Saturday 8th March - Unforgettable day at Milford Sound

We decided to take a steady drive up towards Milford Sound today.  The journey to the Sound was 120 km each way.  We stopped at a number of scenic spots on the way. The views were stunning with the glimpses of the high peaks above the low cloud.  On arriving at Milford Sound we were easily able to negotiate a good deal for the Nature Cruise on a small boat with a trip to the underwater observatory too.  We were impressed with the quiet unspoilt area as we were expecting lots of coaches, lots of people, lots of boats.  We had been told for weeks that we must book our trip well in advance as they all got booked up quickly. In fact there were half empty cruises going out. I suspect that people have been wanting us to book with them so that they can get the commission. In fact it was all just perfect.  Our camera was working overtime all day and as we emerged from the underwater observatory the sun came out to shine over the mountains.  Finally, as we settled down for the night back at Te Anau the spectacular sunset was a superb end to an idilic day.  Overall 512 photos taken today.

We pulled off the road on the way to Milford Sound and enjoyed the view from Lake Gunn

On the cruise and Catherine was the first to make for the free coffee!

We were delighted with this close up shot when the small cruise boat was able to get close to the sides of the sound and Catherine took this shot

The day was warming up and cloud lifting. Look for the ships on the water as it gives you an idea of the scale of things!

Landing at the Underwater Discovery Centre

Some interesting fish out there!

The water is very green as it has run through moss on the way down the mountains

Fish feeding on Black Coral which is actually white

On our way back to dry land!

The cloud has lifted nicely

Our last look back as the boat docks

The drive home now. We stopped at the tunnel and these birds were picking up scraps of food from people waiting at the traffic lights.

Back at Te Anue and a lovely sunset!