Norwegian Jewel New Zealand Cruise Dusky Sound Doubtful Sound Milford Sound
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NORWEGIAN JEWEL NEW ZEALAND CRUISE – DUSKY SOUND – DOUBTFUL SOUND – MILFORD SOUND
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by
the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the
bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Our first sight of Dusky Sound was so
magical and we were out on deck in the mist to view this beautiful area of our
world. One of the most complex fjords on New Zealand’s southern coast, Dusky
Sound is a place of serene beauty, accessible today only by sea or air. Dusky
Sound is a fjord on the south west corner of New Zealand, in Fiordland National
Park. It is also one of the largest, 40 kilometres in length and eight
kilometres wide at its widest point. To the north of its mouth is the large
Resolution Island, whose Five Fingers Peninsula shelters the mouth of the sound
from the northwest. Along the east coast of the island, Acheron passage
connects Dusky Sound with Breaksea Sound, to the north. Several large islands
lie in the sound, notably Anchor Island, Long Island, and Cooper Island. Sightseeing
highlights include the hundreds of waterfalls cascading into the sound during
the rainy season, seals and dolphins
After leaving Dusky we headed into
Doubtful. New Zealand's deepest and second-longest sound, Doubtful Sound is a
fiord home to spectacular waterfalls, wildlife and otherworldly landscapes.
It's often called the 'Sound of Silence' due to its serenity and the fact that
it remains so untouched by the modern world. Exploring Doubtful Sound means
adventuring into pure, untouched New Zealand wilderness. Doubtful Sound is a
haven for the unique flora and fauna that call this place home. Visitors are
never left wanting for a more vibrant spectacle with untouched forests that
sprawl from mountain top to sea level and rare marine and birdlife that abound.
Playful Bottlenose Dolphins frequently dance the bow wake of boats and New
Zealand Fur Seals bask on the rocks along the shoreline. Rare Fiordland Crested
Penguins are also a special sight here.
Known for its pristine beauty and
wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland
National Park and is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound.
It is home to bottle-nose dolphins and fur seals – both of which are often
seen. In season, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested
Penguin.
“A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong
is to think you control it.”
In Maori legend, this colossal fjord
was created by the godly figure Tu Te Raki Whanoa. Four young sea gods assisted
him by carving the fiord’s long, sheltered arms. Today, Doubtful Sound remains
an unspoiled wilderness of many moods; one minute clear blue and sun-drenched,
the next mysterious and mist-cloaked.
Milford Sound is by far the best
known of all of the fiords and the only one that can be accessed by road. Wet
or fine, Milford Sound is incredibly grand. Mitre Peak magnetises
photographers, and the fiord’s sheer cliffs excite both admiration and
apprehension. Visitors to Milford Sound will not be disappointed - it is truly
spectacular, with scenery that has remained unchanged throughout the ages.
There is no denying that Milford Sound should make it onto your New
Zealand itinerary. Although at times it can be overrun with tourists, it's
obvious to see why. The views over this spectacular Fjord are unique and
breathtaking.
As far as the commercialization goes,
you still won't find phone reception, tourist shops or Mcdonalds here. I
honestly hope it will stay that way.
Check out the Highlights:
Highlights
Lady Bowen Falls. This is the tallest waterfall in Milford Sound, measuring
162 metres or 531 feet. Named after the wife of one of New Zealand’s first
governors, the Lady Bowen Falls are not only beautiful, but useful too. These
falls are the sole provider of electricity and water for the people and
businesses based in Milford Sound.
Fairy Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Just
some of the magnificent permanent waterfalls on display in Milford Sound. When
it rains, of course, even more are created.
Sinbad Gully Opposite
the wharf in Milford Sound you’ll see this perfectly U-shaped valley, formed by
the slopes of the surrounding mountains (including Mitre Peak). It was within
this remote valley that the rare native kakapo bird was discovered in the
1970s, after scientists thought it had become extinct.
Stirling Falls. Another
of the most famous waterfalls in Milford Sound, Stirling Falls drops 146 metres
or 479 feet from a valley between two imposing mountains.
Highlights: The Lion. Its official name is Mt Kimberley, but you’ll soon see why
this mountain peak has gained its animal nickname.
Mitre Peak. The most iconic sight of Milford Sound, Mitre Peak rises
1,692 metres (5,555 feet) directly from the sea floor. Its name comes from the
distinctive shape of its summit, like a bishop’s mitre or hat. The shape is actually
created by five peaks all together.
Seal Rock. While Milford Sound is regularly visited by wildlife, most
of its coastline is made up of sheer vertical cliffs. Seal Rock is one
exception, a large rock that the native New Zealand fur seals who live in
Milford Sound can clamber upon to rest and bask in the sun.
“And the purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to
taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer
and richer experience.”
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15 Comments
New Zealand has some of the most beautiful places on this world. I have some friends from there. I do hope I get to visit one day.
ReplyDeleteSigh. This looks amazing. My brother and one of my close friends have both been to New Zealand and it sounds absolutely AMAZING.
ReplyDeleteI love your highlight section. I have never been on a cruise but I think it's what I want to do next. This sounds like a great trip.
ReplyDeleteI've heard such great things about Norwegian Cruise Lines. The views from this particular cruise look spectacular. What a great experience.
ReplyDeleteI have heard its a nice place to travel to! The moutains are gorgeous and the water fall! Nice photgraphs too!
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful and stunning destination on my bucket list. These photos make me want to pack my bag right now.
ReplyDeleteI love cruising, it's one of my favorite ways to travel. And I really want to visit New Zealand, so this sounds like an amazing trip!
ReplyDeleteDusky Sound looks amazing! I am going to ask my coworker if he knows of this place. He is for New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteOne place I would love to visit! New Zealand is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI think cruises are the best vacations ever. I would love to visit New Zealand and explore.
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely beautiful place to visit! These pictures are stunning but I’m sure they can’t possibly do justice to this incredible place!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a place I'd love to visit. It's on my list of "places I'd love to go but is highly unlikely that It'll happen" list. I can dream though.
ReplyDeleteI have never been on a cruise before but it looks like it would be so much fun. We are definitely going to be booking one in the near future.
ReplyDeleteWow I am loving all your amazing piccys. This cruises looks like an incredible adventure for sure xx
ReplyDeleteLooks you had amazing time, love cruises are the best, this one has been long time on my list with your tips defenetley I am going to do it soon.
ReplyDelete