Fiordland National Park is known around the world for its breathtaking collection of fiords which ironically are mostly named as sounds. Interestingly, both terms are correct. Fiord is a geological term for an ice-carved landscape that has been inundated by water (usually the sea), and a sound is a geographical term for a large ocean inlet. Cast your eye over a map of the South Island’s untamed western coastline and read out a roll call of names - each with their own story to tell. In order to convey the sense of majesty that the landscape provides the entire area was named Fiordland. Located within 1.2 million hectares of UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park and at the end of the spectacular Milford Road, Milford Sound is Fiordland’s jewel in the crown.Beginning under the watchful eye of Mitre Peak, Milford Sound runs 16 kilometres to the Tasman Sea. Within this steep and narrow, glacially-carved valley, a treasure-trove of ecological delights awaits.
Discover dolphins, penguins and seals safe within the protection of the (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve. Explore the phenomenon known as deep-water emergence where species usually found at great depths, are found just metres below the surface due to a constant layer of dark cool freshwater blocking light to creatures below. Early Māori visited Fiordland for hunting, fishing and gathering takiwai (a unique form of New Zealand jade or pounamu). Much later, European sealers and whalers took shelter in the fiords and built a handful of small settlements, these being New Zealand’s earliest European settlements. But overall the sheer steepness of the terrain, the incredible isolation, and the wettest climate in New Zealand deterred all but the hardiest from settling in the region.Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s treasured natural icons It has been in existence since New Zealand was part of the supercontinent Gondwanaland.
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