Milford Sound New Zealand

After a visit in the 1890's, famed English author Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound New Zealand as the "eighth wonder of the world". When you visit you will understand why.

Nestled within the stunning Fiordland National Park on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Milford Sound New Zealand is a place of otherworldly beauty. With its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, this UNESCO World Heritage site is often touted as one of the most breathtaking destinations on the planet.

Whether you're an adventurous explorer, a nature lover, or just looking for a tranquil escape, Milford Sound promises an unforgettable experience, and is sure to be a highlight of your New Zealand holiday.

This comprehensive guide will hopefully tell you all that you need to know about visiting Milford Sound, from the best ways to get there to recommended tours, activities, and practical tips for making the most of your visit.

Enjoy!

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Milford Sound New Zealand - Location and Geography

Milford Sound is located within Fiordland National Park, a vast area spanning over 12,500 square kilometers of pristine wilderness. Despite its name, Milford Sound is actually a fjord, carved by ancient glaciers. It stretches for approximately 15 kilometers from the Tasman Sea into lush native forest, and is dominated by Mitre Peak, which rises majestically to almost 1,700 metres.

The allure of Milford Sound lies in its remote and untamed natural beauty. Its dramatic landscape features sheer cliffs rising hundreds of meters, dozens of waterfalls plunging into the deep dark waters, and lush rainforests clinging to the steep hillsides. It’s not just the topography that makes it special; the area is teeming with wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of bird species. During certain times of the year, you may even witness the rare Fiordland crested penguins.

How to Get To Milford Sound New Zealand

There are several ways to reach Milford Sound, each offering a unique perspective on the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island.

Travel By Car

Driving to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic road trips you can experience. The journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound takes approximately 4 to 4.5 hours one way, and takes you through picturesque towns and along the breathtaking shores of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Te Anau.

The Milford Road (State Highway 94) is widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, particularly the section between Te Anau and Milford Sound. Be prepared for winding roads and the Homer Tunnel, a remarkable engineering feat carving through solid rock.

From Te Anau, the drive to Milford Sound is shorter, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours. This section of the journey is especially mesmerizing, with highlights like the Mirror Lakes and the Eglington Valley.

By Bus or Coach

For those who prefer not to drive, several bus and coach companies operate daily services between Queenstown, Te Anau, and Milford Sound. These tours usually include informative commentary and multiple stops at scenic points along the way, allowing you to experience the beauty of Fiordland in comfort. Highly recommended.

To Milford Sound By Air

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider flying into Milford Sound. Several companies offer scenic flights from Queenstown and Te Anau, providing breathtaking aerial views of the Southern Alps, cascading waterfalls, and the Tasman Sea. While this is the most expensive option, it dramatically reduces travel time and adds an element of awe to your Milford Sound visit. Please be aware though that flights are subject to suitable weather conditions, and may be cancelled at short notice.

You can search available options here.

Boat Cruises

A boat cruise is the quintessential way to experience Milford Sound. Cruises typically last 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing you to get close to the iconic landmarks, towering peaks, and wildlife. Operators like Real Journeys and Southern Discoveries offer well-regarded options, with informative commentary that enhances your understanding of the region’s history and ecology.

Overnight Cruises

For a more immersive experience, consider an overnight cruise. These tours allow you to experience the fjord during the serene twilight hours and indulge in dinner as the sunset casts a glow over the landscape. The chance to view rare nocturnal wildlife is an added bonus.

Kayaking Tours

Exploring Milford Sound by kayak offers an intimate encounter with its serene waters and hidden coves. Kayaking tours range from half-day excursions to full-day adventures, guided by experts who provide insights into the natural history and geology of the region. Go Orange and Rosco’s Milford Kayaks are popular choices for kayaking tours.

Hiking Tours

The area around Milford Sound offers excellent hiking opportunities. The famous Milford Track, a 53.5-kilometer trail through some of Fiordland’s most stunning scenery, is a multi-day trek starting from Te Anau Downs. Though it doesn’t end directly in Milford Sound, guided walks can be arranged, providing a rugged adventure for those with time and stamina.

Other Activities at milford sound new zealand

The Milford Discovery Center and Underwater Observatory

This is an attraction that is often overlooked, but well worth including in your Milford Sound experience.

The Milford Discovery Center and Underwater Observatory, in Harrison's Cove, can only  be accessed by boat, and will need to be added as an option to your chosen cruise.

