Milford Sound

Most folks do Milford sound visit as a day trip from Queenstown though it is four and half drive down to the sound and then take an hour or two of cruise around the sound. We decided to take an overnight cruise on Jewel ship with Fiordland Discovery.

The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is a scenic drive, but we didn’t stop for pictures. Too much of a good thing?

We do plan to spend tomorrow and some of the day after in this area, so we still have opportunities for pictures around here.

We didn’t fill up our gas tank when we left and it got a little worrisome as the fuel gusher kept dropping by 3 kms for each km we drove. Thankfully, we eventually hit downslope and made it safely here with gas to spare. Mayuresh will say that he was never worried, but has anyone ever seen him worried?

Finally we reached our parking area about an hour before our scheduled reporting time. So first thing first, we got gas (petrol in NZ). Finally some stress relief 😊

Our checkin and embarking was quick and easy. And we left marina at 3pm.

Only Shraddha here as Mayuresh went looking for food and coffee 😀

After heading out to Tasman sea through, we saw all the waterfalls in the sound.

And also saw wildlife – sea lion and few birds.

Many of the waterfall have water based on the rains in recent days. However there are 2 waterfalls that have water all year long.

After entering in Tasmania Sea briefly, we started return journey in the sound and visited Sterling Fall. We visited the fall and got close enough to get drenched in the mist. That means we look 10 years younger, per captain.

Though the waterfalls and big views get the most attention, the lichen, moss and shrubs on the fjord walls was also pretty. There were also many coves and caves.

Finally the ship was anchored in relatively calmer side of the sound. Immediately we got into kayaks. Shraddha and I both were brave enough to get in the kayak. And guess what, before I even paddled my first stroke, I tipped the kayak and was in the water. And I was the only happened to be in the water. I just gathered my courage and got back in kayak and continued the kayaking. This is the first time Shraddha and I kayaked in the sea/sound. This was a new experience. After 20-30 minutes of kayaking, we jumped back in the water for swimming for few minutes. Water temperature was 16 degrees Celsius and was very refreshingly cool.

After shower, we had a wonderful 3 course dinner.

Second course – main meal – grilled vegetables and halloumi from goat cheese

Third course – Sorry did not get the picture of mango sorbet and hot fudge brownie 😊

That was it for the day. We had early wake up in the morning for final scenic cruise and breakfast.

Next day- It rained all night long so we slept well. Woke up early, had a quick breakfast while captain went back out in the sound for another hour. All that rain meant many more waterfalls and those we had seen before were very energetic.