Declared by British writer Rudyard Kipling as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand. And it’s easy to see why!
The fiord’s scenery is super dramatic, with heaps of powerful waterfalls, steep mountain peaks, and lush forests. On rainy days, the vibe is extra moody, with low-lying fog and mist rolling across the water.
If you’re visiting for the first time, the sheer number of tour and activity options be overwhelming. Here’s a full guide to the 14 best things to do in Milford Sound, with handy links to help you plan your trip!
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- Best things to do in Milford Sound
- Take a boat cruise
- Take a scenic flight
- Go kayaking
- Visit the Underwater Observatory
- Boat trip to Lady Bowen Falls
- Watch for wildlife
- Go stargazing
- Walk the Milford Foreshore
- Milford Sound Swing
- Go on a short hike
- Hike the Milford Track
- Take an overnight cruise
- Go scuba diving
- Drive the Milford Road from Te Anau
- Best Milford Sound tours
- Getting to Milford Sound
- Where to stay in Fiordland National Park
- Milford Sound FAQs
- Tips for visiting Milford Sound
Here are my top recommendations for the best things to do in Milford Sound that you definitely shouldn’t miss!
Best things to do in Milford Sound
Take a boat cruise
Taking a scenic boat ride is the absolute best way to see the fiord up close and personal, and something I’d recommend for every first-time visitor!
These nature cruises are the most popular way to explore Fiordland National Park. Although they’re touristy, they’re definitely worth it for the spectacular views and amazing scenery you’ll see on the water — no Milford Sound experience is complete without one!
There are a ton of cruise tour operators, food packages, and types of boats to choose from. Bigger boats will be more comfortable and usually will offer a buffet lunch, but they’re also more crowded. Smaller boats, on the other hand, offer a more bespoke experience and can get closer to the cliffs and waterfalls.
Milford Sound day cruises start at around $100 NZD. That price includes a 2-3 hour cruise of the fiord, commentary from a local guide, and complimentary coffee and tea. Sometimes it also includes a picnic or buffet lunch and extra snacks.
Check out the recommended cruises section below for a list of the best Milford Sound day cruises!
Take a scenic flight
If you have a special occasion to celebrate or want the absolute best views of Milford Sound from the air, taking a scenic airplane or helicopter flight is a must!
Fiordland National Park is a great place to book a scenic flight because the views are out of this world. You’ll soar over fiords, catch glimpses of the Southern Alps (and Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain), and get views of Milford’s towering waterfalls from above.
You can choose from either a fixed-wing airplane or a helicopter tour. Most tours leave from Queenstown and include two scenic flights and a cruise through the fiord. Certain helicopter tours even include glacier landings, which is a total bucket list experience!
Flight and cruise combos generally start at around $600 NZD per person. Not cheap, but definitely an unforgettable experience!
Go kayaking
Taking a kayak tour is an excellent way to experience the fiord from a different perspective. It’s definitely one of the most fun adventure activities you can do when traveling around the South Island!
Most of the kayak tours available at Milford Sound are part of a scenic boat cruise. These are a great option if you want to turn a day of passive sightseeing into a more active adventure!
Unfortunately, you’ll need to join a guided tour if you want to kayak around the fiord. Companies won’t rent out individual kayaks because all of the boats on the water make it a safety hazard.
Visit the Underwater Observatory
The Underwater Observatory is basically like an aquarium, except the humans are the ones in the enclosure! It’s an incredible place to see all types of marine life in their natural habitat.
The underwater viewing room is 10 m (33 ft) below sea level, giving you an unparalleled look at some of the unique aquatic life in the fiord.
The Underwater Observatory is located in Harrison Cove and is only accessible by boat. You can either see it as part of a Southern Discoveries cruise or on certain kayaking tours.
Boat trip to Lady Bowen Falls
Lady Bowen Falls is a massive 162 m (531 ft) tall waterfall that’s located just across from the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal. You can see the falls easily from the pier, but the best way to see it up close is by taking a short boat ride and going on a nature walk.
The walk takes about 30 minutes total and is only accessible by boat. You can buy boat tickets from the Freshwater Basin Terminal — they cost $10 NZD for adults and $5 for children.
Note: The Lady Bowen Falls walk has been closed since January 2022 because there is no transport available. Unfortunately, there’s currently no expected reopening date.
Watch for wildlife
What do bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins all have in common? (This isn’t the setup to a bad joke, I promise.) You can find all of them at Milford Sound!
