Over the Alps to Milford Sound … one of the World’s Most Magnificent Scenic Flights.
Even though I’m from New Zealand and had visited Queenstown before – I’ve never been to Milford Sound which people in the UK tell me is crazy! So when visiting NZ with Ross for the first time we decided to allow ourselves to be captivated by the breathtaking and awe inspiring views that can only be experienced from the air.
We booked a flight from Queenstown to Milford sound, it turned out we were the only two passengers and our Pilot, McKenzie, provided informative commentary and highlight points of interest along the way.
After a smooth landing we walked a short distance through some native bush to the dock to board a boat which would spend 2 hours causing the Milford Sound.
Milford Sound was discovered by the Maoris more than 1000 years ago. Legend has it that Maui, one of the greatest heroes of the Polynesian history, was trying to attain immortality for mankind but died in the attempt. A piopio bird is believed to have flown here, mourning for him. So, the Maoris named the place Piopiotahi. However, it was in the year 1912, when a European called John Grono landed here and renamed it Milford Sound after the town of Milford Haven in Wales.
It really is a beautiful place and was definitely worth the trip.