The spectacular geography and wildlife of Fiordland’s Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are best experienced up close on a boat cruise.
Here, steep cliffs rise out of deep blue water and fur seals sunbathe on rocks. Take a boat cruise up to the Bowen Falls – which are 160m high – or the Stirling Falls, which cascade into the fiord like a giant shower. Some boats have underwater viewing observatories, and all provide panoramic photo opportunities.
Look out for penguins and dolphins, as well as whales – the occasional one makes it all the way into the fiords.
