The late-afternoon Milford Sound cruise was a good choice for avoiding any crowds: there were only a dozen or so people on board.  We had chosen a smaller boat, as well, so we had plenty of space to roam around as we motored out past stunning granite cliffs plunging vertically into the clear water of the sound.  Mitre Peak, a mountain grand enough to have its own footstool (shaped-mountain in front), watches over all of this.

Closer to the sea, we passed Anita Bay, a spot Maori used for gathering pounamu the special, translucent greenstone/jade they used for making tools, weapons and spiritual carvings.  Almost to the opening of the sound, past the boundary of the natural preserve, we watched local fishermen pull up a couple of rock lobster pots, then got a momentary look at the “roaring 40’s” of the Tasman Sea before turning around for the return journey.  Looking back, it was easy to see why European explorers missed the entrance to the sound, seeing just another disappearing valley.  The opening is 90 degrees!

The sun had emerged, and the blue patches of sky set off the black and white peaks for a great photo op.  The sun was from behind at this time of day, creating a double rainbow at Stirling Falls.  Just past this spot, two Fiordland Crested Penguins hopped around the rocks.  If that wasn’t enough, just ’round the corner was a rock covered with fur seals basking in the sun, as three southern bottle-nose dolphins (BIG ones–they get up to 4.5 meters–almost 15 feet)  swam back and forth under the bow.  For us, at least, it doesn’t get any better.  Back on shore at about 7, we still had plenty of light for a spectacular drive back down to Te Anau.  The sun sets so late, it’s easy to lose track of time, and just keep marvelling at the scenery.

More Fiorland pics here