35 Awesome Milford Sound Facts

Over 35 fun facts about the Milford Sound including 10 fun facts about the Milford Sound especially for kids plus learn more about its geography, geology, and much more!

About the Milford Sound
Fun Facts About the Milford Sound
Fun Facts About the Milford Sound for Kids
Geography and Geology
Is the Milford Sound in the Lord of The Rings?
Is the Milford Sound The 8th Wonder of the World?

Fun Facts About the Milford Sound – About the Milford Sound

In addition to the fun facts about the Milford Sound, Milford Sound is a stunning fjord located on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is one of the country’s most famous and picturesque natural attractions, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and dramatic landscapes.

The fjord was formed thousands of years ago by glacial erosion, resulting in steep cliffs rising from the dark waters. It stretches about 15 kilometers (9 miles) inland from the Tasman Sea and reaches depths of up to 320 meters (1,050 feet). The surrounding mountains soar dramatically, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

Milford Sound is part of the Fiordland National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is protected for its unique and fragile ecosystems. The area receives significant rainfall throughout the year, contributing to the lush rainforests that cling to the cliffs and add to the area’s charm.

Visitors to Milford Sound can explore its beauty by taking boat cruises that navigate through the fjord, providing opportunities to witness stunning waterfalls, wildlife, and the iconic Mitre Peak, a distinctive mountain that stands prominently at the entrance of the fjord.

In addition to the fun facts about the Milford Sound, Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking an unforgettable experience amidst some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes.

Fun Facts About the Milford Sound – Fun Facts

Here are 25 fun facts about the Milford Sound:

Despite its name, Milford Sound is not a sound but a fjord, which is a long, narrow inlet with steep cliffs created by glacial erosion.
It was originally named “Piopiotahi” by the indigenous Maori, which translates to “a single piopio,” a now-extinct bird that was once found in the area.
The sheer cliffs surrounding the fjord rise nearly vertically for over 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level.
Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages, approximately 100,000 years ago.
It is one of the wettest inhabited places in New Zealand, receiving an average of 6,412 mm (252 inches) of rainfall annually.
Despite the heavy rainfall, there are no permanent waterfalls in Milford Sound. The waterfalls that appear after rain are temporary.
Some of the most famous waterfalls in the fjord include Stirling Falls and Lady Bowen Falls.
The underwater environment in Milford Sound is unique and includes black coral trees that can grow up to 5 meters (16 feet) tall.
Bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins are among the diverse marine wildlife that can be found in the area.
Milford Sound is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site, which covers several national parks in New Zealand’s South Island.
The fjord is surrounded by the Fiordland National Park, which is New Zealand’s largest national park.
Rudyard Kipling once called Milford Sound the “eighth wonder of the world.”
Milford Sound has two underwater observatories that allow visitors to view the marine life beneath the surface.
The fjord’s waters are relatively calm due to the steep cliffs sheltering it from strong winds and large waves.
The Māori legend says that the demigod Tū-te-raki-whānoa carved the fiords with his adze (a type of cutting tool).
The iconic Mitre Peak, which rises majestically at the fjord’s entrance, is one of the most photographed mountains in New Zealand.
The landscape surrounding Milford Sound is so remote and rugged that it remains largely untouched by human activity.
Some scenes from the famous “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy were shot in the surrounding Fiordland National Park.
The high rainfall in the area creates numerous temporary waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs after rainfall.
Milford Sound is a popular destination for trampers (hikers) with several trails offering spectacular views of the fjord and its surroundings.
The deep waters of Milford Sound are home to various deep-sea species, including black coral, sea pens, and basket stars.
The fjord’s black coral trees can live for over 200 years, making them some of the longest-lived deep-sea organisms on Earth.
Milford Sound’s unique underwater environment and marine life have attracted researchers and scientists from around the world.
The fjord’s remote location and limited road access add to its sense of isolation and wilderness.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, the sheer size and grandeur of Milford Sound can make visitors feel humbled by the forces of nature.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Milford Sound!

Fun Facts About the Milford Sound – Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 10 fun facts about the Milford Sound that kids might enjoy:

