“8th wonder of the world” 🥰
Part 3 - visiting Milford Sound!
Milford Sound is one of NZ’s most stunning natural attractions, being one of the most isolated, untouched and well-protected places with many wild animals thriving there.
It was a 4h ride to and fro Queenstown, with lots of windy roads and we realized we’ll be driving some hours into the dark as well. Thus, we booked the Klook package “Queenstown Milford Sound Full-Day Nature Cruise”. With Klook platform discounts, payment discounts (Klook bank promo) & KlookCash, we paid SGD$169.18 per person. We boarded the bus at Queenstown around 7am and the trip ended around 7-8pm back where we started.
During the tour, we had several stops:
⛵️Te Anau
⛰️Eglinton Valley
🪞Mirror Lakes
🐒Monkey Creek
Homer Tunnel
🛥️Milford Sound
Klook’s package brought us onto the cruise🚢 Pure Milford. There were unlimited beverages - different coffees and hot chocolates, and lunch was pretty decent (another NZ pie, an Apple, chips and an energy bar! We right in the middle of lunch when to our utter amazement, a wild dolphin 🐬 popped up in our window. It seemed to enjoy leaping and dancing in the waves right next to us.
We were incredibly lucky to encounter many wildlife animals - ranging from dolphins beside our cruise 🐬 to kea on the roads 🦜 to baby seals on nearby rocks 🦭. The cruise itself was breathtaking. Surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, it felt like sailing through a real-life postcard. The captain was highly skilled and got us real close to Stirling falls, allowing us spectacular views up close. We even chanced upon a random rainbow in the middle of the fjord.
Some learning points we took away from this trip:
✅ Monkey Creek
Myth behind the name: a traveller or early road worker had a dog named ”Monkey”. One day, the dog supposedly fell into the cold, fast-moving creek and wasn’t seen again. The owner was very attached to the dog and in memory of it, named the spot “Monkey Creek”. The story spread among visitors and became a local legend, making the place feel like it had a sad but meaningful origin.
✅ Fjord vs Sound
Milford Sound is often called a “sound” but it is actually a fjord. A sound is formed when the sea floods a river valley, while for a fjord, imagine a giant block of ice (Glacier) moving across the land, like bulldozer made of ice. As it moved, it scraped and carved out a deep valley, which is then flooded by the sea, that’s Milford Sound!
✅ Kea
The kea is a type of parrot that’s endangered and native to only New Zealand. They spend a lot of time on the ground looking for food, which puts them at risk from predators. They are bold and confident animals around humans. We heard stories of them causing property damage, especially the rubber windshield wipers and linings of cars, which was kind of a relief that we didn’t drive. 😅
Visiting Milford Sound truly feels like stepping into a living postcard, and beyond the main highlights, there’s so much more to appreciate about this incredible spot. During my visit, I was amazed at how well-preserved the environment is. The area remains largely untouched due to strict conservation efforts, which makes spotting wildlife like dolphins, baby seals, and the cheeky kea parrots even more special. The kea’s playful nature almost stole the show—they’re surprisingly bold and curious, often interacting with visitors and vehicles, which adds a layer of charm but also a reminder to respect their habitat. The cruise provided a unique perspective of the fjord’s towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Being so close to Stirling Falls was unforgettable—feeling the mist in the air and hearing the roar of falling water really connects you to the power of nature. I also appreciated the captain’s skill in navigating those waters safely and providing informative commentary about the region’s geology and wildlife. A highlight was the surprise rainbow arching over the fjord, creating a magical moment that felt almost surreal. This kind of spontaneous beauty is what makes Milford Sound one of New Zealand’s crown jewels. From a practical standpoint, booking the Klook package was super convenient and cost-effective, especially with their discounts and perks like unlimited hot beverages onboard. The journey itself, although long with winding roads, is part of the adventure, offering plenty of scenic stops like Mirror Lakes and the emotional tale behind Monkey Creek, named after a loyal dog who tragically disappeared in its cold waters. If you plan to visit Milford Sound, consider going early in the day to maximize your time and enjoy the serene environment before any crowds arrive. Also, dress warmly and bring waterproof clothing—the weather can be quite changeable, but rain often enhances the waterfalls and overall atmosphere. Overall, Milford Sound is deserving of its nickname as the '8th wonder of the world'—its unparalleled natural beauty combined with rich wildlife and fascinating stories make it a must-visit destination that leaves a lasting impression.
