Piopiotah Milford Sound

Milford Sound, located in the South Island of New Zealand, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful sights in the world. With towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and crystal clear waters, Milford Sound is truly a photographer’s paradise. 

Simply stepping out onto the dock and taking in the majesty of Mitre peak rising before you is a sight that can rarely be compared to. Standing in this spot on the very edge of the world, you feel like you’ve come to the end, and there’s nowhere else to go but beyond, into beauty unimaginable. 

If you’re looking to go further into the mysterious wonderland that is the fjords of Piopiotahi, a Milford Sound Cruise is an experience you’re unlikely to forget, so pop on a rain jacket and join us into the mists of the great beyond. As you navigate through the fjord, you’ll witness breathtaking landscapes that will leave you in awe. The stunning scenery and diverse wildlife make for a fantastic photography opportunity that any travel photographer will appreciate.

Photographing Milford Sounds Epic Views

The Milford Sound cruise offers the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation - unless you go outside onto the deck of the boat and feel the brisk whip of an icy wind leave your face feeling fresh and new. As you sail through the water, you’ll be surrounded by snow-capped peaks in the winter, and lush forests all year round, and that’s not to mention the waterfalls that will take your breath away. Around here, it rains more than 265 days a year, and there’s a reason they say Milford Sound is more beautiful in the rain. 

Aboard the cruise, you may be lucky enough to get up close and personal with seals, dolphins, and even the occasional mollymawk. You’ll feel the mist from the waterfalls on your face and breathe in the fresh, crisp air. It’s a moment that you’ll remember for a lifetime. One of the best things about a Milford Sound cruise is the opportunity to capture some truly stunning travel photographs. The combination of dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife make for a truly unique photography experience. 

Milford can bring you all the seasons in one day

Stand in the shallows looking towards Mitre Peak and you’ll see what that means. Changing light, undulating clouds, and on-off rain and snow are just some of the things that bring this view to life, but if you wait long enough, you’ll also witness the tide ebb and flow around your feet as the time passes by. The changing light and weather conditions create a range of different moods and atmospheres that any photographer would die for. 

Milford Sound and the Milky Way

The iconic Mitre Peak is a highlight of any Milford Sound Cruise adventure, the dramatic contrast between the dark rock of the peak and the surrounding greens and blues make for a stunning composition. Download yourself a star tracker and wait for a cloudless sky, and you’ll undoubtedly be in with a chance of catching the notorious galactic kiwi - the famous New Zealand mascot of the Milky Way.

Waterfalls and Rainbows

If it’s raining down on Milford, it means a winter wonderland atop the homer tunnel. The mist rises from the waterfalls and collides with the air to make the most beautiful rainbows.  Each turn will bring a new delight, it’s fortunate to not be the one in the driving seat if you have the chance, as you’ll be able to grab the opportunity to flee from one window to another  to appreciate all the winding views that burst into view with every turn. 

Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, the stunning scenery and wildlife offer the perfect backdrop for creating some incredible travel photographs. Whether you’re looking for a quick snapshot to encase the memories of your trip, or looking for that stunning landscape shot to blow up on your wall, a day down at Milford Sound is a day well spent. 

How to get to Milford Sound:

The easiest way to experience Milford Sound is to take an organised Milford Sound tour from Queenstown. Whether you take a fancy bus or an even fancier helicopter ride, you won’t regret it. 

The best way is to drive there yourself, start out at Te Anau, book yourself at the Milford Sound lodge, and take in every minute of those stunning views on the way. 

Roads here are a little different 

Just like the locals say, the roads in New Zealand are different. Google Maps will happily tell you the drive from Te Anau is 2.5 hours, but it will take you at least twice that, and that’s without stopping every five minutes every time you spot something on the side of the road that makes your jaw drop, and your camera turn itself on:

Eglinton Valley is just one of the opportunities you won’t want to miss.