Beautiful Sound

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Coordinates: 44° 40′ 30″ S, 167° 55′ 46″ E

Milford Sound is named after Milford Haven in Wales, while the Cleddau River which flows into the sound is also named for its Welsh namesake. The Māori named the sound Piopiotahi after the thrush-like piopio bird, now extinct. Piopiotahi means “a single piopio”, harking back to the legend of Maui trying to win immortality for mankind – when Maui died in the attempt, a piopio was said to have flown here in mourning.

Milford Sound

The drive to Milford Sound itself passes through unspoiled mountain landscapes before entering the 1.2 km Homer Tunnel which emerges into rainforest carpeted canyons that descend to the sound. The winding mountain road, while of high standards, is very prone to avalanches and closures during the winter half of the year.  

In fact, the night I took this photo, New Years Eve 2012, the road was closed because of a wild storm with 100mph winds. We sheltered in Milford Lodge as our campervan was swaying alarmingly in the wind. That was a New Year to remember. (14)

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