The fiord is also home to tons of native birds, including takahe, keas, and kakapo. You’ll probably see a lot of seabirds, like shags and gulls, as well.
There’s nothing more exciting than seeing rare and endangered species while cruising down the sound, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled!
For the best chances of spotting wildlife, opt for an early morning or overnight cruise. Dawn and dusk are when most animals are at their most active.
Go stargazing
Because there’s so little light pollution, Milford Sound is an amazing place to do some stargazing or practice your astrophotography!
Like Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, the skies this far south are incredibly dark and clear. If you’re here during the winter months, you can also get the chance to see the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)!
The best ways to see the fiord after dark are by taking an overnight cruise or staying at Milford Sound Lodge.
Walk the Milford Foreshore
The Milford Foreshore Walk is a quick and easy way to stretch your legs after your cruise and get some of the best views around the fiord.
Starting from the Milford Sound parking lot, this 400 m (0.3 mi) walk follows a paved trail around the water’s edge. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.
The Milford Foreshore walk is completely flat and wheelchair accessible. Since it’s so short, it’s also one of the best things to do in Milford Sound if you’re visiting with a tour from Te Anau or Queenstown!
Milford Sound Swing
Located along the Milford Foreshore Walk, the Instagram-famous Milford Sound Swing makes a great photo op and gives you some of the best panoramic views Mitre Peak — if you can find it!
Originally built by a camp worker for his girlfriend, the swing is an awesome spot to soak in the epic views of the fiord. It’s easiest to get to during low tide and looks prettiest at sunrise or sunset.
Go on a short hike
Fiordland National Park is chock full of short hikes that offer unbelievable views and the opportunity to stretch your legs after a long day of sightseeing.
One of the best ones near the fiord itself is the Milford Sound Lookout Track. At just 400 m (0.3 mi) long, this walk is super short but extremely beautiful. The trail starts behind Blue Duck Cafe and ends up at an elevated observation deck with impressive views of the fiord.
Other short day hikes in the area include the Gertrude Saddle Route, the Key Summit hike, and the Lake Marian Track.
Hike the Milford Track
The Milford Track is a 53.5 km (33 mi) point-to-point hike from the top of Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. It takes roughly 4 days, with 3 nights being spent in huts along the way.
You’ll travel through glacier-carved valleys, ancient rainforests, and past powerful waterfalls. There are swimming holes, icefields, and towering rock walls on the track, making it a very diverse and interesting walk.
Milford Track is often considered one of the finest hikes in New Zealand, if not the world! Because of its popularity, spots in the overnight huts book out very quickly. If you’re interested in hiking the Milford Track (or any Great Walk, really), make sure to finalize your plans in advance and book your stay as soon as bookings open for the season.
Unfortunately, free camping is not allowed on the Milford Track.
Take an overnight cruise
Spending the night on the fiord itself is the ultimate way to experience Milford Sound.
Most overnight cruises offer comfortable cabins, several meals a day, and an onboard nature guide to explain what you’re looking at. Though they are definitely expensive (at around $1,500 NZD per person!), these cruises give you an unbeatable chance to experience the fiord’s beauty both day and night.
Checking an overnight Milford Sound cruise off of your bucket list is a must if you have the extra time and money to spend!
Go scuba diving
Scuba diving at Milford Sound can be a unique and interesting experience. The fiord is home to a diverse range of colorful fish, underwater rock formations, and kelp forests. You can also spot playful seals and even the occasional dolphin or penguin!
Descend Diving is the only company that offers scuba diving tours at Milford Sound. These include equipment rentals, a boat ride to the dive sites, and snacks to enjoy afterwards.
If you’ve never dived before, the company also offers 3-day scuba certification courses!
Drive the Milford Road from Te Anau
Driving the scenic road to Milford Sound is one of the best things to do in the area and will leave you awestruck before even reaching the fiord itself.
The entire return trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound and back takes roughly 3 hours. Even if you’re not planning to cruise through the fiord, driving the Milford Road is a definite must-do!
Here are the best places to stop along Milford Road:
- Eglinton Valley: Quick photo stop on the side of the road
- Mirror Lakes: Short walk with lakes that reflect the surrounding mountains
- Lake Gunn Nature Walk: Easy loop through native forest
- Key Summit Track: 3-hour return walk with views of Hollyford Valley that’s part of the longer Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks
- Pop’s View Lookout: Roadside stop with views of a magnificent valley
- Lake Marian Track: 3-hour return hike that ends at a spectacular lake
- Monkey Creek: Scenic rest stop that’s great for picnics
- Homer Tunnel: 1.2 km (0.75 mi) long one-way tunnel through solid rock
- Hundred Falls: Stunning viewpoint with tons of waterfalls
- The Chasm: Natural wonder on the Cleddau River
Best Milford Sound tours
Milford Sound cruises
Underwater Observatory with Southern Discoveries | This is my top day cruise recommendation if you’re traveling to Milford independently. It includes a stop at the Underwater Observatory and a surprisingly tasty picnic lunch.
