Fiordland National Park in New Zealand is a place renowned for its raw beauty- where nature feels boundless and otherworldly. We toured Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound over a day of sailing- exploring many regions only accessible by sea or by air, and each more incredible than the last. Each destination offered a unique glimpse into this pristine corner of the world, creating memories that are now part of our ever-growing "Life OVER Seas" adventure.
Aboard the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, we awoke to Milford Sound's towering cliffs just beyond our balcony, dotted with its iconic waterfalls. We felt like we were transported inside a living movie set- fitting for a location so iconic it's been featured in films like The Lord of the Rings. We were incredibly fortunate to enjoy perfect sunny weather in one of New Zealand’s wettest regions- a rare gift in a place so often cloaked in mist and rain. Days like this don’t come often, making it all the more extraordinary to soak up the sunshine in such a lush, vibrant paradise. While Milford is famed for its thundering waterfalls, what we encountered were smaller and more intimate- beautiful silver ribbons spilling from the heights, their journey to the teal waters of the sound
perfectly mesmerizing. Milford Sound is known for its dramatic scenery and wildlife, including fur seals basking on rocks and native birds like the cheeky kea, an alpine parrot. On this day, we saw birds zipping past our ship, but the fur seals and dolphins wouldn't make an appearance just yet.
Next on our Fiordland adventure was Doubtful Sound, a place that felt even more remote and untouched. The sound itself was quieter than Milford, with fewer visitors and a sense of profound tranquility. We were the lone ship in the sound- and we felt it. Doubtful Sound is often called the "Sound of Silence" because of its stillness and serene atmosphere. Its waters, fed by both freshwater and seawater, create unique layers that support diverse marine life, from black corals to bottlenose dolphins. The dense forest surrounding the sound is home to lush ferns and mosses, creating a verdant tapestry that feels ancient and untouched.
Dusky Sound, the most remote of the three, was a highlight for its sense of isolation and untamed wilderness. Accessible only by boat or air, Dusky Sound was a hidden treasure. Its rugged beauty and labyrinth of dense forests, inlets, and islands made it feel like it's been untouched for millennia. Steeped in history, Dusky Sound once served as a haven for early explorers like Captain Cook. Today, it remains a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species like the Fiordland crested penguin and the South Island robin.
As we sailed away, we wondered just how long it would take for the light to fully fade. As of this writing, at 11:16 pm, we still enjoy the gorgeous golds, coppers, and blues of the evening sky. This summer sky may evolve into a fire of Southern lights- Milford Sound is known as a top destination for explorers looking for the Aurora Australis.
Fiordland National Park is more than just a “bucket list” destination; it’s a reminder of the power and beauty of the natural world. From the delicate waterfalls and dramatic cliffs of Milford Sound to the serene expanse and marine wonders of Doubtful Sound, and the raw wilderness and rare wildlife of Dusky Sound, our time here reminded us how lucky we are to be experiencing this "Life OVER Seas" adventure.
Disclosure Statement:
This journey was made possible in collaboration with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Regent has generously worked with FoodFamilyTravel.com to share the costs of travel and accommodations. All opinions, editorial, reflections, and content are author’s own.