 1600s, Kāi Tahu (also known as Ngāi Tahu) arrived from the North Island. Over time, these iwi blended together through whakapapa – genealogy – and today, Kāi Tahu are recognised as the principal iwi of the South Island. Our ancestors were expert hunter-gatherers. They moved with the seasons – living in coastal villages like Waikawa, Awarua (Bluff), Aparima (Riverton), and Ruapuke Island, then heading inland in warmer months to fish, hunt, and gather kai. They harvested tītī – muttonbirds – from islands near Rakiura, a tradition that continues for many whānau today. European sealers arrived in the 1790s, followed by whalers. By the 1830s, Kāi Tahu were trading with these newcomers and supporting early settlers. One of our great rangatira, Tūhawaiki, famously defeated northern invaders at Tuturau in 1836, and later signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840. As you travel through Murihiku today, you are moving through land shaped by generations of Māori – our stories, our ancestors, and our deep relationship with the land, sea, and sky.
Pre Te Anau
We're now getting close to Te Anau, often called the gateway to Fiordland – and the hub for many of the region’s most popular activities. Te Anau is internationally recognised as “The Walking Capital of the World”, with access to some of New Zealand’s most famous tracks – including the Milford Track, Routeburn, Kepler, Greenstone, and Hollyford. Whether you're after a multi-day adventure or just a short scenic walk, this is a hiker’s paradise. Another special highlight of the area is the Te Anau-au Glowworm Caves. These are accessible by a 30-minute boat ride across the lake. Inside, you'll find a fascinating network of geologically active caves – home to thousands of glowworms – and they’re the only caves of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere. From Te Anau, the road to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular drives in the world. The 119-kilometre journey winds through lush pastures, ancient native forest, and up into dramatic alpine terrain. You’ll pass countless short walks and stunning lookout points before reaching the famous Homer Tunnel, the gateway to Milford Sound. So, sit back, take in the views, and get ready to experience the beauty of Fiordland.
Fly-Backs Milford Sound to Queenstown
For those interested, and weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to fly back to Queenstown from Milford Sound—an unforgettable experience and available at an additional cost. The wilderness between Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and Queenstown is some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape in the world. A scenic flight over this region reveals a side of Fiordland that few ever get to see from the ground. You’ll soar over hidden alpine lakes, ancient glaciers, and towering snow-capped peaks, with sweeping views of lush rainforest, deep glacial valleys, and the remote wilderness of Fiordland National Park. On clear days, the views stretch from the rugged West Coast to the Southern Alps, and over the vast untouched backcountry that separates Milford from Queenstown. Flights may include highlights like Lake Quill, where the spectacular Sutherland Falls—one of New Zealand’s tallest at 580 metres—plunge down into the rainforest below. These flights offer not only speed and convenience, but also a chance to witness the sheer scale and beauty of the region from a completely different perspective. After your cruise, you’ll board a light aircraft, and in around 35–45 minutes, you’ll arrive back in Queenstown—rested, amazed, and with a camera full of unforgettable memories. If you're interested, please speak to your driver as soon as possible. Spaces are limited and strictly subject to weather and availability.
蒂阿瑙
Welcome to Te Anau – a favourite destination for both Kiwi travellers and visitors from around the world. Known as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Te Anau offers excellent trout fishing, hunting, and boating, all set against a stunning natural backdrop. It also serves as the main gateway to Fiordland National Park – a place of epic landscapes and world-class hiking. There are over 500 kilometres of walking tracks here, ranging from gentle nature trails to challenging alpine hikes that cross high mountain passes. We’ll be making a short comfort stop here before continuing on to Milford Sound. Please take note of the coach departure time as announced by your driver and make sure you're back on board promptly. Enjoy your time here in Te Anau – and don’t forget to take in the fresh air and the beautiful views! Please pay attention to the coach departure time indicated by the driver.
