Milford Sound

 Milford Sound

We stayed in Te Anau but it was an early start to drive up the road to reach Milford Sound. 

Low clouds in the valley en route to Milford Sound. 

We drove along the shore of Lake Te Anau, NZ's longest lake (longest, not the biggest) before we climbed into the mountains. 

One of just many waterfalls that flow off the mountains. 

The downstream junction of the stream from the waterfall. 

We stopped at this spot as it is reputed to be a popular spot for Keas to gather although we saw none. 

The cloud level was low and you may just be able to pick out the mountain outline in the clouds.

This is the entrance to the one kilometre long Homer Tunnel that connects the rest of NZ to the small settlement at Milford Sound.

A close up of the entrance. It dips downwards at 1:10.

It was started in 1935 as a project  to provide jobs in the depth of the Depression. Initially there were just five men with pickaxes and wheelbarrows to start tunnelling. 

One of many waterfalls.

A view of one of the cliffs near the road.

Another waterfall.

A view down the valley after the tunnel.

Our ship, the Milford Haven, named after the port is Wales as was this stretch of water although its name was changed to Milford Sound as the other fjords in the area are all called Sounds.

An unusual day in Milford Sound as it gets over seven metres of rain a year, which equates to 2cms a day, so a sunny day with blue skies is unusual.

A waterfall cascading into the harbour.

A giant waterfall.

A big piece of rock.

A river cut valley emptying into the Sound. For a size comparison, the small black speck near the lower centre of the sky is a helicopter.

A hanging valley and waterfall.

The Disappearing Waterfall where the wind is so strong that it breaks up the falling water before it can reach the base of the cliff.

A large ship dwarfed by the size of the cliffs.

The Tasman Sea at the mouth of the Sound.

Another waterfall whose waters fail to reach the sea before the wind dissipates the falling water into droplets.

Some Fur Seals resting on the rocks.

The Overhang, 700 metres high and it juts out 30 metres.

A dry waterfall, but after heavy rains, these are tumbling with water.

Spanish moss hanging from a tree.

The northern entrance to the Homer Tunnel. 

Snow capped mountains.

The place where the Keas often congregate and the mountain in the background, the same place that was earlier covered in cloud.

Looking up the valley on our return.

The Mirror Lakes, part of a braided river system left as ponds after the river changed its course.

A tree lying in the clear waters.

Ducks on the pond.

The group dress up in fancy dress just for a bit of fun.