| Page Views: 461 Last Visit to Milford Sound: February, 2002 | Milford Sound by joanj - last update: Dec 19, 2004 |
After a very long, but wonderful coach trip from Queenstown, via Te Anau, we boarded a vessel that took us down the Sound and out as far as the Tasman Sea.
We managed to get on to the top deck of the boat and had a fantastic view all round. We viewed New Zealand Fur seals on rocks, and many waterfallswhich were very spectacular.
It reminded me so much of the Norweigian Fjords,
Although it was very windy up top, it was well worth it.
European History
Exploring the rugged coastline in 1770, Captain James Cook did not enter Milford Sound, he believed nothing lay beyond the unlikely looking entrance.
The first Europeans to discover Milford were possibly a group of early sealers who operated along the coast from 1793 onwards. Captain John Grono, a well known sealer who was born near Milford Haven in Wales (United Kingdom) is thought to have named the Sound some time between 1809 and 1823.
Picture by joanj |
|  | Homer Tunnel En Route to Milford Sound we stopped to take photographs of the area surrounding the Homer Tunnel.
This tunnel was named after the man who discovered the Homer Saddle, between the Hollyford and Cleddau valleys in 1899.
The 1km long tunnel was completed in 1940 after five years of construction. It was not until 1953 that it was widened sufficiently for road traffic.
Avalanches claimed the lives of three men, and in 1983 a road overseer was killed near the area.
photo joanj |
Lazy brown fur seals This small group of New Zealand fur seals were just lazing on this rock where out boat passed close by.
Photo joanj | | |
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| Pros: | "Awesome scenery, reminiscent of the Norweigan fjords" | | In A Nutshell: | "Worth the long drive to view the surroundings" |
joanj's Milford Sound Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 |
 joanj's Milford Sound Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for joanj about Milford Sound | | | | |
MarcBrudane Sun Feb 1, 2004 21:26 UTC
Great pictures! Can't wait to go myself (in April though - fingers crossed for good weather!!)Marc Brudane |
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