Otago Daily Times: Milford Sound

Doc 'overall pleased' with Milford development

Olivia Caldwell — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:27:00 +1300

The Department of Conservation is satisfied any effects Milford Sound's new $6 million harbour have on the environment will be minimal.

Putting on a show

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:26:00 +1300

A pod of about 60 dusky dolphins has been putting on a show for boat passengers cruising in the sound this week.

Tunnel road deal proposed

Matthew Haggart — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:32:00 +1300

The possibility of a "public-private" partnership for roading developments associated with a proposed tunnel linking Queenstown and Milford Sound will be raised with new Minister of Transport Gerry Brownlee.

Chinese visitors killed in accident near tunnel

Olivia Caldwell — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:29:00 +1300

Four Chinese nationals were travelling in the car that crashed at the Homer Tunnel near Milford Sound on Wednesday night, killing two people, police said yesterday.

Guided kayaking to view wildlife

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:27:00 +1300

A new kayaking venture has been launched in Milford Sound, just in time to get "up close and personal" during the penguin nesting season.

Rangers find pair of kiwis 'thriving'

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:30:00 +1300

A pair of breeding kiwi birds introduced eight months ago into a remote valley overlooking Milford Sound are "a picture of health", Department of Conservation (Doc) Te Anau rangers said.

Snorers' noise annoys

Joe Dodgshun — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:27:00 +1300

You would be hard pressed to find a camper or tramper who has not, at some time, suffered because of that sadly none-too-rare pest species, the snorer.

Plan for heritage machinery park

Helena de Reus — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:57:00 +1200

Some of South Otago's hidden historic machines could soon get a chance to shine, through local vintage machinery club proposals for a "heritage park".

Rare penguins back in sound

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:57:00 +1200

Some of the rarest penguins in the world have been spotted in Milford Sound, having arrived for the nesting season.

Road may open tomorrow

James Beech — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +1200

The only road access to Milford Sound is expected to reopen by noon tomorrow, but chains must be carried as a precaution and no towing is allowed, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) says.

No respite for Milford Sound

James Beech — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 04:58:00 +1200

One of New Zealand's most important tourism routes, State Highway 94 from Te Anau to Milford Sound, has been closed by snow since Thursday, and no respite is likely today.

Milford Sound Board concerned over Milford Dart Ltd's ability to build tunnel

Tracey Roxburgh — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:57:00 +1200

The Southland Conservation Board wants consideration given to Milford Dart Ltd's ability to build the Dart Passage tunnel, both financially and in terms of its expertise.

Aircraft access review welcomed

Tracey Roxburgh — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:57:00 +1200

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson's announcement yesterday the cap on aircraft landings at Milford Aerodrome would be removed was welcomed by operators in Queenstown and Wanaka and described as "fantastic news" by the chairman of the Milford Users Group.

Kayaking operation for Harrisons Cove

Fri, 20 May 2011 04:57:00 +1200

A kayak operation is set to begin in Harrisons Cove, within Milford Sound, in October after Southern Discoveries Ltd was granted consent by Environment Southland.

UK chef seduced by beauty of new home

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 04:57:00 +1300

It's a far cry from your standard gourmet kitchen location, but at the fiord often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world is Mitre Peak Lodge in Milford Sound, where head chef Craig Cooper crafts gastronomic delights for hungry walkers throughout the Ultimate Hikes guided walk season. In today's Cuisine feature, Mr Cooper shares one of his favourite desserts - well earned for those who have tramped for four days to enjoy it.

Sustainability focus for TV crew

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:57:00 +1300

Taiwan's national television channel 8 TTV is highlighting Milford Sound as part of its focus on New Zealand as a world leader in conservation and sustainability.

First real test for lifeguard crew off Milford

Stu Oldham — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +1300

Six volunteer surf lifeguards circumnavigating New Zealand in a pair of inflatable rescue boats are braced for a challenging ride between Haast and Bluff.

Skeggs in Wakatipu cruises bid

Matt Stewart — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 05:02:00 +1300

Dunedin businessman Sir Clifford Skeggs wants to "open up" Lake Wakatipu's tourism potential with daily boat trips to Mt Nicholas Station offering cycling to the Von Valley and Mavora Lakes .

Milford's traffic level concerning

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Visitors to Milford Sound value its natural scenery and landscape above all, results of a perception survey show.

Southern Discoveries nominated for award

Tracey Roxburgh — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:00:00 +1200

Helping to preserve wildlife at Sinbad Gully, at the base of Mitre Peak in Milford Sound, has earned Southern Discoveries a nomination for a prestigious Department of Conservation (Doc) award.

Landing fees, GST add to Milford fares

James Beech — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 04:57:00 +1200

Tourists flying to Milford Sound will be hit with a $15-to-$20 increase on air tickets this summer, as scenic flight operators are forced to pass on rising charges from the Government.

Call to use MetFlight service

James Beech — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 04:57:00 +1200

Service is encouraging more Milford Aerodrome operators to sign up for its commercial weather briefing system to keep it financially viable.

Californian twins helping protect Fiordland fauna

Wed, 19 May 2010 04:55:00 +1200

A major conservation project to protect some of New Zealand's most endangered species in a remote Milford Sound valley is proving an outstanding success, with the help of Californian twins Dave and Joe Newman.

Panels complete $300,000 project

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 04:50:00 +1200

Milford Discovery Centre is in the final stage of its $300,000 refurbishment and structural redevelopment.

Milford rescuers race the weather

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:54:00 +1300

About 120 trampers stranded on the Milford Track near Te Anau last night were being evacuated this morning before the next expected cold front hits Fiordland.

Annual run raises $2500

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The annual Bridge to Bar run, in which entrants run 5km from the Tutoko Bridge to the Milford Pub on St Patrick's Day, raised more than $2500 for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Hollyford road proposal 'dead'

Marjorie Cook — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:03:40 +1300

A Ministerial report has "killed dead" the proposed $315 million Haast-Hollyford road, Forest and Bird Society national advocate Kevin Hackwell said yesterday.

Recycling scheme at Milford

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Milford Sound has introduced recycling in a bid to cut rubbish heading to the landfill by 75%.

Humpback whale makes big splash for tourists

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:57:00 +1300

Passengers on the tourist vessels Milford Mariner and Milford Wanderer were treated to a spectacle in Milford Sound, when a humpback whale performed a series of acrobatic leaps nearby.

Link to Milford a step closer

Joanne Carroll — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:02:00 +1300

An interim decision by the Department of Conservation paves the way for a proposed $170 million tunnel linking Queenstown to Milford Sound to be considered.