At 12600km², Fiordland is the largest national park in New Zealand, but it is also the least accessible, most rugged and wildest part of the country. If you're wanting to see for yourself, most people will drive into the chaos of Milford Sound for a midday cruise, and fewer still venture into Doubtful Sound.
We all know that there are other fiords in the park - but what are they? And what makes them special?
Introducing, Bligh Sound.
Think of it as 3rd from the top; Milford being the northernmost fiord. Hook a left past St. Anne's Pt, sail your way past a few bays and Sutherland Sound and drop anchor just shy of 18km inland. With place names like Amazon Cove and the Wild Natives River, what better place to bring the Breaksea Girl.
Dramatic steep peaks, and a permanent waterfall down at the head of the fiord make for a picture perfect home for your time in Bligh Sound, as long as you have a good weather window. The day breeze can funnel down the fiord, so make sure you're out kayaking when the water is glass and the air is still crisp. Then let that wind help you home.
Fiordland is scattered with marine reserves: Bligh's is quite special with an area called the "Chinashop" - a particularly fragile habitat for deep sea life found close to the surface thanks to the darkness created by the freshwater layer. This makes Bligh Sound a great place for diving.
Great stoney beaches at low tide and a beautiful river valley to kayak and hike up at any tide. Perfect for the fresh water rinse after earlier bombs off the roof!!
Clouds roll in and out, kea fly overhead, cuckoo call from the forest, and stars dazzle in the night sky; Bligh Sound is not to be overlooked - spectacular from every angle and part of what makes Fiordland Wild.
- Kim Reichle
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