South Arm
To our left, is Lake Te Anau, the second largest in the country, with a surface area in excess of 34,000 hectares. This lake has three fiords, or arms, and directly across from us is the South Fiord. It is at the entrance to this fiord that the lake plunges to its deepest point of 417 metres - 217 metres below sea level. The mountains to the left of South Fiord are the Keppler, and to the right the Murchison. Much of the Murchison Mountains have yet to be explored; their terrain is extremely rough and the rainfall very high. In fact, you will notice the lush green vegetation on the far side of the lake where the annual rainfall is 3700mm. With only 1200mm on this side, the land is far more barren. In 1942, one Dr Geoffrey Orbell from Invercargill, began leading expeditions into the Murchison Mountains, in search of a legendary “lost tribe” of Ngati Mamoe Māoris. The Ngati Mamoe were reputed to have fled to the wilds of Fiordland, at a time when the major South Island tribes were at war. There was ample and repeated evidence of their survival until about 100 years ago, but there have been no confirmed sightings in modern times. Dr Orbell’s many unsuccessful expeditions in search of the lost tribe were not totally in vain. In 1948 he rediscovered one of New Zealand’s, and the world’s, rarest birds - the flightless Takahe! The Takahe was known to be rare during the 19th century with the last bird taken alive in 1898; for the next 50 years the Takahe was thought to have been extinct. Orbell's discovery of a colony of 200 pairs of the birds near Te Anau created interest throughout the world. Six of these birds were later trapped and taken to Te Anau where a special enclosure was built to house them. The Takahe population declined steadily however from 1960, reaching a bottom level of 120 birds in 1980. Predation by stoats may have been partly to blame, but the major factor in the populations decline was attributed to the competition for food from the Red Deer. Like the deer, the Takahe fed on tussock shoots and the seeds and shoots of alpine grasslands. With the establishment of deer control operations to protect the Takahe’s habitat, the main population in the Murchison Mountains appeared to stabilise at 160 birds. Today, the Takahe is bred in captivity and they are now being released back into the wild, however the bird is still extremely rare with a population of just over 200. The Murchison Mountains are one of the few places in New Zealand where all four of our flightless birds the Takahe, Kakapo, Kiwi and Weka are known to exist. Also, by the lake edge under the Murchisons is a well-known attraction - the Te Anau-au Glow Worm Caves. Access is by boat from Te Anau and the visit is a popular one. Like the Ngāti Māmoe lost tribe, compelling Māori stories of “Te-Anau-au” - the caves of rushing water - kept people exploring for their evidence for many years. As there was no written Māori language, Māori history and important events were recorded as spoken stories and legend. This has veiled much of the Māori past in a collection of lore. You can imagine then, the excitement when something only known in tales and stories such as “the caves of rushing water’ is actually rediscovered - and as recently as 1948! If you watch along the roadside, you will notice a brown rough looking scrub, this is the Manuka bush. In 1773 Captain James Cook, on his second voyage to New Zealand, reported in his diary that tea was made from the leaves of the Manuka bush and given to his crew as a medicine to combat scurvy. Also, many early settlers used this plant to brew beer. Today the Manuka bush is popular with beekeepers, as some very fine honey is produced from the white Manuka flower. This large glacial valley we are in is called the Te Anau Basin. It is larger than most because this particular valley was the meeting point for no less than 10 large glaciers. As a result, the Te Anau Basin became one enormous ice field. Then, as the earth’s temperature rose, the glaciers at last began to recede. The first plant life to adopt the scarred landscapes were small lichens. These plants, in turn, made a favourable environment for mosses to become established. As the mosses thrived, replacing the lichen, they helped create a little soil, and in doing so allowed small tussock grasses to take hold. These, in time, smothered out the mosses. Fern plants, too, as you can see growing under the Manuka, assumed predominance in the changing landscape. Now, the Manuka itself has battled its way to an existence that replaces the ferns and tussock, and is a reminder to us of the forces of evolution. Shortly we will see the New Zealand Beech forests and can observe how the great Beech forests, in fact, use the Manuka to protect its young trees; and the Manuka will be replaced by the Beech, the latest cycle in the ecology of this area.
