Queenstown is a city like no other in the world! Despite traveling extensively across several continents, I have encountered few natural wonders as striking as those found in Fiordland. The breathtaking landscapes here are reminiscent of the Retezat Mountains in Romania, capturing the heart's imagination. There are countless incredible destinations to explore from this city on New Zealand's South Island, which will undoubtedly be featured in future travel articles on this blog.
I’m thinking here of Glenorchy, a place seemingly plucked from Heaven, nestled among majestic mountains and evoking the filming locations of the Hobbit trilogy. I’m also referring to Arrowtown, one of New Zealand's earliest mining towns, renowned for its gold rush of 1865. Then there are New Zealand’s most visited and popular tourist destinations: Doubtful Sound and, in particular, Milford Sound. On the way to Milford Sound, we made a brief stop at the Mirror Lakes, located at the entrance to Fiordland National Park.
The Mirror Lakes
At the Mirror Lakes, the Earl Mountains are majestically reflected, creating a flawless mirror image. Located in Fiordland National Park at the northern end of Lake Te Anau, these lakes lie along the western side, with Milford Highway running beneath their eastern slopes and tributaries. The Mirror Lakes are safeguarded by international regulations and are part of the global network of Protected Sites.
The Greatness of Creation
Upon arriving, my breath catches several times, as if racing through celestial realms. I am utterly speechless in the face of Creation's grandeur. A profound sense of relief and joy overwhelms me, and I am deeply grateful to have finally reached this magnificent place. It feels as though I am floating in a dreamlike state. From the small parking lot, just off the alpine road, a wooden boardwalk leads directly to these renowned stretches of water. The day is flawless, and the Earl Mountains are perfectly mirrored in the crystal-clear lake. Occasionally, hurried insects dart across the water's surface, leaving intricate trails. The beauty before me leaves me speechless, immersed in silent awe. Words fail, and no one speaks. We exchange glances of wonder, all captivated by the breathtaking scene. The landscape, in its spectacular majesty, enchants us. These lakes are a highlight on the journey to Milford Sound, where New Zealand's fjords embrace the ocean. Renowned for their stunning reflection of the surrounding scenery, the lakes are nestled in the Eglinton Valley.
Eglinton Valley
One of the first attractions on a trip to Milford Sound, after entering Fiordland National Park, is the Eglinton Valley. Carved by ancient glaciers, the valley is encased by steep, rocky mountains adorned with native beech forests, creating a stunning landscape. The valley floor is covered in lush, golden grass. The road to Milford Sound traverses this valley alongside the shallow Eglinton River. This valley is one of the few accessible by road in all of Fiordland National Park.
Knobs Flat
Another noteworthy stop in the picturesque Eglinton Valley is Knobs Flat, where workers constructing the road to Milford Sound, including the Homer Tunnel, camped until the 1980s. Today, Knobs Flat serves as a convenient stop on the way to the fjord, offering accommodation, information, and essential facilities. Most importantly, if you're traveling this route, Knobs Flat is the last place with flush toilets before you reach Milford Sound. Consequently, if you're visiting Mirror Lakes and Milford Sound, you're likely to make a stop here.
The Name of the Valley
The first Europeans to explore the area arrived in 1861 and named the river and valley in honor of the British Earl of Eglinton. In 1935, the construction of the road made it possible for more visitors to experience the valley's stunning beauty.
Plain Beech
This region of Fiordland National Park is notable for its diverse and unique wildlife. The Eglinton Valley is one of the few places in New Zealand with extensive lowland beech forests. Here, you'll find plants and wildlife that are found nowhere else in the world, including over 30 rare, threatened, or endangered species. This exceptional biodiversity is one reason why Fiordland National Park is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Area, dedicated to protecting and preserving this unique part of Aotearoa.
Pekapeka Bat: The Short-Tailed Mammal
The beech forests of the Eglinton Valley and the Mirror Lakes are not only rich in birdlife but also host New Zealand's only native land mammals: bats, known as pekapeka in Māori. The New Zealand short-tailed bat is particularly intriguing. Unlike other bats, it has evolved to crawl on the forest floor and forage, adapting uniquely to its environment.
The Misty Mountains from The Lord of the Rings
Several locations in the Eglinton Valley were featured in The Lord of the Rings films, notably the Eglinton Mountains, which stood in for the Misty Mountains. Sir Peter Jackson, the renowned Kiwi director, was captivated by the striking contrast between the dark, tree-covered hills and the golden tussock grass, which undulates in a truly remarkable way.
The Perfect Photos
On a calm day, the Mirror Lakes provide breathtaking reflections of the surrounding mountain ranges. Thousands of tourists visit each year in search of the perfect photo. However, these lakes are not just a picturesque spot; they also serve as a habitat for many animals, including some of our rarest bird species.
Pāpango and Other Residents
New Zealand's smallest duck, the pāpango (or roica), inhabits the Mirror Lakes and other waterways in the Eglinton Valley. Alongside it lives the gray duck, or pārera. Beneath the water's surface, you'll find native longfin eels, as well as brown and rainbow trout, which were introduced in the 1800's.
Genesis of the Mirror Lakes
The Mirror Lakes were created when the Eglinton River changed its course long ago, leaving behind these two river bends to form what are known as 'oxbow' lakes, the horseshoe lakes of meandering rivers.
Together with the Eglinton River, they are part of New Zealand's largest inland waterway system, which stretches almost uninterrupted from Martins Bay/Kotuku in the north to Te Wawae Bay on the southern coast.
Goodbye
The thought of leaving this beautiful corner of the planet fills me with sadness. Yet, the memory of this brief hike, more of a scenic interlude, will forever remain etched in my mind. It will nourish my imagination with dreams of fantastical realms, where worlds are reflected in the infinite waters.
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