Milford Sound
Behind the Lens: Sharing a handful of our favourite content creators who joined us onboard in 2024
Fiordland is often described as indescribable. Visitors leave the shores of Milford Sound and surrounding fiords not being able to explain to others the grandness and drama of the scenery they’ve just experienced. That is where images and video come in to convey what words cannot.
This year, we’ve had many professional storytellers, photographers and videographers spend time on our cruises to help capture the grandness and start-to-finish experience of a Southern Discoveries adventure. These content creators have helped to inspire others to take up a similar trip to the unofficial eighth wonder of the world and we love them for it! Shout-out to some of our favourite content creators who joined us onboard in 2024.
Kyle Kotajarvi
@kylekotajarvi
Kyle Kotajarvi is a photographer and videographer with a unique focus on capturing the feelings that landscapes evoke. Originally from Seattle, Washington, he has spent considerable time in Milford Sound and across New Zealand’s South Island, documenting the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. With over 650K followers on Instagram, it’s no surprise that he’s one of our favourite creators to host. Check out one of his latest Reels of a very rainy Milford Sound.
Sophie Piercey
@sophiepiercey
Queenstown local, Sophie Piercey, visited Milford Sound Lodge for a dreamy night with moody scenery on the shores of the Cleddau River. Sophie can always be spotted with her camera outdoors and we’re stoked she went off-grid in Fiordland to show the world just how stunning and romantic a getaway at the lodge can be.
Paul Michael
@paulmichael
Paul Michael is a master of light and shadows, making his landscape and travel photography a gallery of incredible warmly lit scenes. Paul’s visit to Fiordland was no different. On a stunningly clear Southland day, Paul cruised around Milford Sound capturing the light rays in the perfect places to show others just how big of a shadow the rugged cliffs can cast.
Simon Hird
@simonhird
We love Simon Hird’s eye for unique angles and framing of a moment! Simon came aboard with us and created an awesome reel along with still shots that really showed off the beauty of our deck views. Sometimes the ever-changing waterfalls of Milford Sound need to be documented before they’re gone and Simon captured them perfectly through video.
Julia Thompson
@juliiathompson
Julia proved that it doesn’t need to be a blue sky day to have an incredible time in Milford Sound. In true Fiordland fashion, the weather made a few U-turns during her visit with Southern Discoveries but Julia really persisted through ALL the weather to capture some incredible videos of the fiord in all its moody glory.
Viktoria Wanders and family
@viktoriawanders
There’s no better way to celebrate our environment and scenery than sharing it with the next generation of explorers. That’s why we were stoked to welcome Viktoria and her family on a cruise in Milford Sound as well as a trip with Glenorchy Air. She created an amazing and adorable gallery that reminds us all to take even the littlest ones on the big adventures.
Ross Long
@rosslongphoto
We consider Ross Long as one of the kings of underwater photography and we’re stoked to have him visit us a number of times. With plenty of water both in the Fiord, rushing down the cliffs and constantly falling from the sky, there’s no better place for Ross! The result is a naturally stunning set of images that encourage everyone to embrace the wet and just get out here.
Evolve Creations
@evolvecreations.nz
Photography and videography is the bread and butter of Evolve Creations and we’re so glad to have them capture the full Milford Cruise experience! Cheeky Kea, towering peaks and the beauty of a morning on the water all feature in the awesome reel from Evolve.
Inspiration comes from all around us and there’s no doubt that content creators have helped to shape the itineraries and plans of those that visit Queenstown and Milford Sound. Cheers to more adventures on camera in 2025!
See more latest news
