Milford Sound
The Sounds
The tannin stained water acts as a filter letting in considerably less light than salt water does. Due to the lack of light many species that generally live deep in the ocean can be found at relatively shallow depths such as black coral, hydro corals and spiny sea dragons. Beneath the often chilly waves of the sound is an astounding underwater wonderland, you'll find a huge abundance of crayfish (rock lobsters) unusual Nudibranchs, brachiopods, sea sponges, anemones and star fish.
Doubtful Sound
If you feel like having a day off from behind the wheel, day trips are also available to Doubtful Sound. Unlike Milford Sound, Doubtful gets a lots less traffic, if you want to get away from the crowds and really enjoy Fiordland's serenity, this might be for you. The mountain peaks are almost as awe-inspiring as those of Milford and the thick shrouds of moss cloaked forest and still deep water coves certainly add another dimension. If you have a little time up your sleeve, check out one of the overnight cruises that operate in the summer months. Milford Sound is a very different place when you don't have to share it with a dozen other vessels. An early morning swim or kayak will definitely wake you up, and it's not just the water that will take your breath away.
Homer Tunnel
The Homer Tunnel is one of the main icons on the Milford Sound road. The pass is named after W.H. Homer who discovered it in 1889 and touted the idea of building a tunnel through it opening up access to the sound . He commissioned a report and found an 8' x 6' high tunnel could be built for £2000. It wasn't until 1929 in the height of the depression that the government commenced a work scheme to reduce unemployment. The work was hard and tedious, the road, all the way from Te Anau, was built by shovel and wheel barrow. In 1934 the work gangs reached the 'Divide', by 1935 they had blasted their way around the Holyford Canyon and began work on the tunnel. The work crew had to endure horrendous alpine conditions as they lived in substandard accommodation high above the snow lines. The work was dangerous, 3 men lost their lives and scores more were injured in the frequent avalanches that troubled the project. The crew finally broke through in 1940 but all work ceased as every effort was put towards the war now raging in Europe. Finally in 1953 the tunnel was completed and the road to Milford was opened to the New Zealand public and the millions of international visitors that have travelled it's 1.2 kilometre length since.
Links
Check out the following links:
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Did you know?
The New Zealand flag was adopted in 1902 and features two key elements, the union jack which signified New Zealand's status as a British colony and the southern cross. People often confuse the NZ and Aussie flag, they are simple to tell apart. the NZ flag has 4 red stars, Australia has 6 white stars.
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