Our first sight of Dusky Sound was so magical and we were out on deck in the mist to view this beautiful area of our world. One of the most complex fjords on New Zealand’s southern coast, Dusky Sound is a place of serene beauty, accessible today only by sea or air. European explorers first spotted this treasure when Captain Cook and his crew happened upon its opening in the late eighteenth century. Although they returned to explore its waters months later, Cook and his crew named it Dusky Sound for the time of night when they first found it.
Early morning Duskey Sound
So Serene and Peaceful!
After leaving Duskey we headed into Doubtful. Doubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets – all deep in the heart of Fyordland National Park.
Known for its pristine beauty and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. It is home to bottle-nose dolphins and fur seals – both of which are often seen. In season, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.
In Maori legend, this colossal fjord was created by the godly figure Tu Te Raki Whanoa. Four young sea gods assisted him by carving the fiord’s long, sheltered arms.
A moment of sun in Doubtful Sound
Today, Doubtful Sound remains an unspoiled wilderness of many moods; one minute clear blue and sun-drenched, the next mysterious and mist-cloaked.
Leaving Doubtful Sound
Milford Sound was our next adventure. Milford Sound is a world-renowned natural wonder. Nowhere else in Fiordland do the mountains stand so tall, straight out of the sea. Luxuriant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls and waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres to the sea below.
In Maori legend, this landscape was created by Tu Te Raki Whanoa, a godly figure who carved the fiords with a magical adze. Without doubt, Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is his finest creation. Whatever the fiord’s mood – brooding and wet, or tranquil in the sunshine – it will inspire you.
Milford Sound- carved by the massive force of glaciers.
I love this picture. It shows the mist and mystery in this Majestic Fjord .
Bowen Falls- Hard to imagine the size of this Falls
A gorgeous Falls we spent over an hour enjoying-Stirling Falls
Imagine the force of this water!
Leaving Milford sound