Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is breath-taking beauty. With misty mountains rising vertically out of the waters, waterfall gushing down their rocky cliffs, and the lush rainforest with rainwater-drenched moss, we felt the magic unfolding right before our eyes. Milford Sound/Piopiotahi seems so ethereal in the rainy season.

Do you know that the waterfall in the thumbnail pic is almost 3 times taller than Niagra?? Stirling Falls is Milford's second-highest waterfall. At a staggering 151m in height, it is taller than Niagara Falls. However, the huge mountains towering above 1000m behind it disguises the waterfall height.

Milford Sound is a misnomer as it is a fjord and not a sound. It is a landscape carved out by slow-marching glaciers tens of thousands of years ago. These high-rising mountains are part of the Southern Alps, and their rivers are glacier-fed. Some of the waterfalls disappear as mist down the way because of the sheer drop.

2 hour Cruise is the main attraction in Milford Sound and the Waterfalls are one of the main highlights of the cruise. With rain, you can see hundreds of temporary waterfalls in addition to the two permanent waterfalls, Stirling Falls and Lady Bowen Falls, making the place even more magical.

Stirling Falls - The waterfall drops vertically over a cliff into the fjord. On the way back, many boats come very close to the falls so that people can experience the mist from the waterfall up close. The legend says that the waterfall's water makes the people younger. Waterfall height: 151m

Lady Bowen Falls - At 162 meters (531 ft), this is the tallest waterfall in Milford Sound, and can only be visited by boat. The Bowen River is also used to generate electricity and supply drinking water for the township.

Mitre Peak/Rahotu - Rising to 5,560 feet (1,690 m), this is New Zealand’s most photographed mountain.

The easiest way to enjoy the place is by taking a cruise. In our experience, booking smaller vessels is a better way to enjoy Milford Sounds as they can get us closer to the shoreline and waterfalls. We saw Dolphins, Seals, Penguins, and some sea birds.

In all seasons this place is an awe-inspiring travel destination! On a rainy day, you feel the total magic of nature in this World Heritage wonderland.

Music Courtesy - Puzhu Pulikal Kammatipaadam

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