Skip to content

Milford Sound, New Zealand

# Milford Sound Milford Sound is a fjord in Fiordland National Park in New Zealand's South Island. It's one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the planet. The sound itself is approximately 16 km (10 miles) long and 1-2 km (0.6-1.2 miles) wide, making it a breathtakingly beautiful fjord.

Introduction

Milford Sound is situated in Fiordland National Park, which was established in 1957 to protect New Zealand's unique natural heritage. The park covers an area of over 120,000 hectares and features some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Milford Sound is a popular destination for tourists and adventurers alike, attracting visitors from around the world.

Key Facts

  • Length: approximately 16 km (10 miles)
  • Width: up to 2 km (1.2 miles)
  • Depth: up to 600 meters (2,000 feet) in some areas
  • Water temperature: around 4-6°C (39-43°F) year-round
  • Elevation: up to 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level

Historical Context

Milford Sound has been home to indigenous Maori people for thousands of years. In the late 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, and the sound became a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure and natural beauty. The sound was also used as a route for early explorers, including John Rae, who attempted to navigate the sound in 1891.

Significant Contributions

  • Milford Sound is considered one of the most spectacular fjords on Earth, with its breathtaking scenery and stunning waterfalls.
  • The sound has played an important role in the exploration and settlement of New Zealand, providing a route for early explorers and settlers.
  • Milford Sound was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, recognizing its cultural and natural significance.

Notable Attractions

Waterfalls

  • Milford Track: A 33 km (20.5 mile) hiking trail that follows the sound's coastline and passes through some of its most spectacular waterfalls.
  • Lady Bowen Falls: The highest waterfall on the sound, dropping over 350 meters (1,150 feet).
  • Ben Lomond Falls: One of the most accessible waterfalls in the area.

Landmarks

  • Milford Sound Bridge: A steel bridge that spans

Metadata:

  • Model: llama-3.2-1b-instruct
  • Generation time: 2024-11-03 05:48:32
  • Keywords: Milford Sound, New Zealand, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/milford-sound-new-zealand