The pot of gold, rising above the fiord’s indigo water is Mitre Peak (Rahotu), tapering to a cloud-piercing summit.

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. The fiord’s cliffs are breath-taking, rising vertically from the dark waters while  mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards from as high as 1000 metres. 

Boat cruises – during the day or overnight – are an excellent way to experience the Sound. ATo learn more about the local marine life, visit the underwater observatory at Harrison Cove and marvel at the black coral, 11-legged sea stars and delicate anemones.

Take a boat cruise up to the Bowen Falls – which are 160m high – or the Stirling Falls, which cascade into the fiord like a giant shower. Some boats have underwater viewing observatories, and all provide panoramic photo opportunities.

Look out for penguins and dolphins, as well as whales – the occasional one makes it all the way into the fiords.