Thompson Sound (New Zealand)

Thompson Sound is a fiord located in Fiordland National Park in the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of the lesser-visited fiords in the park, offering a more remote and pristine wilderness experience. The sound is characterized by steep, forested mountains rising directly from the water's edge, creating dramatic landscapes.

Like other fiords in the region, Thompson Sound was formed by glacial action during the ice ages. The glaciers carved deep valleys that were later flooded by the sea as the ice retreated. The sound's waters are typically dark due to tannins leached from the surrounding vegetation.

Access to Thompson Sound is primarily by boat or floatplane. There are no roads that lead directly to the sound. Consequently, it remains a relatively undisturbed natural environment. Wildlife that can be observed in and around Thompson Sound includes dolphins, seals, penguins, and various species of native birds. Fishing and kayaking are popular activities.

The name Thompson Sound honors a person named Thompson, though the exact historical figure this refers to is not definitively known. The sound plays a role in both tourism and conservation efforts within Fiordland National Park.