Te Anau Downs
We are now approaching an area known as “Te Anau Downs”, and from here we will have our last views of the lake. It is from a small bay we will be passing shortly, that trampers board a boat and sail to the head of the lake to begin walking the famous Milford Track. The magnificent walk takes three days to complete. Starting at the head of Lake Te Anau, up the Clinton Valley, over the McKinnon Pass, then down the Arthur Valley to Milford Sound. You will be able to see the Arthur Valley on your left as you reach Milford. Much of our native bird life can be seen on the Milford Track, along with native Flora and Fauna. In the Spring, trampers are treated to the beautiful sight of alpine flowers such as the Mountain Lily, the Daisy and the Buttercup in full bloom. These flowers almost completely cover the valley floors and mountain slopes, giving the appearance of a spectacular multi-coloured carpet, interlaced with clear blue mountain streams. This is no country for the unwary however, as during bad weather, and with the extremely high rainfall in the Fiordland forests, some streams become raging, impassable torrents in a very short time, dropping again as quickly as they have risen once the rains have stopped. As a point of interest, the average annual rainfall in the Milford area is almost 6.5m, and in one 24-hour period half a metre of rainfall has been recorded. Shortly we will climb the Retford Hills. At the moment, the land around us comprises the large Te Anau Downs Sheep Station. When we cross the Retford Hills, we will descend into the start of the Eglinton Valley. The Eglinton River, famed for its excellent trout fishing, will soon be visible on our left-hand side. For a few weeks during the spring the Eglinton River flats are ablaze with colour when the lupins are in flower.
Fiordland National Park
We’re now entering Fiordland National Park, and from here all the way to Milford Sound, we’ll be travelling through one of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness areas in the world. This is New Zealand’s largest national park, covering over 1.2 million hectares, and it's part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area – recognised for its outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance. Fiordland is home to dramatic glacial landscapes, towering mountains, deep fiords, and ancient rainforests. The land rises from sea level on the western coast to the summit of Mt Tutoko, at over 2,700 metres high. Above 1,500 metres, the peaks are covered in permanent snow and ice, while lower elevations are cloaked in dense native forest. You’ll see three main types of native beech trees here – Red, Silver, and Mountain Beech. Red Beech grows in the warmer lowlands, while the hardy Silver and Mountain varieties stretch right up to the tree line, around 1,000 metres. In the valleys and flats, you may spot other native trees like Rimu, Matai, and Kahikatea, and if you’re here in spring or early summer, look out for the striking red blossoms of the Southern Rātā, which also produces a unique honey. Fiordland’s forests often cling to steep rock faces, growing in thin layers of peat and moss. Occasionally, these forests lose their grip and slide downhill in dramatic tree avalanches – clearly visible on boat trips through Milford Sound. The park is a sanctuary for many of Aotearoa’s native birds, including Fantails, Tui, Bellbirds, and Bush Robins. If you're lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the Kea – New Zealand’s curious alpine parrot. With its green feathers and bright orange underwings, it’s both beautiful and mischievous – known for stealing anything from food to car parts! However, not all the park’s wildlife is welcome. One particularly destructive intruder is the Stoat. Originally introduced from England to control the rabbit population – which, ironically, was also introduced from England – stoats have had a devastating impact on our ground-dwelling native birds. They raid nests, not just on the ground but also high in the trees and are one of the main threats to endangered species like the Takahē and Kākāpō. Please remember that this is a World Heritage Site, and one of the few truly unspoilt wilderness areas left on Earth. As we pass through, take a moment to appreciate the richness of this land – and the importance of protecting it for future generations. So, keep your eyes open, your camera ready, and remember – all native birds are protected by law.
