| Fiordland is one of the wettest places on earth. This | | | | are the fjords which formed as the sea rose with the |
| rainfall nourishes the rich Fiordland Forest, largely of | | | | melting of the ice. In the east glaciers deepened the |
| small leaved, evergreen native beech, which throws a | | | | basins of the larger lakes. Fiordland valleys have broad |
| rather sombre cloak over the land up to the tree line | | | | flat floors and nearly vertical walls, the classic U shape |
| about 1000 m. | | | | that is the inevitable result of glacial scouring. |
| Within the forest, the damp air and soil sustain a rich, | | | | The broad southern coast faces the western |
| shaded undergrowth of ferns and mosses, lianas, | | | | entrance to Foveaux strait, the famous and dreaded |
| creepers, shrubs and lesser trees. Higher, nearer the | | | | whaling ground of the last century, where the gales |
| tree line, stunted beech and mountain fuchsia survive, | | | | and seas of the Roaring 40s beat up on the shore. |
| their branches draped with a straggling lichen called old | | | | The western heights are greatly affected by the |
| man's beard. It gives the forest and air of incredible | | | | winds of the Roaring 40s and rainfalls in almost |
| antiquity. | | | | unbelievable amounts, 7200 mm a year on average at |
| The land rises steadily from south to north, reaching its | | | | Milford Sound. This picturesque part of the country is |
| most spectacular form in the precipices, ice falls and | | | | one of New Zealand's most popular tourist spots, it is |
| summits of the Darran Mountains. On the west coast | | | | well worth a visit if you're in the area. |