Road Trip to New Zealand, 25 January – 09 February 2025
Milford Sound
Located in the heart of the Te Wahipounamu region, this area is rich in waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and mountains, filled with fjords. It boasts lush vegetati...
In the southwestern corner of the Pacific island nation, a breathtaking natural wonder awaits exploration. This majestic fjord, carved by ancient glaciers, is a spectacle of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and deep blue waters. It's a place where the raw power of nature is on full display, offering an awe-inspiring experience for all who venture here.
The fjord's history is as captivating as its scenery. It was formed over millions of years by the relentless work of glaciers, which carved out the deep valleys and towering cliffs. The Maori people, who have inhabited the region for over 1,000 years, have a rich history and mythology associated with the fjord. According to Maori legend, the fjord was created by a godly figure named Tu-te-raki-whanoa, who carved the landscape with his adze, a tool similar to an axe.
The fjord's natural beauty is its main attraction. The cliffs rise dramatically from the water, reaching heights of up to 1,200 meters. Waterfalls cascade down these cliffs, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The most famous of these is the Bowen Falls, which plunges 162 meters into the fjord below. The fjord is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of bird species.
Exploring the fjord is an adventure in itself. Visitors can take a boat tour to experience the fjord's beauty up close, or they can hike the renowned Milford Track, a four-day journey that takes hikers through some of the most stunning scenery in the region. For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled experience, kayaking and diving are also popular activities.
Despite its remote location, the fjord has not escaped the impact of human activity. In the 19th century, European settlers arrived in the area, bringing with them new technologies and industries. Today, the fjord is a popular tourist destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Efforts are ongoing to preserve the fjord's natural beauty and protect its unique ecosystem from the impacts of tourism.
This majestic fjord is more than just a natural wonder. It's a testament to the power of nature, a place where visitors can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world, and a reminder of the importance of preserving these unique landscapes for future generations.
The fjord's history is as captivating as its scenery. It was formed over millions of years by the relentless work of glaciers, which carved out the deep valleys and towering cliffs. The Maori people, who have inhabited the region for over 1,000 years, have a rich history and mythology associated with the fjord. According to Maori legend, the fjord was created by a godly figure named Tu-te-raki-whanoa, who carved the landscape with his adze, a tool similar to an axe.
The fjord's natural beauty is its main attraction. The cliffs rise dramatically from the water, reaching heights of up to 1,200 meters. Waterfalls cascade down these cliffs, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The most famous of these is the Bowen Falls, which plunges 162 meters into the fjord below. The fjord is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of bird species.
Exploring the fjord is an adventure in itself. Visitors can take a boat tour to experience the fjord's beauty up close, or they can hike the renowned Milford Track, a four-day journey that takes hikers through some of the most stunning scenery in the region. For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled experience, kayaking and diving are also popular activities.
Despite its remote location, the fjord has not escaped the impact of human activity. In the 19th century, European settlers arrived in the area, bringing with them new technologies and industries. Today, the fjord is a popular tourist destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Efforts are ongoing to preserve the fjord's natural beauty and protect its unique ecosystem from the impacts of tourism.
This majestic fjord is more than just a natural wonder. It's a testament to the power of nature, a place where visitors can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world, and a reminder of the importance of preserving these unique landscapes for future generations.
Auckland
Known for its stunning harbours, it's a place where the urban environment perfectly blends with the natural beauty. The cityscape is a mix of high-rise build...
Queenstown
Known as the Mecca of outdoor leisure activities, this small town of 16,000 people offers over 220 different activities, including bungy jumping. It's nestle...
Fiordland National Park
This expansive reserve, one of the largest in the country, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It is a place where towering peaks mee...
Te Anau
Experience a thrilling jet boat ride across the River Shotover in Fiordland National Park. This high-adrenaline activity lasts about 3 hours, offering unmatc...
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
The park forms part of the Te Wahipounamu region, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
Milford Sound
Located in the heart of the Te Wahipounamu region, this area is rich in waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and mountains, filled with fjords. It boasts lush vegetati...
Pukaki
It's a village next to a lake of the same name, where a hotel is situated. It's a 5 1/2 hour journey, covering 358 km.
Castle Hill Park
Located on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, this area is known for its karst rocks and is historically significant for bouldering with nearly 6,000 cli...
Lake Tekapo
Known for its striking turquoise hue, the lake's color is a result of finely ground rock particles, known as rock flour, carried into the lake by the melting...
Paroa
Located on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, it's a small seaside village known for its hotel offering double rooms with bathrooms.
Pancake Rocks
A rocky shore of eroded limestone cliffs, underground caverns and strange formations. High tide compresses waves in the caves, creating natural fountains.
Cape Foulwind
This scenic spot on New Zealand's west coast offers a walking path with various stops to observe seals breeding.
Abel Tasman National Park
It's the smallest National Park in New Zealand, situated on the northern side of the South Island.
Motueka
The seaside village is a perfect overnight stop, offering accommodation at a 3-star garden motel. The motel provides 2-bedroom apartments equipped with a bat...
Wellington
The capital of the North Island is reached by a 4-hour ferry crossing from Picton port. The journey features impressive landscapes and turquoise waters.
Picton
A port town known for its ferry services to the North Island and the capital, Wellington. The ferry journey across the strait takes about 4 hours.
Te Papa Museum
Explore the rich history of New Zealand, captured in wonderful snapshots at a renowned cultural institution in Wellington.
Tongariro National Park
Lake Taupo
Situated on the south side of the country's largest lake, formed in a supervolcano crater, is the village of Turangi. It's a gateway to the spectacular Tonga...
Tongariro
Experience a full-day hike through a unique triple volcanic complex, passing through Soda Springs, the Devil's Ladder, and the rim of Red Crater. Weather per...
Wai-O-Tapu
In the heart of the Pacific, there exists a geothermal wonderland, a testament to the Earth's raw power and beauty.
Lake Rotorua
This picturesque body of water, the second largest in the region, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike
Pohutu Geyser
In the heart of the Pacific, there lies a natural wonder that has been a source of fascination for centuries
Hell's Gate Geothermal Field
The area is renowned for its unique geothermal features, including hot springs, mud pools, and steam vents. The landscape is a stark contrast to the lush gre...
Hobbiton
This enchanting location, a sprawling 12-acre landscape, is a living, breathing tribute to a beloved literary world. It is a place where visitors can step in...
Waitomo Cave
Known for the glowing fireflies Arachnocampa luminosa, endemic to New Zealand, it offers an impressive spectacle with live lights. Explore it by boat.