Dusky Sound, New Zealand

Dusky Sound is a fjord on the south west corner of New Zealand, in Fiordland National Park. One of the most complex of the many fjords on this coast, it is also one of the largest, 40 kilometres in length and eight kilometres wide at its widest point. To the north of its mouth is the large Resolution Island, whose Five Fingers Peninsula shelters the mouth of the sound from the northwest. Along the east coast of the island, Acheron passage connects Dusky Sound with Breaksea Sound, to the north.

Several large islands lie in the sound, notably Anchor Island, Long Island, and Cooper Island. Sightseeing highlights include the hundreds of waterfalls cascading into the sound during the rainy season, seals and dolphins. Bird and wildlife sanctuaries are also attractions with sightings of Curlew, Shag, Petrel, Pigeon and Parrot Isles; Shag River; Seal Rock; Goose, Duck and Woodhen Coves.

Things to See and Do

* Dolphin & seal watching
* Waterfalls
* Bird watching
* Eco tours
* Fishing

General information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency - New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Language – English, Maori
Population – 3,200 approx (Fiordland)
Electricity – 2 round pins European style, two parallel flat pins Japanese style
Time - GMT plus 12 hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 64

Port Location – The port is located at Te Anau.

Transport Links – The Fiordland region can be accessed from Te Anau airport which is located 15 km’s south of Te Anau. InterCity Coachlines has a nationwide network that includes a scheduled service to the Fiordland region. . You can also fly into Milford or Doubtful Sounds from Queenstown Glenorchy or Te Anau.

Access to Dusky sound is by sea or air only, with no roads reaching the coast at this point. However, a tramping track known as the Dusky Track stretches to the upper reaches of the sound from lakes Manapouri and Hauroko.