Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a dramatic fiord in Fiordland, carved by glaciers and flanked by near-vertical cliffs that plunge directly into dark, mirror-still water, with Mitre Peak rising 1,692 metres straight from the surface as the iconic centrepiece. You can shoot from the main wharf area for classic reflections of Mitre Peak, or take a cruise to get mid-fiord perspectives that eliminate the crowds and reveal the full scale of the surrounding walls. Overcast and rainy days are often better than clear ones here, as low cloud clings to the peaks and dozens of temporary waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, adding mood and motion. A wide-angle lens handles the grand scale well, while a telephoto compresses the layered ridgelines beautifully. Arrive at dawn before tour buses fill the carpark, and be patient with other photographers as space along the waterfront is genuinely tight. (Milford Sound, Southland, New Zealand)