This extraordinary natural environment offers amazing fjords, spectacular waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Ancient rainforests adhere magically to the mountains; waterfalls collide hundreds of meters with large fords; sparkling lakes and granite peaks look the same as thousands of years ago. Main Attraction The fjord is a valley formed by melting glaciers that form the letter U which is then covered by sea water. Fourteen fords along the southwestern edge of the South Island were formed in 100,000 years, and details were finally embellished during the last ice age around 10,000 years ago. The Maori connects the formation of this fjord with the mason giant named Tute Rakiwhanoa, who pounded the side of a steep cliff with his ax. On all sides of this fjord, the amazing waterfall ceased to flow, as a result of very high rainfall in the area, with its abundant water looking for the road to the sea. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the '8th Wonders of the World',...