The Milford Sound (by Luke)

Editor's note: This is the first in a four-part series based on our recent trip to the South Island.  Today, Luke is our guest blogger.

The place

During my family’s two week trip to the South Island of New Zealand, we went to the Milford Sound. Let me start by saying it is actually a fiord (a lake created by the melted water of a glacier. Sounds are drowned river valleys.) During the overnight cruise we all could see the sun disappear behind the towering mountains, which reached as tall as 1,200 meters.

The boat

We got to the boat around 4 p.m. on Easter Sunday, and for me it was love at first sight. It wasn’t the biggest boat I ever saw but still it was a decent size. The staff was very polite and helpful. The boat was designed to look old, so we were all shocked it was built only fourteen years ago! You would expect to not be able to sleep with all the noise but it was actually quite quiet.

The activities

Once we got on the boat we had a safety briefing. Then we were given our keys to check in (me and Sedona got our own room, and Mom and Dad got one). By the time we got our belongings sorted, the captain had found a place for water activities and to rest for the night. Sedona, Dad and I all went on a small excursion boat while Mom went kayaking. 

Our guide told us about the wildlife, including the occasional penguin and the mice-eating trout. At dinner they had a full buffet, including a choice of soup, and a small bread/dip platter and dessert including pavlova (a NZ specialty). Once we finished dinner, it was dark and the staff showed a slideshow of the Milford Sound. Then we played Scrabble until bedtime. As we were playing, a seal jumped onto the boat! 

The next morning we ate a delicious breakfast while the captain sailed back to where the ship left and got off.  I would definitely recommend it!