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milford sound
Part of the Fjordland, arguably the most dramatically stunning scenery in New Zealand, Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. The setting is composed of sky-scraping mountains that plunge into deep-blue lakes and river fjords. The region is best explored via helicopter, since these can land atop glaciers and get you off the beaten path. There are also outfitters in Queenstown that offer fly-over tours via prop planes.
If you have time, combine a flight with a short cruise into the sound – the photo opportunities are seemingly endless. But be sure to arrange to be on a smaller boat. Milford Sound is a popular tourist destination and the majesty of the setting – Rudyard Kipling described it as the “eighth wonder of the world” – can be dimmed somewhat when you end up on a boat with hundreds of other camera-toting tourists.
Serious hikers can also tempt one of the challenging, multi-day “tramps” that pass through this region, including the Milford and Routeburn Treks.
Written by Simone Girner