Sat, 14th Mar, 2026 (part2) Freedom campground, Lumsden to Manapouri Holiday Park, Manapouri, NZ (Milford Sound cruise)

Nice drive through the trees then we finally arrive in the Milford Sound area.

Lots of campers parked by the river.

Around to the Information Centre where we have to pay to park, $10/hr and 50c card fee! A little bird was flittering around catching bugs we were disturbing - very cute.

Helped another two ladies with how to make the payment then paid for an hour then went inside the Info Centre. Booked a cruise for 1.15pm and asked about the river campers. He said that it is a free place to park with a 20 minute walk back here. Sounds good to us.

Nice aerial photos hanging outside.

Back to camper and back out to the free parking spot to have lunch. Nice view up and down the Cleddau River and valley.

Headed off along the track to the boat terminal so we are ready to board at 1pm. We were warned that the sandflies are bad here and they are right - huge things so at least you can see them to squash them.

Along the water edge - yes I know I take too many photos. Misty but that makes it a bit more mysterious. Lots of information too.

Onto the boardwalk as we head to the boat area - rain and sandflies info.

We are early so walked out to the point.

We are on the original cruise company, ’Milford Sound Red Boats’, operating since 1953. I probably went on this one too in 1982. Here’s the photos I took.

On board - quick photo to compare with 1982 haha.

The sandflies are out in force. Big enough to photograph.

Our route today.

As we headed off we saw the first of two permanent waterfalls, Bowen Falls. With the recent rain there are plenty more cascading down which is great. These falls are also the water supply and provide hydropower for the village. We can see big lines going straight up the hill near the coach parking area.

Now we head towards the mist and enjoy the scenery and great commentary. I tried to cull the photos but I love them all.

The other permanent falls is Stirling - named after the Governor who was on the cruise at the time. It is has a 151m drop. We will call in there on our return.

Can’t complain about the rain when it provides such beautiful waterfalls.

Misty view back.

Out to the Tasman Sea then we headed back.

There is a fur seal resting on a rock over there.

More waterfalls.

The mist blocking the view back to the Tasman Sea.

Pulled in close to Stirling Falls.

Chatted with a couple from Nambour on the way back. Just love the views as we cruise past Harrison cove - you can just see a little building by the water’s edge. Zoomed in on snow on the mountain in the background.

Found another snoozing seal. He lifted his head for us.

Little bit brighter as we return to Bowen Falls.