Milford Sound

Whether you cruise around the fjord, fly overhead in a helicopter tour or scenic flight, or explore Fiordland National Park by coach, Milford Sound is unforgettable from all angles. Most Milford Sound tours run from Queenstown or Te Anau and also visit highlights such as the iconic Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke.

• The weather in Milford Sound can be unpredictable, so prepare for wind and rain even in summer.

• If hiking, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as places to purchase supplies are limited.

• Cell phone coverage is limited, but free Wi-Fi is available at the Milford Sound Information Center.

• Most Milford Sound cruises are wheelchair accessible, but some Fiordland National Park activities are not.

The sound is located on the southwest coast of New Zealand's South Island. It's a popular full-day trip from Queenstown, about 178 miles (287 kilometers) away. The drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown takes about 3.5 hours, and it's about a 2–hour drive to Milford Sound from Te Anau. The quickest way to get to the sound is by flying from Queenstown.

Summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit Milford Sound, so if you want to avoid crowds, opt for spring or autumn. Winter visitors will be at the weather's mercy, but tours and accommodation can be cheaper during this time and the area's snow-covered peaks are a sight to see.

The journey to the sound is just as impressive as the fjord itself, and photo opportunities abound along the road to Milford Sound. Stop at Pop's Lookout, Mirror Lakes, and the Eglinton Valley, or marvel at the views as you pass the Chasm and Homer Tunnel. Don't miss the views over Lake Wakatipu, Lake Te Anau, and The Remarkables mountain range.

Milford Sound is a year-round destination. Its famous waterfalls are generally most impressive in the spring months of September, October, and November when seasonal rain supercharges their flow. Longer days and warmer temperatures mean the Southern Hemisphere summer—December through February—is excellent for hiking, paddling, and other outdoor pursuits.

You can visit Milford Sound in one day. Day trips to Milford Sound depart from Queenstown and Te Anau, with time to hike, cruise, and explore. While overland trips are a popular option, coming by plane cuts down on travel time and features spectacular aerial views of the Fiordlands.

Cruises on Milford Sound vary in duration. Many popular boat trips take just under two hours, enough time to travel the length of the sound to its mouth at the Tasman Sea. Longer, 3-hour cruises generally use the extra time to seek wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and rare Fiordland penguins.

Morning cruises on Milford Sound are less crowded because coach trips from Queenstown generally don't arrive until mid-day. Some avid photographers prefer taking the first cruise of the day, catching the early-morning sunlight filtered through mountain peaks. Sunsets are also gorgeous, with westerly light to illuminate tumbling waterfalls.

The official hiking season on the Milford Track is from late October through April. Long days and warm weather make the summer months of December, January, and February the most popular hiking times, so advanced bookings are necessary. March and April mean settled weather and slightly cooler days.

Cruises are a popular way to see the sound, but there's more than one way to explore. Other options include kayak tours, day hiking on the Milford Track, and nature walks. Seeing Milford Sound from above is also spectacular, with sightseeing flights by helicopter and plane departing Queenstown and Te Anau.