Waters and seabed of Fiordland (Te Moana O Atawhen by GabLabCebu
Wow, for the vastness of Fjordland National Park, let alone Te Wahipounamu, it's really surprising that the waters of the fjords themselves have been left out of the inscription. They are basically the essence of the fjord, and contain a unique but still connected ecosystem with the rest of the park. Many people, including myself visit this daily through the fjord cruises in Milford Sound. One would never expect the tip of the fjord to already be the sea, as steep cliffs and mountains, littered with hundreds of little waterfalls, block the views of the curving fjord. However, on the small outcroppings above the water, masses of seals cover the surfaces. The water all around is a deep dark blue, still a pristine environment for all the creatures we see and don't see. All in all, this site should be a very obvious and significant extention to the already majestic site of Te Wahipounamu, adding important, and unique yet relevant biological and geological value.