Beneath the Towering Glacial Carved Cliffs – Camping in Milford Sound

~ 02/10/19 – 03/10/19 ~

Map

Camping in Milford Sound

This was a last minute planned easy trip, but was pretty awesome! I’d always heard people kayaking in Milford Sound, and it’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a while. The last time I was her was after finishing the Milford Track back in 2016. I thought, why not try camping in Milford Sound instead!

Leaving my car parked overnight at the terminal car park, I prepared my raft. I stuffed my gear into the packraft, inflated it and headed toward Harrison Cove, on the right side leaving the docks.

Along the way on my 15 km route, I’d get a close up view of Lady Bowen Falls. Also, i got a far view of Empress Falls. There are the only two permanent waterfalls that directly lead into the Sound. Next, I would pass Bridget Point, Harrison Cove, Williamson Point (where the underwater observatory is located), and across to Pater Point (below the footstool of Mitre Peak) and then back towards Cemetery Point and Freshwater Basin where I started.

I thought paddling in the sound would be tough, but I did have ideal weather, minimal wind, and i only needed to ensure i paid attention to the cruise ships to be out of range and prepared for their wake waves. It took me only around 1.5-2 hours to reach Harrison Cove (~5 km), and about 3-3.5 hours to complete the second 10 km stretch.

I ended up camping in Milford Sound in the middle of Harrison Cove, to the true left of Harrison River. There was limited suitable places without removing vegetation, and I chose between two spots, and went for the beach option tucked in behind some bushes. There was a small stream 50 m walk away with fresh water here. I was thinking about venturing future along the Harrison River, but was short on time, and the bush here is thick.

Photos

On the Way to Milford Sound

Freshwater Basin to Harrison Cove

Camp at Harrison Cove

Harrison Cove to Paters Point, and back toward Freshwater Cove

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