Journey through hundred falls - Milford Sounds

Getting to Milford Sound

There are numerous cruise services available for exploring Milford Sound, each offering different perspectives of this natural wonder. If you prefer not to drive yourself, you have excellent options for getting to Milford Sound. Coach buses run regularly from both Te Anau and Queenstown, providing comfortable and scenic journeys through some of New Zealand's most beautiful landscapes.

My partner and I chose a different approach, we traveled in a campervan and stayed for two nights at the Milford Sound Lodge powered campervan spot. This allowed us to experience the sound at different times of day and in varying weather conditions, giving us the flexibility to capture the best light and conditions for photography.

The magnificent waterfalls

Milford Sound is home to countless waterfalls that cascade down the steep cliffs, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. The most famous of these is Sutherland Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in New Zealand, but there are hundreds of others that come to life during and after rainfall.

The experience of Milford Sound varies dramatically depending on the weather. On a beautiful sunny day, you'll be treated to crystal-clear views of the majestic mountains and the main waterfalls that are always flowing. However, it's on those rainy days when the entire sound truly comes alive. Hundreds of small waterfalls suddenly appear, carved into the rock surfaces, transforming the landscape into a living, breathing spectacle of nature's power.

Everywhere you look, there's something remarkable to capture. The sheer density of photographic opportunities makes Milford Sound a paradise for photographers. From the towering peaks to the deep fjord waters, from the permanent waterfalls to the temporary cascades that appear after rain, every angle offers a new perspective worth preserving.

Capturing the essence

Photographing these waterfalls requires patience and the right conditions. The best time to capture the falls is during or immediately after rainfall, when they are at their most powerful.

When photographing from a cruise boat, I highly recommend carrying an extra pair of microfibre cloths to wipe your camera and lens. The spray from the waterfalls will constantly cover your equipment. Wearing a rain jacket is essential to keep yourself dry while focusing on your shots.

Most importantly, leave your tripod at home. There's no time to use a tripod inside the cruise. The angles change constantly as the boat moves, creating different compositions every moment. Hand-held photography gives you the flexibility to move around quickly and adapt to the changing perspectives. Your body naturally acts as a stabilizer on the moving boat, allowing you to capture those fleeting moments that make Milford Sound photography so special.

The challenge of Stirling Falls

The most challenging photograph I attempted was capturing Stirling Falls. When the cruise boat approaches this powerful waterfall, the sheer force of the cascading water creates an incredible challenge. The power of the fall literally pushes you back, making it nearly impossible to maintain your footing.

Picture this: one hand desperately gripping the camera, the other hand holding onto the railing for dear life, and your eyes struggling to stay open against the spray. It's a test of both physical endurance and photographic skill. You can only hope and pray that you've managed to capture a good shot in those brief moments when everything aligns. It's an experience that stays with you, and I'm already looking forward to returning to attempt this shot again with the lessons learned from my first attempt.

Dolphins riding the wave

One of the most remarkable experiences during our cruise was watching dolphins ride the waves created by the boat. These playful creatures are clearly here to have fun, and if you're patient and wait for the right moment, you can capture some truly dramatic shots of these magnificent animals in their natural element.

The dolphins seem to understand the rhythm of the waves and position themselves perfectly to ride alongside the boat. It's a display of pure joy and athleticism that adds another layer of wonder to an already incredible journey through Milford Sound.

The Fiordland experience

Milford Sound is part of the stunning Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The combination of towering peaks, deep waters, and cascading waterfalls creates one of the most photogenic locations in New Zealand. Whether you're exploring by boat, kayak, or on foot, every angle offers a new perspective.