Milford Sound

Milford Sound

The word "fjord" originates from Norwegian and refers to a long, deep, narrow inlet of the sea formed when a glacially eroded valley, typically found in high-latitude regions, is flooded by the sea. Milford Sound (also known as Piopiotahi) is located in the southwestern part of New Zealand’s South Island. Stretching 40 kilometers in length and reaching depths of 420 meters, it is the deepest fjord in New Zealand and also one of the country’s most popular fjord destinations after Milford Sound.

In 1770, Captain Cook sailed into this fjord but deemed it too deep and potentially hazardous due to possible hidden reefs, and ultimately chose not to explore it. Later, whalers and seal hunters named the area Milford Sound. In February 1793, a Spanish scientific expedition led by Alessandro Malaspina entered Milford Sound. They created the first map of the fjord’s entrance and named various features based on their characteristics. Today, a section of New Zealand’s map still features place names in Spanish — that area is Milford Sound.

Milford Sound contains two inner fiords and numerous waterfalls, especially during the rainy season, when cascades of all sizes pour down the cliffs in a spectacular display.

Doubtful Sound

Must-visit reason: New Zealand’s deepest fjord

Continent where the attraction is located: Oceania

Country/Region where the attraction is located: New Zealand

Province/State where the attraction is located: Southland Region