Milford Sound:
"Over one million people visit Fiordland every year and Milford Sound is one of their favourite destinations. A part of UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is no wonder that Milford Sound was described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world'."
The Milford Road is a stunning alpine drive.One needs to allow plenty of time to make the drive through this steep and windy highway.There are many viewing points and short walking opportunities en route which provide opportunities to get out of the car to admire the spectacular scenery and the sheer scale of the landscape.
Total distance from Te Anau to Milford Sound and back is 240km and it will takes about 2 hours to drive non stop one way.There are no fuel stations along the way until Milford Sound.Proper flush toilet stops can be found at Knobs Flat, The Divide and Milford Sound.
There is no cell phone coverage between Te Anau and Milford Sound.According to the information provided:Telephone services are available at Knobs Flat (card phone), Homer Tunnel (satellite phone for emergency use only) and Milford Sound (card phone).We have our first scare with our rented car about 25km from Milford Sound when we smell something burning while we were travelling down hill.We stopped at the nearest rest area and discovered that one of the car rim was dented and there was a burning smell from the front tyre.I was feeling panic and was trying to figure out ways to look for help.Then I decided to take the risk to drive up to Milford Sound before I call the car rental emergency help line.
***Another beautiful scenic view along the State Highway 94 which is one of the highest and most scenic state highways in New Zealand. The highest part of the road is at 940 metres above sea level.
Posing in front of the Homer Tunnel while waiting for our turn to cross this tunnel.The road leading to this tunnel-before and after the tunnel is very steep and winding.I suspected my car rim might have knocked onto some rocks which I was not aware of. 
We came across this aggressive bird during one of our stops.This bird is not afraid of humans and it is fierce.This bird tried to "force open"my car door by biting on the car rubber!!
The info on this bird:
"The Kea (pronounced /ˈkeɪ.ə/; Māori: [kɛ.a]) (Nestor notabilis) is a large species of parrot. (family Strigopidae) found in forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. About 48 centimetres (19 in) long, it is mostly olive-green with a brilliant orange under its wings and has a large narrow curved grey-brown upper beak. The Kea is the world's only alpine parrot. Its omnivorous diet includes carrion but consists mainly of roots, leaves, berries, nectar, and insects.
The Kea's notorious urge to explore and manipulate makes this bird a pest for residents and an attraction for tourists. Called "the clown of the mountains", it will investigate backpacks, boots or even cars, often causing damage or flying off with smaller items."
**Playing along a small stream on our way up to the Homer Tunnel.
***One of the stops along the Milford Road is The Chasm...massive rock formation and great water falls.
We took 3 hours to reach Milford Sound from Te Anau because of the frequent stops along the way.
***Inside this cruise terminal building waiting for our departure.Surprisingly there wasn't many people in Milford Sound,not like what described in travel websites or books.
http://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/
We took the 3 hours long Discover More Cruise which also provides us a buffet lunch which was good,delicious and filling.There was also unlimited serving of coffee and tea throughout the trip.
***The Milford Deep Underwater Observatory which claimed to be the only floating underwater observatory in New Zealand.It was refurbished and re-launched in January 2010 with striking new information panels where one can learn the natural history, geology and environment of Milford Sound.There is a 10m underwater viewing chamber with a 360-degree views of the marine life which I find to be nothing special.
**Seals lying on the rocks.This was the only wildlife encounter during our 3 hours cruise in Milford Sound.
***Our ship getting near to a waterfall...We enjoyed the majestic surroundings and natural beauty of the Milford Sound including the wildlife , waterfalls and snow capped mountains.
On our way back from Milford Sound,we stopped by Lake Gunn as my son was very eager to try out his new fishing rod.The water was clear and we can see fish swimming close to us but unfortunately my son was unable to hook anyone of them.
My son was frustrated and he insisted to continue fishing at a river mouth in Te Anau.This location was provided by the owner of Stu Fish Shop.Despite spending another hour here,he still unable to get any fish.Arghh.....!!
We were out for almost 14 hours today.It was so nice to have a long day time during spring and summer.
We had a great trip to Milford Sound and the trip/cruise was definitely worth the time and money.
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