Milford Sound

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

Natural wonders of Fiordland National Park

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.

What are the best months to visit Milford Sound?

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.

How many days do you need in Milford Sound?

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.

How long does the Milford Sound cruise take?

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.

What is the best time of day to do a Milford Sound cruise?

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.

What is the best time of year to walk Milford Sound?

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.

Do you need to cruise to see Milford Sound?

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.

Ways to explore

Whether you cruise around the fjord, soar overhead on a helicopter or scenic flight, or explore by coach, Milford Sound is unforgettable from all angles. Most day trips run from Queenstown or Te Anau, and stop at other sights such as the Mirror Lakes and Eglinton Valley along the way.

Top attractions around the sound include the striking Mitre Peak mountain, the picturesque Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, and the Underwater Observatory at Milford Discovery Centre. Wildlife-watching is a highlight of any trip, while hikers can tackle the epic 4-day Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Accessibility

Many boat cruises and flights are wheelchair accessible, but confirm with your tour operator. There are accessible restrooms at the Milford Sound Visitor Center

Age limits

Most cruises and flights are open to all ages, but check with your tour operator.

What to pack

Raincoat (it often rains, even in summer), reusable water bottle and plenty of water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, bug spray (sandflies are a nuisance in summer), sunglasses, warm hat (it can be windy on the sound even in summer)

What to wear

Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, hiking boots, waterproof coat or jacket

Not allowed

Milford Sound is remote with limited cell phone and Wi-Fi coverage, no gas stations, and no grocery stores, so come prepared, especially if you’re driving yourself.

Amenities

Milford Sound Visitor Terminal has restrooms, vending machines, and a paid parking lot. Milford Sound Information Center has a café

Address 

Milford Sound is located on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island within Fiordland National Park. Milford Sound Visitor Terminal is the main departure point for cruises, and can be reached by plane, car, or bus. Attractions along the sound can only be reached by boat or hiking.

Driving

From Te Anau, follow Highway 94 north, all the way to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal—about a 1-hour, 45-minute drive. It’s a scenic trip, so plan extra time to stop at the many viewpoints along the way.

Public transportation

The quickest way to get to the sound is by flying from Queenstown. Alternatively, InterCity buses run to Milford Sound from Te Anau (about a 3-hour journey) and Queenstown (about a 5.5-hour journey).

Best times to visit

Milford Sound is a hugely popular day trip destination, but most visitors don’t arrive until mid-morning. To beat the crowds, make an early start and set sail on one of the first boat departures. Wildlife sightings are frequent in the morning, and you’ll have the scenery all to yourself.

Best days to visit

Summer weekends can be overrun with daytrippers, so opt for a weekday tour if you’re visiting in peak season. Don’t worry about picking a rainy day—rainfall is common year-round, and it means that the waterfalls will be even more impressive.

Best months to visit

The warm summer months (December through February) are the most popular time to visit Milford Sound, but for fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder months of October–November and March–April are a good compromise.

Special events

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