Eglinton Valley
We’re now travelling through the stunning Eglinton Valley – one of the true highlights of Fiordland National Park. The Eglinton River begins high in the mountains between Lake Wakatipu and Milford Sound, flowing south for around 55 kilometres before reaching the eastern shore of Lake Te Anau. For much of its length, the river runs through a wide, flat, glaciated valley, framed by steep mountain walls that rise over 1,800 metres – or 6,000 feet. The first Europeans to explore the valley were Southland runholders McKellar and Gunn, who climbed several nearby peaks in 1861. For decades, this was a remote backcountry known mostly to trampers, deerstalkers, and local runholders who grazed the lower flats. The Eglinton River, Mt Eglinton, and the Earl Mountains were all named by explorer and surveyor James McKerrow, in honour of the Earl of Eglinton in Scotland. And while this landscape may seem still and silent, it's full of life. In 1997, a colony of New Zealand’s rare short-tailed bats was rediscovered here – the first sighting in this region since 1871. These tiny creatures – known in te reo Māori as pekepeka – are unusual among bats in that they forage on the forest floor, making them especially vulnerable to introduced predators like stoats, rats, and cats. These bats are also adept flyers and on a single night can cover a distance of 30-40km, and can fly at speeds up to 60km per hour. So, as we drive through this incredible valley, take in the beauty around you – the towering peaks, ancient forests, and deep glacial history. Eglinton Valley is not only a scenic gem but also a vital part of Fiordland’s natural and cultural heritage.
Mirror Lakes
Coming up shortly are the Mirror Lakes – a popular and picturesque stop along the road to Milford Sound. On still, calm days, the surface of these small lakes acts like a perfect mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains, trees, and sky with incredible clarity. It's a stunning natural illusion – and a favourite photo opportunity for visitors. The boardwalk to the lakes is easy and flat, running parallel to the road and only about 400 metres return. It takes around 10 minutes to walk, though you’re welcome to take your time and soak in the views. These reflective pools give many visitors their first true sense of Fiordland’s untouched beauty – a peaceful moment of stillness before we head deeper into this remote wilderness. Time permitting, we may stop at Mirror Lakes so you can enjoy a short walk and experience this unique spot for yourself. Have your cameras ready – especially if the weather’s calm!
Knobbs Flat
We are passing through “Knobs Flat”, so named because of the rounded hillocks left behind from a receding glacier. These small hillocks can be seen on our left. To the right Knobbs Flat was established as a camp for road maintenance workers during the construction of the Milford Road up until the 1980s. Today, Knobs Flat is a rest stop and visitor hub, offering amenities like parking, toilets, and an information hub. Building a road through such challenging terrain with harsh and unpredictable climates wasn’t an easy task though. The entire construction of the Milford Road took 24 years to complete – starting in 1929 with 100 men armed with nothing more than shovels, wheelbarrows and handsaws. For most of the construction they were part of the Great Depression, as a means of absorbing unemployment labour, it was finally completed 24 years later in 1953. The most difficult and dangerous segment during construction was the Homer Tunnel, some 37 kms ahead of us. The beautiful Eglinton River is still with us away to the left, as are the Earl Mountains. There are tramping trails of varying degrees of difficulty over these mountains, giving access to the head of Lake Te Anau. For the adventurous trampers who do not wish to travel by boat to the start of the Milford Track, there is the option of joining the track at the Clinton Valley, by taking a seven hour “stroll” over this range.
Lake Gunn
On our left is Lake Gunn, and shortly on our right you will see Lake Fergus. Both of these small alpine lakes were formed by a landslide that blocked the Eglington Valley. Clearly visible are more recent landslides where the trees and shingle have tumbled down the cliff walls into the lake. The heavy rainfall here is the major contributor to these periodic landslides. Lake Gunn was named after Southland runholder George Gunn who on the 19th June 1861 with fellow sheepman David McKellar, came upon this lake and the neighbouring lakes while searching for suitable grazing area. Lake Fergus which you will see shortly on your right is the source of the Eglington River.
Main Divide
At a height of 530 metres above sea level the Main Divide is the lowest Pass in the Southern Alps. Technically at the moment we could say we are on the East Coast and as soon as we have crossed, we’re then on the West Coast. From the Divide, the Routeburn and Greenstone Valley walking tracks may be seen leading off to the right. These tracks lead to the head of Lake Wakatipu, which is only 47 kms away on the far side of the Ailsa Mountains.
