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This is not only because of the beauitful natural environment and the marine reserves that exist here, but also because of an interesting effect of the high rainfall in the area.
As rainfall drains through the lush forests, it becomes stained with tannins until it is the colour of strong tea. This dark freshwater does not mix with the seawater of the fiords, but rather it sits on top, limiting the amount of light that reaches into the depths and restricting almost all of the marine life to the top 40 metres of water depth. This 40m band is calm, very clear and relatively warm - home to sponges, corals and fish of sub-tropical, cool water and deep-water varieties. As a result, light sensitive species that normally live at great depths are found much closer to the surface in Fiordland waters. This gives divers, as well as visitors to the Underwater Observatory, the opportunity to see rare species such as the red and black corals at relatively shallow depths.
The fiords support the world's biggest population of black coral trees - about seven million colonies, some of them up to 200 years old. They are home also to brachiopods: primitive clam-like animals that have been bypassed by evolution, remaining unchanged for over 300 million years.
Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins and little blue penguins can also be found in the fiords at various times of the year.
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