After the night’s stormy weather, the morning brought an improvement, thank goodness. The big swell had eased and the wind had reduced.
8 a.m found us near the entrance of ‘Dusky’ Sound, the southernmost fjord of 3 that we were to cruise. As the name suggests, these navigable Sounds weave their way through towering, tree-clad mountains. Of the 3, 2 of them, ‘Dusky’ and ‘Doubtful’ do not see many visitors, they are rather isolated. On the other hand, the last Sound, ‘Milford’ has communication to it, roads and an airport, so this is by far the most popular. It is also the most scenic.
We had embarked a pilot in Port Chalmers, it is mandatory to have one on board when cruising the fjords. Lawrence was very personable and ‘advised’ as our Navigation team conned the ‘Amsterdam’ through the fjords, varying speeds on the tighter turns. The clouds were still with us as we entered ‘Dusky’, however over the course of the next few hours, the sun came out and blue sky greeted us.
Alaska came to mind, we so often scenic cruise there too, although the are no bear to look for, there was some wildlife; seal and dolphin mainly. During the summer, humpback whales arrive to feed, however none today.
Entering Dusky Sound
Our decks were packed
Approaching ‘Milford’, the dolphins came to play
Entering ‘Milford’
Ahead of us, in the distance, the “Jewel” (again). We were following her all day. This is the southern end of the Sound and it is here we turn to go out again.
Entering ‘Doubtful”
Doubtful
Milford
Seals basking on the rocks
Entering Milford, the “Jewel” ahead.
‘Milford’. There are many tour boats, one of the attractions being to put the bow under the waterfall
A tour boat, with ‘volunteers’ on the bow, about to get very wet.
Having started our day at 8 a.m. we finally disembarked our pilot and left Milford at 4:30 p.m. Now bound for Sydney, Australia, arriving there on the morning of (our) 10th February, that’s in 3 days time. We are following the “Jewel” still, according to her AIS, she’s arriving 2 hours before us.
Jonathan these are beautiful pictures. Barry and I did these fiords about 10 years ago. Following your journey with nostalgia. Love to Karen. Xxoo
I have been to the fjords of Norway and soon to see the fjords of Iceland. I hope to someday see the fjords of New Zealand in person but loved seeing them virtually. Thanks for this great blog and pictures.
Traveling Dot
Absolutely fantastic scenery!
Thanks. Great pictures. As a guest or passenger on the Viking Sun have enjoyed your travel comments and pictures of the engines and propulsion equipment and especially the description of the technical requirements which are necessary for safe entry and exit from the various ports. Our ship was not able to enter Roratonga due to heavy swells and same for Napier. Our ships will meet in Sydney on the 10th!
How marvelous to be able to re-enjoy these lovely New Zealand fiords once again. Being there virtually is the next best thing. So enjoy your ongoing posts.
As a captain please share with us how many times you have been to some of the lovely ports. And tell us what the life of a captain is like. You seem to live the life of adventure. The photos are just gorgeous. Wish we could have stopped there on the Grand Asia
Thanks for the lovely photos of the New Zealand fjords. The scenery does indeed remind me of places I have often sailed to with HAL – – Alaska and Norway, not to mention my own home province of British Columbia!
A big WOW – spectacular! I did not know of Fiordland National Park!!! This is what a world cruise introduces one to.
Ever one…Rosie