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The Pure Milford Journal

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Wildlife in Milford Sound

From the lofty green treetops of the rainforest to the darkest depths of the sound, Milford Sound is a haven for wildlife. Short walks and longer hikes are ideal for spotting birds, while cruises are the best way to get up close to dolphins and seals.

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  • ALL
  • FLORA AND FAUNA
  • ABOUT MILFORD SOUND
  • IN AND AROUND MILFORD SOUND
  • MILFORD ROAD
  • WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR MILFORD TRIP
What to expect on your Fly Cruise Fly
Pure Milford Landing Strip

If you’re on a tight schedule, or really want to treat yourself, then a flightseeing tour is the trip for you!
At 4-5 hours return including the two hour cruise, it is the most time-efficient, and not to mention most magnificent, way to experience the Fiordland National Park by both sea and sky.

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What to expect on your Milford Sound cruise
Pure Milford Laughter

The crew at Pure Milford are proud to welcome you aboard two modern catamarans to explore their beautiful backyard, Piopiotahi / Milford Sound.

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What to expect on your Coach Tour
bus nature

Take a well-earned day off driving and allow our team of professional and experienced driver guides share the very best of the Fiordland National Park with you on this all-inclusive full day tour.

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Safety tips for driving to Milford Sound
Pure Milford Coach Valley v3

The Milford road is beautiful, but it has its challenges. Here are a few of our top tips for driving to Milford Sound.

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Where to stop on the Milford Road
Pure Milford Chasm

It's not the destination, it's the journey. Nowhere is this more accurate than in Fiordland. Milford Sound might be the star attraction that everyone travels to see, but the road to reach this natural wonder is studded with lakes, waterfalls, and lookout points. Break up the drive with a stroll around these top 10 spots you'll find on your way to Milford Sound

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Walks in Milford Sound and Fiordland
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Fiordland National Park is a hiker's dream. You can choose from short walks, day hike or multi-day tramping options, with three of New Zealand's ten Great Walks in the area!
Wander through alpine landscapes and lush rainforests, to catch glimpses of lakes, waterfalls and native birds. Milford Sound hikes invite you to dive right into this untouched wilderness. Here are the best hikes and day walks in and around Milford Sound.

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Camping on the way to Milford Sound
Pure Milford River Stones

Camping in Milford Sound is an awesome way to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the region. There are a number of budget-friendly campsites along the road to Milford Sound. All of the DOC campgrounds along the road to Milford Sound are scenic campsites. This means they have fairly limited facilities, although you can expect toilets, water from either a tap or stream and vehicle access. Some also have wood-burning barbeques and picnic tables. In general, though, it's best to go prepared with all of your cooking equipment and a way of sterilising water.

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Waterfalls in Milford Sound
Pure Milford Roof Rain

Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in New Zealand. Combine heavy rainfall with steep mountain faces and you get some of the best waterfalls in New Zealand. Milford Sound’s waterfalls are spectacular and ever-changing, some permanent, some temporary. If it has rained within 24 hours of your cruise, you’ll see the cascades of water at their best. Keep an eye out for these five amazing waterfalls in Milford Sound.

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Weather in Milford Sound
Pure Milford Waterfall Shot

Milford Sound is famous for being one of the wettest places in New Zealand. The number of waterfalls, lakes and rivers in the area is a testament to the amount of rainfall Milford Sound receives
If you're planning your trip to Milford Sound and wondering what to expect from the weather, here is an overview of Milford Sound's climate over the year.

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Stories, myths and legends: The History of Milford Sound
Pure Milford Lake

Milford Sound's history is a fascinating patchwork of Maori legends and stories of early European settlers. From how sandflies arrived in the sound, to the woman behind the first accommodation for tourists, these tales tell of a place that is almost unbelievably beautiful and just as difficult to settle in.

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What to do in Milford Sound
Pure Milford Family

Despite being one of the most tiny and remote settlements in New Zealand, there are still plenty of things to do in Milford Sound. Almost all activities involve taking in as much of the amazing scenery as possible, and for good reason!

