Having known that it was one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations, I may have opted out and not ventured to Milford Sound. Knowledge was definitely not power here - Milford Sound was absolutely breathtaking.
I shot the following photos on Friday, October 1st during a guided bus tour and boat cruise of the sound.
Heading In+
Once I boarded the cruise and made my way to the top deck, this is what waited for me. The day was overcast, but that made things oddly better, as the clouds and fog got to add their two cents to the incredible scenery.
Twin Falls+
Visitors to Milford Sound are told to expect a lot of rain. You see, when it rains here (which is often) waterfalls cascade everywhere due to the granite-based peaks enclosing the fiord. Small waterfalls such as these rage when it rains.
Granite Peaks+
Milford Sound is a fiord or a long, narrow and deep inlet sea surrounded by steep slopes. The bus I came in on actually drove through the snow-capped peak in this picture.
Forestslide+
Trees, fern and underbrush grow profusely along the sides of the mountains and cliffs surrounding the sound due to the amount of rainfall Milford Sound gets each year (6m). Every once in a while, a tree will loosen it's grip on the mountain and cause a 'forestslide'. The bare patch you see in the center of this shot is the end result of one.
Misty Falls+
Milford Sound = waterfalls. Here's another spectacular one.