Drive Through The Homer Tunnel On Your Way To Milford Sound
The gorgeous Milford Sound in New Zealand's South Island is one of the most beautiful locations in the country and should be on your must see list when you are planning your custom vacation in New Zealand.
So what makes this place so incredibly beautiful? Firstly, believe it or not, it's the rather high rain fall, approximately 182 days per year, which usually means a less than enjoyable holiday, however the rain feeds all that is wonderful in the area - the waterfalls, the rain forests, and the fiords.
Located in the Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi as it's known in Maori, is not only a World Heritage site but has also been called the 8th wonder of the world by Rudyard Kipling, high praise indeed.
There are two permanent waterfalls year round, Stirling Falls and Lady Bowen Falls, however the precipitation that is prevalent in the area creates hundreds more temporary waterfalls that visitors can enjoy during their tour around the sounds.
Many of the waterfalls are created by the sheer height of the cliff faces on each side.
With a minimum height of 1,200 metres and some rising to as much as 1,500, it gives an incredible stage for the waterfalls to showcase their beauty from.
Water is not the only star of the Milford Sounds, you'll also find Bottlenose dolphins, penguins and fur seals frequenting the area and occasionally whales, both Minke and Humpback have been spotted, however these sightings are rare.
There are also incredible bird watching opportunities in the rain forests, wetlands and other areas in the sounds.
You'll find heron, swan, Pukeko, Weka, Morepork, South Island robin, Kea, little owl, and kingfisher.
There are a plethora of species in the region and you can join bird watching tours as part of your custom vacation in New Zealand.
Getting to the sounds is generally by road, it's just over 300kms from Queenstown and can be driven in 4-5 hours or by tour bus if you prefer someone else to drive.
Self drive does give you freedom during your custom New Zealand vacation, and you'll be able to stop along the route to take photos, enjoy the 'pop up' waterfalls.
By road also takes you through one of the regions other highlights, the Homer Tunnel.
This 1.
2km long tunnel is a 'must do' if you are visiting the region.
You'll travel through mountain landscapes before you head into the tunnel and come out into the canyons that descent into the Milford Sounds, all the while being embraced by rain forests.
A simply awe inspiring experience that is the perfect curtain raiser to the Milford Sounds experience.
So what makes this place so incredibly beautiful? Firstly, believe it or not, it's the rather high rain fall, approximately 182 days per year, which usually means a less than enjoyable holiday, however the rain feeds all that is wonderful in the area - the waterfalls, the rain forests, and the fiords.
Located in the Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi as it's known in Maori, is not only a World Heritage site but has also been called the 8th wonder of the world by Rudyard Kipling, high praise indeed.
There are two permanent waterfalls year round, Stirling Falls and Lady Bowen Falls, however the precipitation that is prevalent in the area creates hundreds more temporary waterfalls that visitors can enjoy during their tour around the sounds.
Many of the waterfalls are created by the sheer height of the cliff faces on each side.
With a minimum height of 1,200 metres and some rising to as much as 1,500, it gives an incredible stage for the waterfalls to showcase their beauty from.
Water is not the only star of the Milford Sounds, you'll also find Bottlenose dolphins, penguins and fur seals frequenting the area and occasionally whales, both Minke and Humpback have been spotted, however these sightings are rare.
There are also incredible bird watching opportunities in the rain forests, wetlands and other areas in the sounds.
You'll find heron, swan, Pukeko, Weka, Morepork, South Island robin, Kea, little owl, and kingfisher.
There are a plethora of species in the region and you can join bird watching tours as part of your custom vacation in New Zealand.
Getting to the sounds is generally by road, it's just over 300kms from Queenstown and can be driven in 4-5 hours or by tour bus if you prefer someone else to drive.
Self drive does give you freedom during your custom New Zealand vacation, and you'll be able to stop along the route to take photos, enjoy the 'pop up' waterfalls.
By road also takes you through one of the regions other highlights, the Homer Tunnel.
This 1.
2km long tunnel is a 'must do' if you are visiting the region.
You'll travel through mountain landscapes before you head into the tunnel and come out into the canyons that descent into the Milford Sounds, all the while being embraced by rain forests.
A simply awe inspiring experience that is the perfect curtain raiser to the Milford Sounds experience.