Hollyford Valley
We’ve now crossed the Divide, and we’re descending into the lush, remote beauty of the Hollyford Valley. You might notice the change in vegetation – it’s noticeably denser on this side. That’s because the prevailing winds in New Zealand come from the west, bringing with them most of the rain. As a result, the western slopes of the mountains are covered in true coastal rainforest – thick, green, and teeming with life. This valley has long been used by Māori, who travelled through here to reach the coast. But it wasn’t until 1861 that Europeans first laid eyes on it – from a vantage point above the Divide. Two Southland runholders, David McKerrow and George Gunn, were the first to glimpse the valley. A few years later, in 1863, the first European journeyed down it. To your right, the Hollyford River flows toward the Tasman Sea, carving a path through deep forest and rugged terrain. Looking ahead, you’ll soon see the striking Mount Lyttle, rising in the distance. To the left of that, the jagged peaks of the Crosscut Range come into view. And directly in front of us, dominating the skyline as we approach the lookout, is the towering mass of Mount Christina – rising steeply from the valley floor. As we continue down the road, look to the left for a beautiful cascade known as Christie Falls. After heavy rain, the falls are spectacular – and if the conditions are right, you might even catch a refreshing spray as we cross the nearby bridge!
To Homer Tunnel
We are now travelling the upper Hollyford Valley toward the Homer Tunnel. This region from here to the tunnel was one of the most difficult sections of road to build, especially during the winter months. Heavy snowfalls and freezing temperatures, combined with the constant threat of avalanches, made the road builders’ lives very difficult indeed. At certain times of the year, avalanche danger signs are posted here. These are a common-sense safety precaution and are posted to discourage motorists from leaving their vehicles and straying towards danger prone areas. As we continue up the valley you will see the remains of old avalanches plus some not-so-old piles of debris. The absence of trees below the slopes indicate their paths. Wind blast from an avalanche causes immense damage that can be seen in the flattened vegetation at the upper end of this valley. At this point, we’re still travelling around the base of Mount Christina, that towers 2,200 metres above us. Weather permitting, you may soon get some excellent views of the permanent glaciated ice fields on the upper slopes of this mountain. Unfortunately, from nowhere on the road is it possible to see the summit of Mount Christina. Further along on the right, the jagged west peaks of the Crosscut Range will be passed. All the peaks to the right are part of the Darran Mountains. The hard granite rock of the Darrans provide some of the best rock climbing in New Zealand. During heavy rain, all around are literally hundreds of waterfalls. Some are only small narrow ribbons, but many others are much larger; water from these falls can spray over the road in places. Further along we will come to a large flat area, known simply as Lyttles Flat. A support village complete with a doctor, school and shops were established at Lyttles Flat in 1938 when work began on the Homer Tunnel. The only sign of the former settlement is a concrete block at the roadside – the remains of the old baker's oven. Lyttles Flat can also be recognised by a large number of orange-coloured rocks. Strangely, the substance causing the colouration is actually a “green” algae, not orange as you would believe. When we drive through the middle of Lyttles Flat, straight ahead towards the top of the valley, the symmetrical peak of Mount Talbot dominates the view. Standing in a commanding position, Mount Talbot is ranked as one of our most beautiful mountains.
Gertrude Valley
We are now in the Gertrude Valley, which is a favourite access route for climbers heading into the central Darrans is seen to the right of Mount Talbot, while the valley leading up to the Homer Tunnel veers away to the left. When we reach the Homer tunnel, look directly above the tunnel entrance to the Homer Saddle. Before the tunnel was completed, that was the route to Milford Sound. The journey started with a climb to the Saddle then up a steep rock ridge known as Talbot’s Ladder. The remains of the safety ropes are still there. The postman bringing mail during tunnel construction, used to climb Homer’s Saddle, then slide down wire ropes on the other side. It was called the Postman’s Descent and will be well worth observing when we have passed through the tunnel. Our native mountain parrot, the Kea is often seen waiting to greet visitors at the tunnel entrance.
