Evening twilight over Mitre Peak, Milford Sound, Fiordland

Mitre Peak is the jewel in Fiordland’s crown and its image has become symbolic of Fiordland, and even New Zealand itself, to visitors from all over the world. Thousands of images of Mitre Peak are sent overseas every year in postcards, books and calendars, and this majestic peak has spearheaded many campaigns promoting New Zealand to the world.

The vast majority of images of Mitre Peak are taken during the day which is when most people visit Milford Sound, mostly by bus, before leaving again in the late afternoon for the drive back to Te Anau or Queenstown. However, for those who stay for longer, the half hour or so after sunset offers a very different view of Mitre Peak. This is especially so on a clear calm evening when the fading twilight turns the peak into a looming dark silhouette, reflecting clearly in the smooth waters of Milford Sound. This photograph was taken on one such evening in midwinter, with a thin sliver of a new moon visible to the right of Mitre Peak’s summit.