What is the Milford Sound and why is it significant?

Milford Sound is a world-renowned natural wonder located in Fiordland National Park on the southwest coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is a fjord, a long, narrow inlet of sea surrounded by steep cliffs, that was carved out by glaciers during the last ice age. The Milford Sound is one of the most visited tourist destinations in New Zealand and attracts more than 1 million visitors each year.

It is significant for its breathtaking beauty and spectacular scenery, which includes waterfalls, rainforests, and towering mountains. It is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including fur seals, dolphins, and penguins.

The Maori people, the indigenous people of New Zealand, have a rich cultural and spiritual connection to the Milford Sound and the surrounding region. They believe that the fjord was created by the god Tu Te Raki Whanoa, who carved out the land with a magical adze.