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Milford Sound - Piopiotahi

Fiordland  >  New Zealand

This fiord awaits you with dramatic scenery experienced best by boat, giving you the opportunity to spot the rare endemic Fiordland Penguin.

Ajouté* par Jonathan Klawitter
Dernière actualisation 26 juin 2025

Description

Milford Sound is in one of Aotearoa’s most iconic landscapes. Towering cliffs, lush rainforest, and waterfalls set the stage for some exceptional wildlife encounters on cruises through the fiord, including fur seals and occassionally dolphins, Buller's Albatross, Sooty Shearwater, terns, and shags. A birding highlight is the chance to see Tawaki Fiordland Penguin, most reliably from September to early December, with lower chances again in February and March. Ask your skipper about current likely spots. Weka are regulars at the car parks and walking tracks, while Kea and New Zealand Kaka sometimes make appearances too. Kātuku Great Egret are also seen regularly in the bay from late summer to late winter. Around the forested tracks, keep an eye out for rare Mohua and curious South Island Robin, along with the usual Fiordland forest birds.

Détails

Accès

Milford Sound is reached by road from Te Anau (approx. 2 hours), via one of the most scenic drives in the country. The road passes through beech forest, alpine meadows, and over the Homer Tunnel before descending into the sound. Shuttle services from Queenstown operate as well.

Parking at the end of the road is extremely expensive, but there is free parking about 1 km from the information centre.

Several short walks are accessible from the road and near the sound itself; check for example the other birdingplaces in the area. Cruises depart regularly from the main visitor terminal. Allow plenty of time and beware of weather changes.

Terrain et Habitat

Forêt , Mer/océan , Montagnes , Vallée , Vasières

Conditions

Montagneux , Marécageux

Boucle

Oui

Avez-vous besoin d'une longue-vue?

Peut être utile

Saison idéale pour observer

Printemps , Eté

Meilleure période pour une visite

Printemps

Niveau de difficulté de l'itinéraire

Facile

Accessible via

Bateau , A pied , Fauteuil roulant

Observatoire/hutte d'observation

Non

Liens

Voir les sites d'observation voisins publiés sur Birdingplaces

Carte

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