Once called Milford Haven (because of Welsh connections), some say there is only a 10% chance that you’ll catch a fine day there. And guess what? The Maori weather gods were on our side! This place gets nearly 7 metres of rain per year. You may think that 2012 was a wet one for the UK, but that was less than a fifth of what the west coast of S Island can get on an annual basis. So if you have been a whinging Pom about last year’s weather, you obviously need to get things into perspective…..!
You may think this photo is upside down…..but look again
The road up to Milford is simply littered with must-see panoramas (sorry about the thumb!)
then the launch that took us up the Sound (a modest affair but it did provide lunch)……
to be entranced by waterfalls in full flow
then when the sun came out the lingering clouds took on a special outline
providing a framework for the soaring peaks. It’s remoteness is essentially a contributing factor to the conservation of such beauty, which proudly has the status of a World Heritage Site.
If you come this way, hail rain or shine, put Milford Sound on your itinerary. You will not be disappointed.
To conclude the day, I sped the 20km to Manapouri to put me in place for a trip out to Doubtful Sound, even more remote, and accessible only by boat.
Children in Syria Appeal: http://www.justgiving.com/Frank-Burns1
you are very fortunate Frank to witness such beauty in Nature.
I agree Sam…
Hi Frank, My internet has been down for a week so glad to catch with your blog. Pleased to hear yer bike is back on the road, Keep an eye around the weld as sometimes another fracture may occur if the stress is too great. Not sure if the welder did any post-weld stress relief. My first 3 months of a 5-year engineering apprenticeship was in the welding shop.
Good that you made it to Milford Sound. We went there in ’07 when we trekked the Milford Track. Mitre Peak is just over the mile from water (sea) level to the top @ 5,551ft.!! We also did Doubtful Sound in ’05. Has the edge on Milford. Look at all the ferns on Wilmot Pass and the seals basking at the far end of Doubtful Sound. There are some penguins on Doubtful. Quite difficult to see but the boat courier should point them out. Have a great day. Dave
Good to hear from you again Dave, and thanks for advice re. weld.
I’ve been really enjoying your journey! Thank you!!
Beautiful. Love that part of NZ
So beautiful…thank you for sharing these images of just how amazing our world is! I look forward to your posts every day!
Fantastic pictures Frank, what an experience you are h aving. Glad to hear you are back on the road with the mended bike! Shelagh
Great to hear from you Shelagh, and thanks for following the blog!
Damn you , Frank. You’ve used up a year’s supply of sunshine at Milford, so it will rain again next time I’m there.
Richard, and I’ve done just the same at Doubtful Sound….!
Hi Frank, Heather here. You are fortunate to have experienced Milford Sound on such a lovely day. I haven’t been there but it is a place I would love to visit. I can understand why it is Heritage listed. Your photo of the reflection in the water conveys what the sign says – Mirror Lakes.
It was truly stunning Heather. It pays to study the forecast before committing.