Milford Sounds geography and high rainfall means that a freshwater layer caps the sea water, encouraging many deep water species of marine life to live in "the shallows".

The observatory takes you below the surface where huge windows expose a stunning variety of marine life including black coral, starfish, octopus, and various species of fish.

Kayaking and Scenic Flights

For adventure enthusiasts, kayaking is an exciting way to explore the quieter corners of the fjord at your own pace. The kayak offers a low vantage point, allowing you to see the landscape and wildlife from a unique perspective.

Scenic flights, as mentioned earlier, offer unparalleled aerial views and can combine with your road trip or cruise to create a comprehensive Milford Sound experience.

Here's a couple of examples:

Hiking near Milford Sound New Zealand

Aside from the famed Milford Track, several shorter walks and hikes can be enjoyed around the Milford Sound area. The Key Summit Walk, part of the Routeburn Track, offers spectacular views over Fiordland National Park and is a rewarding option for those with limited time.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) have lots of information on the regions walks here.

Facilities and Parking

Milford Sound has basic facilities at the main visitor terminal, including a café and restroom facilities. Given its remote location, it is essential to be prepared. Bringing your own food and water is advisable. 

There's three parking options at Milford Sound:

1) at Deepwater Basin, there's a free parking area, but it's around 20-30 minutes walk from there to the terminal where the tour boats depart from. It's a nice walk but just be aware that it rains frequently here, so remember your wet weather clothing.

2) there's a paid parking area around 10-15 minutes walk from the terminal. You cannot pay by cash, so you will need a valid credit or debit card. Payment is made using the terminals in the car park or in the cruise terminal. It's a number plate recognition system, so if you have a rental vehicle, remember to make a note of your registration plate details. There's more information here.

3) for those lucky people taking an overnight cruise, there's an allocated parking area in the tour coach car park. More information here.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Milford Sound experiences a temperate climate with high rainfall year-round, contributing to its lush landscapes and abundant waterfalls. Summer (December to February) offers longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, making it the most popular time to visit. However, winter (June to August) provides a unique ambiance with snow-capped peaks and quieter surroundings. Rain is frequent, but don't let that deter you—rain enhances the natural beauty, creating even more dramatic waterfalls. Some tour boats will even poke their bow under the spray of a waterfall, a great thing to experience (but remember your spray jacket). 

The Pros and Cons of Touring from Queenstown vs. Te Anau

From Queenstown

-  Pros: Queenstown is a bustling tourist hub with numerous amenities, accommodation options, shops, and a vibrant nightlife. It offers a wide range of tours (like this one) and transportation options to Milford Sound, including coach tours and flights, making it a convenient option.  
- Cons: The journey time from Queenstown to Milford Sound is longer, requiring a full day trip. Most coach tours from Queenstown last 12-13 hours and usually depart  between 6am and 7am and return between 6pm and 7pm. The additional road time may be tiring for some visitors, although you can always have a nap on the bus.

From Te Anau

- Pros: Te Anau is closer to Milford Sound, making it more convenient for a quicker visit. It is quieter and more relaxed than Queenstown, providing a serene base for exploring Fiordland. You can take an organised coach tour from here, or drive yourself.
- Cons: Te Anau has fewer amenities and accommodation options compared to Queenstown, and it may not suit those seeking a bustling atmosphere. If you choose to stay in Te Anau, we recommend booking for two nights, which gives you the option of devoting day 2 to your Milford Sound tour.

Can I stay at Milford Sound?

Accommodation in Milford Sound is very limited.

Milford Sound Lodge is located a few minutes from the tour boats and offers a choice of chalets and powered campervan sites.

It's VERY popular and is typically fully booked from around November to April, so you will need to plan well ahead if you want to stay here.

Te Anau is the closest settlement to Milford Sound and has a good range of accommodation at various price points. 

search for your tour at milford sound new zealand

There's a wide variety of tours to choose from. You can take a coach tour from Queenstown or Te Anau, fly from Queenstown, or just take a cruise from Milford Sound.

To see the various options and check customer reviews, you can use the search widget below.

Is it time for you to come and see Milford sound new zealand?

Milford Sound is a testament to the awe and wonder of the natural world. From its geological marvels and vibrant ecosystem to the stunning seascapes and mountaintops, it encapsulates the wild beauty that defines New Zealand. Whether accessed by a scenic drive, a luxurious cruise, or adventurous kayak, this incredible destination is a must-see for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience. Embrace the magic of Milford Sound, and let its sheer majesty leave a lasting impression on your soul.