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Wildlife in Milford Sound
Pure Milford Kea Onboard

From the lofty green treetops of the rainforest to the darkest depths of the sound, Milford Sound is a haven for wildlife. Short walks and longer hikes are ideal for spotting birds, while cruises are the best way to get up close to dolphins and seals.

Read more
Plants and Trees in Milford Sound
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As many as 85% of flowering plants in New Zealand are endemic, meaning you won’t see them anywhere else in the world. Fiordland is home to many of these unique plant species, plus many trees that are directly descended from the ancient continent of Gondwana. Here are some of the most unusual and interesting plants and trees you’ll see in and around Milford Sound.

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What our guests have to say

The HIGHLIGHT of our South Island Trip, Couldn't recommend these guys higher, the boat the people on board (Staff) the ACTUAL TRIP, the knowledge.....just next level......and the sounds are STUNNING

*****

We had the best experience. From the coach ride to the cruise. Our coach rider was the best. The cruise staff were full of fun as well. That's just an addition to the magical sceneries.

*****

We had a wonderful time on the Milford Sound cruise - the operators showed us some wonderful sights and got very close to the waterfalls and wildlife. They also had great knowledge of the cliffs, glaciers and animals.

*****

Amazing unforgettable experience where nature scenery speaks itself. Very friendly crew members providing extra ordinary services. Accidentally my gifted cap fell in the waters halfway and the captain stopped the cruise allowing 2 crew's picking my cap from the waters via rescue boat. Unforgettable memories for a lifetime. Don't miss this opportunity visiting South Island. Highly recommend well deserving 5 stars

*****

The boat was spacious,, clean and comfortable. The crew were knowledgeable and shared their love of the location with us. The hostess told us not to be sad that it was raining. She said it rains 200 days of the year here, we measure rainfall in metres, last year we had 10 metres of rain... 'this is our liquid sunshine.. be happy and feel free to dance in the rain'. The captain started the trip with a welcome and introduction in Te Reo, provided informative commentary, turned the boat around do we could see penguins, stopped boat so we could see dolphins and handled boat expertly. The cafe staff were great, provided great food with free tea, coffee and hot chocolate. This team's love of the location and their vessel was evident and they shared a part of themselves when they took us out for the trip. They made a special day and place even better because they love it. Kia ora!

*****

don’t know where to start, the dolphins escorting our boat out, the Tawaki penguins or the gorgeous falls! This cruise not only lived up to expectations but absolutely smashed them! While we were delayed due to an avalanche, the morning cruise still went ahead. During this new age of Covid it would’ve been easy for the staff onboard to become complacent but they weren’t and were amazing, friendly, knowledgeable and hospitable. Thank you so much for the amazing experience and please, if you have any reservations about this cruise leave them onshore as the team will not disappoint!

*****

Was an amazing experience, lovely boat/catamaran to ride on! The staff were very friendly and accommodating! Captain and his commentary was also entertaining! We all loved it! Would highly recommend cruising with these guys, will go again. Thanks for an amazing afternoon!

*****

This cruise was amazing and the scenery is absolutely stunning!. The staff are all very friendly and helpful and, even though they are always being professional, they are relaxed and fun to be around. The skipper on our cruise was quite comical and fun whilst continually being informative and knowledgeable. This was such a great experience.

*****

I had an amazing cruise! Boat is lovely and modern. Staff were super nice and the tour was absolutely beautiful with great commentary and great length. Could not have wanted anything more!

*****

Incredible coach tour approx 4 hour drive from pickup in Queenstown with many cool stops along the way with the best tour driver, Wayne!! Wayne was very knowledgeable about the Fiordland area, learnt a lot of history and a great driver getting us there and back home safely! The Milford cruise was amazing with a perfect sunny blue sky day along with a paper bag lunch that included a kiwi pie, apple, muesli bar, cheese crackers and bottle of water!! The 2 hour cruise was spent on a smooth catamaran ride was awesome with great views of the waterfalls, seals, and Mountains. Our whole family had the best day trip to a very special place in the South Island

*****