The drive to Milford Sound was a lot of things: long, stunningly beautiful, and a tad bit terrifying. Milford Sound is located on New Zealand's south island. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sometimes called the eighth wonder of the world. Personally, I think it should be No 1.
Quite literally, Milford Sound is paradise.
Or at least my version of paradise.
My paradise doesn't include white sand beaches, balmy weather, or fruity alcoholic beverages with little umbrellas. No, my paradise requires tall mountains, rivers, green forests, and solitude. My paradise is remote and rugged and quiet and away from crowds. Maybe this is because I teach middle school so my days are loud and spent surrounded by so many people who need/want my attention all the time?
Getting to Milford Sound is no easy task. That's why this wondrous place is so vacant. State Highway 94 is the only road that connects Milford Sound to the rest of civilization. The single lane highway runs through the Southern Alps. The road twists & turns and climbs & falls. The journey is captivating. There are so many beautiful things to see that it is hard to drive for more than 10 minutes down SH94 before pulling off the road to admire something.
One of my favorite stops along the route was Mirror Lakes. Mirror Lakes is exactly what it sounds like: a lake that is also a mirror. The lake reflects beautifully the Earl Mountains. The scenic spot is about a 20 minute walk round trip. While it is at the very beginning of the journey to Milford Sound, it was still absolutely worth stopping for-- that is unless you hate trees and mountains and nature, but in that case, I think Milford Sound and New Zealand are the wrong places for you.
We flew to Milford Sound from Queenstown in a light plane a few years ago. The scenery was just stunning - I will never forget it.
ReplyDeleteI bet the view from above was spectacular!
DeleteOhh so fab. All of those photos with the flare are just so pretty, Thanks for joining us for #SundayTraveler.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I definitely love the sun flare!
DeleteWonderful! Just arrived today to New Zealand, I definetely want to visit Milford Sound :)
ReplyDeleteI AM SO JEALOUS!!! Have such a good time!
DeleteSuper gorgeous! I've really enjoyed your series on Milford Sound :)
ReplyDeleteThanks ;)
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