Milford Sound, a stunning fjord located in New Zealand's South Island, has transformed over the decades from a remote, challenging destination into one of the country's most visited natural attractions. Its journey as a tourist hotspot is deeply intertwined with the efforts of early explorers, the development of crucial infrastructure like roads and an airport, and the increasing desire of visitors to experience its dramatic landscapes. Despite its isolated
location, the allure of Milford Sound has consistently drawn people, leading to significant developments aimed at making it more accessible to a global audience.
Early European Encounters and Accommodation
The first European to establish a presence at Milford Sound was Donald Sutherland, an explorer and former soldier, who arrived on December 3, 1877. He lived there for the remainder of his life, playing a pivotal role in the area's early tourism. After marrying in 1890, Sutherland and his wife built an accommodation house, catering to the few visitors who arrived by steamer, which typically visited Milford Sound twice a year during the 1880s. The government recognized the potential for tourism and paid Sutherland to construct a track leading to Sutherland Falls, a notable natural feature. In his first season, 1888-1889, 40 tourists visited, a number that increased to 70 the following season. This early period laid the groundwork for future tourism, demonstrating the appeal of the region even with limited access. Sutherland's widow eventually sold their accommodation house to the government in 1922, marking a transition in the management of tourist facilities.Forging Pathways: The Milford Track and Road Access
Access to Milford Sound was significantly improved through the efforts of Quintin McKinnon, who was tasked by the Otago Survey Department to find a land route. McKinnon successfully discovered a path over what is now known as McKinnon Pass, creating the route that became the famous Milford Track. This track provided the first known European foot access to Milford Sound, though Māori had been aware of the route for centuries. The Milford Track quickly gained fame, and by 1899-1900, 37 tourists were utilizing new steamers and huts along the improved track. The New Zealand government, through the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts and later the Tourist Hotel Corporation, managed the track and guided tours from 1901 until 1990, when it was sold to a private enterprise. Initially, only commercial guided tours were permitted, but a "freedom walk" in 1965 led to a dual system in 1966, allowing independent walkers to use separate huts and facilities.Road access was another monumental undertaking. William H. Homer, after discovering the Homer Saddle in 1889 with George Barber, proposed building a tunnel beneath the pass, which stood at 1,375 meters (4,511 ft). Construction on the Homer Tunnel began in 1935 but progressed slowly, finally opening in 1953. The completion of this road, State Highway 94 (also known as Milford Road), dramatically increased tourism to Milford Sound. While initially closed during winter months, the road has been open year-round since the 1970s, further enhancing accessibility.