Homer Tunnel
We’re about to enter the Homer Tunnel, a remarkable engineering feat carved through the Darran Mountains beneath the Homer Saddle. Although the tunnel is wide enough for a bus and a small vehicle to pass each other, traffic lights help manage the flow for safety. The tunnel is about 1.2 kilometres long with a steep gradient of 1 in 10, running east to west. On this side, we’re at around 926 metres above sea level, and when we emerge, the altitude drops to about 796 metres in the Cleddau Valley. The tunnel and the saddle are named after William Henry Homer, who, along with George Barber, discovered the saddle during a surveying expedition in 1889. Homer suggested a tunnel through the mountains would be the best way to reach Milford Sound, but it took many decades before his vision became reality. Construction began in the harsh winter of 1935, with just five men armed with picks, shovels, and blasting powder starting the initial excavation. The workforce later grew, living in a tent camp down in the valley that was often cold, wet, and sunless through long winter months. Water seepage and flooding were constant challenges then, and even today, water still drips through the rock. The tunnel was first dug through in 1940, but work stopped during World War II. In 1945, an avalanche buried the eastern portal, delaying progress. It wasn’t until 1953, with the help of heavy machinery, that the tunnel was finally completed and opened to traffic in 1954. As we exit the tunnel, you’ll notice the breathtaking Cleddau Valley, carved by glaciers estimated to have been over 900 metres thick. The sheer rock walls are especially dramatic after heavy rain, when dozens of waterfalls cascade down the cliffs. Just past the tunnel, the road bends sharply to the left, heading back toward the tunnel entrance. Look up to the sheer rock face above – this is the famous Postman’s Descent, where mail was once lowered on a rope down this steep cliff. Imagine carrying a sack of mail sliding down that sheer face! As we continue down the valley, on your left are the rugged Wick Mountains, and on the right, the towering Darran Mountains. The Homer Tunnel’s story is one of determination through tough conditions – freezing winds, avalanches, and war – but it opened up access to one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural wonders, Milford Sound. Enjoy the stunning views as we wind down the Cleddau Valley.
Milford Sound
In a few minutes we will be arriving at what you have all been waiting for . . . Milford Sound. The Milford Airfield will appear to our left, and further to the left, in the distance, the Arthur Valley, down which is the final section of the Milford Track. The water in the Sound is of course salt water and joins the Tasman Sea some 22 kms through the glacial carved mountains. At certain times of the year dolphins, crested penguins and fur seals may be seen in the Sound. In just a few minutes, we’ll arrive at the highlight of your trip—Piopiotahi, Milford Sound. Although it’s called a sound, Milford Sound is actually a fiord. In te reo Māori, it’s named Piopiotahi after the now-extinct piopio bird. Māori legend tells of a lone piopio flying here in mourning after the hero Māui died trying to win immortality for humankind. To our left, you’ll see Milford Airfield, and beyond that, the Arthur Valley—the final section of the famous Milford Track. The saltwater here flows through glacial-carved mountains to meet the Tasman Sea about 22 kilometers away. Depending on the season, keep an eye out for dolphins, crested penguins, and fur seals. On your left stands Mitre Peak, rising 1,692 meters straight from the sea floor. Though it looks like a single peak, it’s actually one of five closely grouped summits. Its name comes from its likeness to a bishop’s mitre. As we round to the right side of the fiord, Bowen Falls comes into view near the tourist jetty—especially stunning after rain. Now, it’s time for the Milford Sound Cruise, the highlight of the day. Milford Sound is also a marine reserve, home to rare wildlife like the Fiordland Crested Penguin, bottlenose dolphins, and fur seals. With up to seven meters of rain annually, its many waterfalls come spectacularly to life. Please have your passes ready and, if your ticket includes lunch, hand your pass to a crew member on board. After the cruise, please return promptly to the coach—the drive back to Te Anau and Queenstown is long. There will be a comfort stop along the way, but no commentary on the return journey. Enjoy your cruise and the stunning beauty of Piopiotahi—Milford Sound!
Milford Sound to Queenstown
We hope you enjoyed your Milford Sound cruise today. We're now making our way back to Te Anau and Queenstown. There won’t be any commentary on the return journey, so please sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery one last time. If you’ve had a great day, we’d love to hear from you—feel free to leave feedback via email or via your booking agent. Thank you for choosing to travel with us today. We hope to welcome you on board again soon!
