doubtful sound, fiordland

 We love this majestic New Zealand fjord for its ability to humble as well as uplift those who visit it. Solitude is difficult to find these days, especially the kind that is powerful enough to inspire. Doubtful Sound’s superb land and waterscape is grandiose and perfect. Due to its serenity the fjord is appropriately called 'the Sound of Silence'. But, don’t let this nickname fool you, this fjord offers more than just tranquillity it also offers stunning contrasts with an incredible array of outdoor activities. The area is rich in flora and fauna and is home to the loveable New Zealand Fur Seal as well as the amusing Fiordland Crested Penguins. Doubtful Sound is both calming and entertaining. Where else can you kayak with bottlenose dolphins, cruise in search of native birdlife, wave to both seals and penguins, and enjoy the dozens (sometimes even hundreds) of waterfalls along the way? You can even see a bunch of small islets as you enter the fjord, a sight unlike anything else on this planet! Doubtful Sound has a special ecosystem. The fjord’s waters have two distinct layers that don't mix. Saltwater is found a few meters below of fresh water, that is fed by runoff from the surrounding mountains. This creates a unique environment that allows for deep-sea species, like black coral, to thrive in comparatively shallow depths. This also gives the water a distinct ink like colour…cool, right?