select language: DE-AT
DE-BE
DE-CH
DE-DE
EN-AU
EN-CA
EN-GB
EN-IN
EN-NZ
EN-US
ES-AR
ES-ES
ES-MX
FR-BE
FR-CA
FR-FR
IT-IT
JA-JP
NL-BE
NL-NL
PT-BR
ZH-CN
DE-AT
DE-BE
DE-CH
DE-DE
ES-ES
FR-BE
FR-FR
IT-IT
NL-BE
NL-NL
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, New Zealand
A gem among gems
The 26,000-square-kilometre World Heritage Site called Te Wāhipounamu encompasses four national parks defined by countless mountains, fjords and glaciers. Perhaps the most precious gem in this swath of the South Island is known by two names – Piopiotahi in the native Māori language and Milford Sound in English. But many just call this 16-kilometre-long inlet the most beautiful place in New Zealand. A bold claim in this nation of natural wonders? Certainly, though the stunning sights around Piopiotahi's every bend sure make a strong case.
A gem among gems
The 26,000-square-kilometre World Heritage Site called Te Wāhipounamu encompasses four national parks defined by countless mountains, fjords and glaciers. Perhaps the most precious gem in this swath of the South Island is known by two names – Piopiotahi in the native Māori language and Milford Sound in English. But many just call this 16-kilometre-long inlet the most beautiful place in New Zealand. A bold claim in this nation of natural wonders? Certainly, though the stunning sights around Piopiotahi's every bend sure make a strong case.
In a land known far and wide for its wonders, it says something that so many single out this spot.
© Paparwin Tanupatarachai / Moment / Getty Images 2026-09-11 08:45:51 :