Underwater Wonderland: Milford Sound’s underwater environment is like a magical world. It’s filled with mysterious creatures like black coral trees, sea pens, and basket stars that look like they came straight out of a fantasy movie.
Giant Waterfalls: After heavy rains, giant waterfalls appear out of nowhere, cascading down the steep cliffs all around the fjord. Some of these waterfalls are so huge that they look like giant water slides!
Dolphin and Seal Sightings: Kids can spot playful bottlenose dolphins and adorable fur seals swimming and playing in the fjord’s waters. Imagine seeing dolphins doing flips and seals balancing on rocks—it’s like a real-life animal show!
Living Rock Art: The towering cliffs that surround Milford Sound look like they are made of rock, but some of them are “living” rock art! Water trickles down the cliffs, leaving streaks of vibrant green moss that look like colorful paintings.
Mythical Demigods: According to Maori legend, the fjords were carved by a powerful demigod named Tū-te-raki-whānoa, who used his magical adze to shape the land. Kids can imagine this giant hero at work while exploring the fjord.
Majestic Mitre Peak: At the entrance of Milford Sound stands Mitre Peak, a towering mountain that looks like a giant’s pointed hat (a mitre). Kids will love spotting this iconic mountain and imagining adventures with friendly giants!
Waterfall Rainbows: On sunny days, the mist from the waterfalls creates dazzling rainbows all around the fjord. It’s like a magical treasure hunt, with rainbows popping up unexpectedly!
Migrating Penguins: During certain times of the year, kids might get lucky and spot Fiordland crested penguins waddling around the fjord. These cute penguins swim thousands of miles during migration, just like superheroes!
Hidden Rainforest Secrets: The cliffs are covered in lush green rainforests with secret caves and hidden animals. Kids can imagine being explorers in a jungle filled with adventures and discoveries!
Unicorn Horns and Fairy Pools: Some of the waterfalls have sparkling white streaks on the rocks that look like unicorn horns, while small pools form at the base of the falls, creating fairy-like bathing spots for magical creatures.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Milford Sound!

Fun Facts About the Milford Sound – Geography and Geology

In addition to the fun facts about the Milford Sound, the geography and geology of Milford Sound are truly remarkable, making it one of the most scenic and geologically interesting places in the world.

Geography: Milford Sound is located on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is situated within Fiordland National Park, part of the larger Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site. The fjord extends about 15 kilometers (9 miles) inland from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by towering mountains, some rising to more than 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level. The most famous of these peaks is Mitre Peak, which stands majestically at the entrance of the fjord.

The area around Milford Sound is characterized by rugged and remote wilderness, with dense rainforests clinging to the steep cliffs and mountains. Due to its isolated location, much of the region remains untouched by human development, contributing to its pristine and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Geology: Milford Sound’s geological history is shaped by glacial activity over millions of years. During the last ice age, massive glaciers advanced and retreated multiple times, carving deep U-shaped valleys through the region’s mountains. Milford Sound, like other fiords in the area, was formed when a glacier retreated, and the sea flooded the valley, creating a deep, narrow, and steep-sided inlet.

The fjord’s cliffs are primarily composed of ancient, resistant rocks, such as granite and gneiss, which have withstood erosion over the millennia. The towering peaks and sheer walls are a testament to the power of glacial ice carving through solid rock.

The region’s geology also includes unique underwater features. The deep waters of Milford Sound are home to rare black coral trees, which are actually colonial animals that form tree-like structures. These deep-sea corals can grow up to 5 meters (16 feet) tall and are among the longest-lived organisms on Earth, living for hundreds of years.

The high rainfall in the area contributes to the lush rainforests that cling to the cliffs and provide habitat for various plant and animal species, making Milford Sound an ecological hotspot.

In addition to the fun facts about the Milford Sound, the geography and geology of Milford Sound work together to create a breathtaking and diverse landscape, attracting visitors from all over the world to witness its natural wonders and awe-inspiring beauty.

Is the Milford Sound in the Lord of the Rings?

Yes, another fun fact about Milford Sound it that it and the surrounding Fiordland National Park were used as filming locations for the “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. The stunning landscapes of New Zealand, including Milford Sound, served as the backdrop for many scenes in the movies.

In “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” scenes of the Misty Mountains were filmed in the Fiordland National Park, with Milford Sound’s iconic Mitre Peak featuring prominently in some shots. Additionally, the nearby Kepler Mire, a wetland area, was used for scenes in the Dead Marshes.

In “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” some of the epic battle sequences in Rohan were filmed in and around the park, showcasing its dramatic mountainous terrain.

While Milford Sound is a famous location for its natural beauty and ecological significance, its appearance in the “Lord of the Rings” films has further elevated its status as a must-visit destination for fans of the movies and nature enthusiasts alike.

Is the Milford Sound the 8th Wonder of the World?

Yes, another fun fact about the Milford Sound is that it is often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world.” This designation highlights its extraordinary natural beauty and stunning landscapes, making it one of the most awe-inspiring and iconic destinations on the planet.

The title “eighth wonder of the world” is not an official designation, but rather a popular term used to describe remarkable places that captivate the imagination and leave visitors in awe. Milford Sound’s dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests have earned it this well-deserved reputation.

Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, further emphasizes its global significance and contributes to its recognition as one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders.

In addition to the fun facts about the Milford Sound, Milford Sound’s breathtaking beauty and ecological importance have cemented its place as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated attractions and a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Milford Sound!