MILFORD SOUND
- Latitude: -44.6654 •
- Longitude: 167.918 •
- South Pacific •
- Port in New Zealand
Address: New Zealand
Web-site: URL_of_official_website
Milford Sound - Marine Port Description and Specification
General Overview: Milford Sound, located in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park on the southwest coast of the South Island, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. It is both a popular tourist destination and a site of significant ecological and geological interest. Despite its remote location, Milford Sound sees considerable marine traffic, primarily from cruise and tourist vessels.
Geographic Coordinates:
- Latitude: 44.6700° S
- Longitude: 167.9245° E
Port Type:
- Natural Fjord
Access and Navigation:
- Approach: Vessels typically approach Milford Sound from the Tasman Sea. The entrance is narrow and requires careful navigation due to underwater topography and potential for strong currents.
- Navigational Aids: There are several navigational aids, including buoys and lighthouses to ensure safe entry and navigation within this fiord.
Port Facilities:
- Berthing: There are limited berthing facilities primarily designed for smaller cruise ships and tourist boats. Large vessels often anchor off the Sound and use tenders to transport passengers.
- Depth: The fjord typically has deep waters, exceeding 100 meters in most areas, but caution is required close to the cliffs and at the entrance.
- Anchorage: Available at designated spots within the Sound, highly-dependent on weather conditions.
- Pilotage: Not mandatory but highly recommended due to the complex marine environment.
Services:
- Fuel and Water: Limited; mostly available for smaller vessels.
- Ship Repairs: Minimal facilities; major repairs would require going to larger port cities like Bluff or Dunedin.
- Waste Disposal: Regulations in place for waste management; however, options are limited. Ships are encouraged to carry waste to larger facilities outside the Sound.
Port Policy and Regulations:
- Environmental Protection: The area is part of a national park, and strict environmental regulations apply to preserve its natural state. Special care is required to prevent pollution.
- Speed Limits: Speed restrictions may apply to ensure safety and minimal environmental impact.
- Tourism Regulations: Operators must comply with both local and national tourism and environmental policies.
Local Infrastructure:
- Road Access: Milford Sound is connected by the Milford Road (State Highway 94), a scenic yet occasionally challenging drive due to weather conditions.
- Air Access: Milford Sound Airport (IATA: MFN) accommodates small aircraft and helicopter tours.
- Accommodation: Limited; primarily tourist lodges and a few overnight cruise options. Most visitors are day-trippers.
Climate:
- Rainfall: Extremely high, with an annual average exceeding 6,000 mm.
- Temperature: Mild, with summer temperatures averaging 18°C and winter temperatures averaging 5°C.
- Weather Conditions: Can change rapidly, with frequent downpours and occasional strong winds.
Key Points of Interest:
- Scenic Cruises: Numerous daily cruises highlight the fjord's majestic scenery, including waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen Falls.
- Kayaking: Popular for closer natural exploration.
- Underwater Observatory: Offers a unique view of the fiord’s marine life and underwater ecosystems.
- Hiking Trails: Include the renowned Milford Track.
Given its unique location and pristine environment, Milford Sound is more oriented towards eco-tourism and recreational activities rather than commercial shipping. However, its facilities are adequate to support the influx of tourist vessels that frequent this stunning region.
Contacts:
- Fiordland National Park Office: For regulatory information
- Milford Sound Harbourmaster: For navigational assistance and docking inquiries
Vessels in the port
Flag | Name | Type | Destination | Date/Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
LADY BOWEN | Passenger | 8/28/2024 | ||
MILFORD EXPLORER | Passenger | 8/28/2024 | ||
PRIDE OF MILFORD | Passenger | 8/28/2024 | ||
MILFORD SOVEREIGN | Passenger | 8/28/2024 | ||
MILFORD HAVEN | Passenger | 8/28/2024 | ||
MV SINBAD | Passenger | 8/28/2024 | ||
GEM OF THE SOUND | Passenger | 8/28/2024 | ||
MITRE PEAK 2 | Passenger | 8/28/2024 | ||
MITRE PEAK | Passenger | 8/28/2024 | ||
MILFORD MARINER | Passenger | 8/28/2024 | ||
LADY STIRLING | Passenger | 8/28/2024 | ||
SPIRIT OF MILFORD | Passenger | 8/27/2024 |