Full Documentary | Deep South: Milford Sound | nzherald.co.nz

The Herald is proud to present the first episode of a major new investigative documentary series Deep South produced and presented by Crux Productions.

Made with funding from NZ On Air

[patriciajordan]

I was on a cruise ship entering Milford Sound at 5.30 am. It was an experience l will never forget. The silence was so spiritual. The wonderous beauty of this part of the planet was breathtaking. I so get why it is so important to preserve the true essence of this jewel of NZ. This debate is good because out of it will come a plan that will preseve Milford and its special beauty for today's and other generations. We are so blessed on this earth to have such beautiful places that should be accessible to everyone but not in such a way that is at the cost of the real true Milford . That is the challenge for NZ.

[WilliamPatinoPhotography]

Complex and no easy solution. Some will win, others lose. There is going to be anger and frustration either way. Ironically, some of what makes Milford special is the lack of infrastructure and services. It's humbling that you can't have phone service, parking is limited and there is no option for fine dining and luxury accom. Here, nature reigns and you are forced to be second. Of course, there is room for upgrade and improvement to keep up with visitor numbers, but the real 'cost' needs to be fully considered. If the essence of the place is lost further, then it can't be replaced or bought back. Hopefully the right balance can be found.

[twirl]

I grew up near by (foothills of the Takitimu mountains) and am of Ngai Tahu descent. I live abroad with work but this is my home. We need the tourisum to help share the beauty of the area. I also agree that something needs to be done to develop a form of funding. In California when people visit Yosemite National Park where there is a range of admission costs that do not defer the tourists. Day passes, week and annual passes. All substantually less than a common NZ fishing for example. The Australian outback is also charged for. You need to pay to visit Uluru. It make sense. The other option is deprivatization of the tourisim. Government or Iwi or joint. Chartered buses and boat rides should be Government managed. This will also have the abilitly to provide consistentcy to the experiance. The funds go back to maintance of the area as shared in thei report. Get rid of the planes and the air strip. This could be carparks. A helecopter pad is enough for emergency etc. Walking trails set up. I agree with the comments on Dusky and Doubtful Sound. It has been decades since I have last visited but Deep Cove is still special as it is not as commercial as coming into Milford. The other options to substitute the Milford influx is other day and week trips in the south. Lake Manapouri, Monawai or Hauroko are within day trips. Opening up Tuatapere coasline and Port Craig further. The tourists flock to what is in trend and Milford has always been our advertised destination.

[Silvius.]

Milford its one of thousands great places in NZ Aotearoa.
Hopefully New Zealanders see it generation after same.
Our land not must seen from all in two days. Really lovers of nature wonder of NZ taking time and doing something for seeing not only paying.

[grantgrieve]

Having worked in Milford recently, I can attest to the problems created by the growing influx of visitors. At the height of the season there wasn't enough space in Milford to park your car. People were forced to park in Deepwater Basin carpark and all the access roads around it. Having driven 120km from Te Anau without toilet stops raised other issues such as people shitting in the bushes along the side of the roads due to lack of access to toilets in the area. The public toilets were a good 20min walk from some of these locations. Something needs to change. Whether it is the Opportunities Plan or something else, Milford Sound needs help.

[nixism]

maybe have a sign before you start the 120km drive from te anau to Milford sound that there is no access to Milford sound unless you pay for parking, maybe that would help I gave up, got there, did a u turn and

[swiftbobber]

This place gets wiped clean more than you realize.

[nortondefaria]

Charge 100 usd per car during summer, Charge 75 usd pr car during spring. Free durig the winter.
New Zealanders should pay 50% of the above fees.

[brianwhetton]

I have not visited there but agree with the consensus that there needs to be change. The jerk who suggests a charge of $200 per o/seas visitor & closing the airport has what I would describe as a “typical public service mentality” who’s ego is greater than his ability to think rationally. We need input from all stakeholders who can be flexible in their business plan to cope with changes adopted by the majority & not input from egotists who prescience would only be divisive. Good luck.

[deskeena]

I s a beautiful painting of milford sound, pre pay for parking greed, in nsw art gallery

[brucepardoe]

He's a shocker, get a new spokesperson

[Silvius.]

Why should money solving problem?
More money more infrastructure and quicker in out?

[OryanMcLean]

Ngāi Tahu is very disappointong. Very bad caretakers. They need guidance from the North Island Māori. The North would never have let this happen.

[Silvius.]

If not willing walking days why tourism for hours should be promoted?
If want see fiordland then planing and walking weeks or days!
Fiordland its not paris or NY or zermatt!
Its an nature and need be enjoying at weeks.

[Piggyy]

Makes me soo angry to hear of developments in and around Milford. Any tracks, more parking, wider roads, more infrastructure etc will make it more appealing, BUT by doing so YOU ARE WRECKING IT.
Just put a limit of visitors per day low enough that it can shine naturally. 30 yrs ago it was way more beautiful with less human interference. This is a very pitiful sad video - why do humans have to slowly wreck nature in the guise of betterment. Sickening indeed. 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[davidbell]

Yeah thanks (sir) John still goin on about getting the product right. Ya Muppet.