First I have to clarify the names. A sound is a large sea or ocean inlet, deeper than a bight and wider than a fjord; or a narrow sea or ocean channel between two bodies of land. A fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a a glacier. Evidently the explorers did not make that distinction because, by definition, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound in New Zealand are fjords. We have seen several Norwegian fjords, but most have been "civilized" with roads and farms along the sides. The fjords in New Zealand have no such trappings. There is a dirt, very windy steep road which touches the end of Milford Sound, however, so tourists may take a boat from there to explore the area.
Doubtful Sound is farther south on the west coast of the Southern Island of New Zealand than Milford Sound. When we were there it was overcast and rainy with low clouds. I did not take any pictures. By the time we got to Milford Sound, the sun had come out so I took lots of pictures, and so did Darrell. It was difficult to decide which ones to include, but here goes.
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| Mitre Peak |
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| This is the boat in the picture above right. |
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| Can you see the kayaks at the bottom of the falls? |
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| Glaciers top some mountains. |
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| Falls at far end of Milford Sound |
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| Steep side walls and narrow width |
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| Really steep side walls |
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