Are there sharks in Milford Sound?
EXPERIENCING MILFORD SOUND’S SEA LIFE FOR YOURSELF Through the windows, you can see a natural living wonderland of anemones, mussels, sea stars, conga eels, sponges, black coral, octopus, perch, wrasse and a kaleidoscopic myriad of sea creatures. You might even spot a dolphin, shark or seal flitting through the water.
Is it worth driving to Milford Sound?
Regarding concerns about time, you have to realize that although the drive to Milford Sound is a lengthy one, it is also an extremely scenic drive. Really, the drive out to Milford Sound is half the appeal. If you have a rental car, there are many opportunities to stop along the way and you definitely should.
What is so special about Milford Sound?
Despite its name, Milford Sound is actually a fiord, not a sound. It is also the only fiord in New Zealand that is accessible by road. However, its remote location, bounded by steep cliffs and dense rainforest, means its special features remain unspoilt. You can visit Milford Sound on a day tour or stay the night.
Do cruise ships go into Milford Sound?
Milford Sound welcomes fourth-largest cruise ship in the world, ‘like a mobile Gore’ The Ovation of the Seas arrives in Milford Sound. The ship has a whopping capacity for a total of nearly 5000 guests, with the ship also hosting a further 1500 crew.
Can you swim in Milford Sound?
My plan was to start at Milford Sound and swim 450 kilometres down to Te Waewae Bay in Southland, with some hiking over the mountains between the sounds. I swam out of Milford Sound at 5.30 one morning and headed out to sea. There was a ton of rain overnight and the swell really picked up.
Why is Milford Sound Not a fjord?
Milford Sound is actually a fiord Early European settlers named the area for its geographic features, but they made a mistake in doing so. A sound is formed when a river valley gets flooded by the sea. But Milford Sound was carved out of glacial erosion – thus making it a fiord, not a sound.
Can you drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown?
Milford Sound is 288km from Queenstown (4 hours 15 minutes) and 121km from Te Anau (2 hours 15 minutes). Choosing to drive to Milford Sound by car in your own time can be a rewarding experience, but there are risks involved. It’s important to plan your drive to Milford Sound carefully.
Are there sharks in Fiordland?
A shark, found in Fiordland waters. “We were able to record the marine life unique to the area, such as sharks and black coral, which occur at amazingly shallow depths in the fiords.
What’s the weather like in Milford Sound New Zealand?
Fiordland is one of the wettest areas of New Zealand. It is notorious for high rainfall and can have cool temperatures all year round. On average, Milford Sound receives rain 182 days of the year. In summer, temperatures are usually around 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) and 4 degrees (41 Fahrenheit) in winter.
How to get to Milford Sound from Te Anau?
From Te Anau, take a bus or private transport to Te Anau Downs (30 minutes), then a boat trip to Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau (1 hour 15 minutes). The track finishes at Sandfly Point on Milford Sound. Take a boat trip (20 minutes) to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where there are bus services back to Te Anau and on to Queenstown.
How many people visit Milford Sound each year?
Milford Sound attracts between 550,000 and 1 million visitors per year. This makes the sound one of New Zealand’s most-visited tourist spots even with its remote location and long journey times from the nearest population centres. Many tourists take one of the boat tours which usually last one to two hours.
Where does the Milford Track end in Queenstown?
The track finishes at Sandfly Point on Milford Sound. Take a boat trip (20 minutes) to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where there are bus services back to Te Anau and on to Queenstown. Transport must be booked in advance. There is no vehicle or private access to the start/end of the track.