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Fiordland National Park

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Destination New Zealand Silver Discoverer takes you through beautiful Dusky Sound in Fiordland National Park when you sail to New Zealand. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Silversea Cruises
Destination New Zealand As the moon sets behind the towering peaks of Milford Sound, it’s easy to see why the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area is known as the land that time forgot. During the day you can cruise along the sound, get close to towering waterfalls, wave to playful seals and marvel at the rainforest that clings to the cliffs. Pre- or post-cruise is your best option here. Photo: Camilla Stoddart · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Cruise ships are big, but fjords are bigger. Some of these mountains rise to more than 4,900 feet above sea level. Fur seals and penguins play on the rocks with rainforests as a backdrop. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand As a passenger on a cruise ship, you’ll get the ultimate view of Milford Sound. Make yourself comfortable on the promenade deck and just drink it all in. What you’re seeing is the work of successive ice ages, when huge glaciers carved paths to the sea. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Carved by glaciers during a series of ice ages, Milford Sound is a world of waterfalls. Some of them tumble more than 1,000 metres before they splash into the ocean. Others never even reach the sea – they simply drift away in the wind. When it rains here, the number of waterfalls explodes – they’re simply everywhere. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Milford Sound was dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling. Skimming along sheer rock walls as tall as 4,900 feet, some waterfalls begin so high up they never reach the sea. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Fiordland is a collection of huge glacier-carved valleys that have been flooded by the sea. Maori believe the fjords were created by a giant stonemason, Tute Rakiwhanoa, who hewed out the steep-sided valleys with his edging tool. Photo: Rob Suisted
Destination New Zealand From a steamer chair on the Promenade Deck, take in the spectacular sights of Fiordland — which has has World Heritage status. You’ll seeing the untouched scenery that impressed Captain Cook when he sailed into Fiordland more than 230 years ago. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Not only is cruising relaxing, it can be an economical way to see New Zealand. Your accommodation, meals and transport costs are covered by your fare, which means more money for shopping and side trips. You’ll also get to see places that are hard to reach by land, like fabulous Dusky Sound in Fiordland. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Sheltered by high peaks, the water of Milford Sound is still and deep. After you’ve toured the sound by cruise boat, it’s interesting to see what’s happening beneath the surface at the Milford Deep Underwater Observatory. The fjord’s underwater life includes rare black coral and anemones, sponges and unusual fish species. Photo: Julian Apse · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand How much natural grandeur can you handle? You’ll find out at Milford Sound, where the scenery comes in just one size: extra large. Peaks rise straight out of the water and fairy tale waterfalls fill the air with mist. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand There’s a prehistoric feel to Milford Sound. The steep cliffs, carved by an ancient glacier, are draped in native forest and ferns. High waterfalls plummet from river valleys, creating streaks of white amid the green. Photo: Chris Sisarich · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand From the upper reaches of Milford Sound you can cruise in sheltered waters all the way to the Tasman Sea. This World Heritage Area on the edge of the great southern ocean is a natural sanctuary for fascinating wildlife. Your onboard nature guide can introduce you to fur seals, rare penguin species and dolphins, if they come to play. Photo: Chris Sisarich · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand At Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park, water thunders down hundreds of meters from hanging valleys that were cut in half by ancient glaciers. The noise is deafening and the raw power inspiring as your boat eases you closer to the torrent. It’s an exciting taste of nature’s grand design that can leave you with a fresh outlook on life. Photo: Chris Sisarich · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand