Tawaki  
Starting of course with our namesake, the Fiordland crested penguin or ‘Tawaki’.  These gentlefolk are most likely to be seen on the rocks around the fiord between August and December and also during February. Despite being one of the rarest penguins in the world, groups of as many as five may be seen at a time, and their raucous call is a common sound as they nest up amongst the trees. 

Seals  
In Milford Sound New Zealand fur seals tend to hang out in youthful “haul out” groups, biding their time between nocturnal hunting sprees. These popular marine animals may also join us below the water where they put our diving ‘skills’ to shame! 

Dolphins 
During summer months bottlenose, and sometimes Dusky, dolphins may be seen in Milford Sound; often hitching a free ride on our bow wave, although we seldom see them during dives.  

Birdlife  
We have some regular friends to look out for en route to Milford. The cheeky and highly intelligent alpine parrot, or kea, likes to make its presence felt along the Milford Road.  It is important however to resist the temptation to feed these birds, as they can cause damage to property whilst scavenging for food and it is possible for young birds to lose the ability to find their own food sources. 

Herman, our resident white heron is a regular feature at Milford Sound, and while we sit in silence out on the water between dives you may hear the songs of bellbirds and tuis.  So, along with the New Zealand robin, tom tit, silvereye and rifleman, it’s a great day out for bird watching. 

Marine Life  

Fish  and Crustaceans 
A great variety of fish awaits beneath the water; from schools of telescope fish to solitary leatherjackets; from the larger southern conger eels and copper mokis to tiny triplefins - you won’t be bored.   

The bright red scarlet wrasse catches the eye, while girdled wrasse may watch you watching them, just centimetres from your mask . 

Our local delicacy the rock lobster, or crayfish, is a common sight in cracks and under rocks but we only look and do not touch.  

So - fish?  Yes, we’ve plenty! 

Sea dragons
This deepwater relation of the seahorse is seen regularly by our divers in Milford - if you know where to look of course. Our particular resident is the spiny sea-dragon, about a foot long and bright orange - we spot them on several of our favorite dive sites. A truly unique beastie to see on scuba.

Corals 
The highest density of black corals in the world and as shallow as 10m in places, Fiordland is truly a unique habitat.  The first sighting we have of a black coral tree is often an eerie white glow in the distance - exciting stuff. 

Slightly deeper but worth the trip, red corals can be seen glowing almost neon beneath our lights.  Some of these corals are over 300 years old.  

Starfish 
Huge spiny starfish gorging themselves on encrusting mussels, elegant snake stars entwined around branches of black coral trees and feathery crinoids can be seen, along with the aptly named biscuit star.  You never knew starfish could be so much fun! 

Ascidians
Orange, red, purple, white - the colours of these distant relations of ours are as varied as their shapes. With a rudimentary spinal system, the sea squirt and waxy ascidian provide food for thought as evolutionary connections to ourselves.

Anemones 
Many sizes of anemones in a variety of colours grow in the fiord; from the deep water cerianthids with their elegantly spread tentacles, to the walls of bright yellow zoanthids.  Even old black coral trees are utilised as homes to both these and a variety of jewel anemones. 

Sponges 
Yellow, orange, green, white - the colours are various and the sponges are common in the waters of the fiord.  Though not so colourful, the deepwater variety of saucer sponge we see is no less remarkable. 

Nudibranchs 
Beautiful nudibranchs may be spotted by the keen observer.  Perhaps the most vivid is the purple and white jason mirablis which roves around on black coral trees. 

Brachiopods 
These shells were common in prehistoric times but today Fiordland is one of the few places in the world where they remain abundant at such shallow depths.

Tawaki Adventures,   Te Anau,   New Zealand
Free Phone (in NZ) 0800 829254,   EMAIL