The night in the Milford Sound Lodge was fine, despite the shared bathrooms and the wind which was howling most of the night. Because this was the only place to stay in the area there were many backpackers and families and some rooms with bunks. The doors opened right to the outside and the so it was it was a bit noisy with people going back and forth in addition to the wind. We had an early “call time” of 6:45 for breakfast and just at that time it began to pour rain. We met in the dining room for what was meant to be a quick breakfast but it became clear right away that this was not going to be a day of kayaking in the Sound. So we had some time for a second cup of tea while we waiting for Plan B.
Which turned out to be a great option. There are many “cruises” which head out into the Sound towards the Tasman Sea; most are small ferry-sized, and have both indoor and outdoor viewing spaces. While it continued to rain pretty steadily, the views had us all venture outside for parts of the 2 hour cruise. We had been told that the area can get up to 17m of rain annually, and that rain makes the waterfalls spectacular. (Since I really hate the rain, I was willing to forego the waterfalls….but am glad I didn’t have a choice or role in the matter!) The mountains along the fjord are all volcanic, so go straight down under the sea/water line, in some places down 1,000 feet deep. And the face of just about every mountain was teeming with waterfalls. Whole rows of them. Water cascading from heights of 50-story buildings. And the wind had some gusts of up to 80 knots, so the water on the falls was whipped around like lace on a bridal veil on a windy day. Sideways, and straight up, and then in great swirls. One falls was so huge that the captain warned those outside that they would get sprayed — soaked was more like it. But he swore that legend has it that the water makes “mature” women look 20 years younger and help men re-grow hair in their bald spots!
The entire trip was one “ooh” and “ahh” after another, and despite the rain and gray, quite incredible. I’m glad to have pics of Mitre Peak from yesterday in the sunshine, but am equally pleased with the waterfall experience, only really possible when it rains like it has all day.
Our lead guide, Vanessa made the decision that we should leave the Milford Sound area right after the boat excursion because it’s possible to get “rained in”. There’s only one road in, and with the streams and waterfalls all crossing that road, and a single tunnel leading out of the Fjordland National Park, it was prudent to get on the road and stop for lunch in Te Anau, which gave me my first internet connection of the last 2 days!
And we arrived in Queenstown in time for wine, so I joined two of my friends for wine tasting at The Winery, which has the bottles inside a machine; you put your card in the slot, select the wine and the size of the pour and can taste up to 80 different wines. We tried, but succeeded with only a few. I haven’t only seen this approach once in the U.S.; some legality prohibits it because consumers aren’t meant to be able to access alcohol directly or something. We enjoyed it — kind of a game. A quick dinner, and then back to this nice hotel where we will be for 2 nights, with a day off tomorrow in Queenstown. I’m looking forward to relaxing before another week of activity. (And an amazing sunset with clouds tonight from the waterfront and hotel).
The waterfalls are amazing! They always make me awestruck.
So glad you ventured outdoors and didn’t forego the falls for fear of melting! And that it sounds like you’re having lovely companionship. And of course I mean the wine.
Our Nature Cruises have a flexible, extended itinerary which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take in the highlights. Our experienced skippers will tailor the cruise route on the day depending on the weather and wildlife sightings to ensure you get to see the best that Milford Sound has to offer.