2-hour scenic cruise with Mitre Peak Cruises | The smaller boat on this cruise lets you get closer to the shoreline and to Milford’s powerful waterfalls! It also offers complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate on board.
Glass roof catamaran with Pure Milford | This boat’s glass roof and spacious viewing decks give you a great view of all the spectacular scenery. They also project live outdoor footage onto their indoor TVs, meaning you’ll never miss out on any of the action.
Tours from Te Anau
Coach and cruise day trip with RealNZ | This 8-hour day tour includes transportation to and from Te Anau in a luxury coach and a leisurely nature cruise through the fiord.
Small group tour with Fiordland Tours | This full-day small group tour includes transportation to and from Te Anau, a scenic cruise through the fiord, and a packed lunch.
Tours from Queenstown
Coach and cruise with Pure Milford | This 12-hour tour includes round-trip transportation from Queenstown, a small boat cruise, and a complimentary lunch.
Flight and cruise with Milford Sound Scenic Flights | This scenic flight and cruise combo lasts 5 hours and includes transportation to and from Queenstown. You get two 40-minute flights around Milford Sound and a cruise down the fiord, making this an amazing value for money!
Getting to Milford Sound
To get to Milford Sound by car, you’ll need to drive down State Highway 94 from Te Anau. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is 117 km (73 mi) long and takes roughly an hour and a half without stopping. Make sure to give yourself more time, though, especially if you want to do some sightseeing along the way!
Another way to get to Milford Sound is by booking a bus tour from Queenstown or Te Anau. These tours include a scenic cruise through the fiord as well as roundtrip transportation. This can be a great option if you’re not renting a car or campervan during your trip.
If Milford Sound is one of the first stops on your South Island itinerary, you’ll probably fly into Queenstown Airport (ZQN). The drive from the airport is 280 km (174 mi) long and takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes without stopping.
Book a flight to Queenstown
Where to stay in Fiordland National Park
Near Milford Sound
Because of Milford Sound’s remote location, accommodation options near the fiord are pretty sparse. Here are a few options.
Cascade Creek campsite | If you’re traveling on a budget, staying in a tent or self-contained campervan along the road to Milford Sound is a great option. Cascade Creek costs $15 per night for adults and $7.50 per night for children (5-17 years old).
Milford Sound Lodge | For those that want an actual hotel, Milford Sound Lodge is the only option in the small village near the fiord. The comfortable lodge offers free wifi, updated rooms, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Overnight cruise | You can also opt to spend the night onboard an overnight cruise — this option lets you enjoy the sunset, starry skies, and sunrise over the fiord in complete tranquility! Make sure to book any overnight trips far in advance as they often sell out.
In Te Anau
Staying in the town of Te Anau is what most Milford Sound tourists end up doing — it’s usually cheaper and there are way more options compared to near the fiord itself.
Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels | This is where Ben and I stayed with my parents and we absolutely loved it! We booked the two-bedroom family motel — it’s cheap and cheerful, close to town, and had some handy kitchenette amenities.
Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park | This family-friendly accommodation option offers inexpensive campsites, cabins, and motel rooms. Top 10 chains are the perfect place to stay if you’re on a tight budget!
Lakeside Motel & Apartments | Quiet and calm accommodation with a central location to the town centre. Also relatively inexpensive for what you get.
Book a hotel in Te Anau
Milford Sound FAQs
What are the best things to do in Milford Sound?
Some of the best things to do in Milford Sound include taking a nature cruise, kayaking around the fiord, and enjoying views of the Southern Alps and lush forests from a scenic flight.
Driving down the road to Milford Sound is also an epic experience in and of itself. You can stop at scenic overlooks, admire walls of gushing waterfalls, and embark on a few relaxing short walks.
Where is Milford Sound?
Milford Sound is located deep within Fiordland National Park, one of the country’s largest national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is situated on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
How do you get to Milford Sound?
The only way to get to Milford Sound by car is by driving down State Highway 94 from Te Anau. This drive is one of the most gorgeous road trips in the entire country!
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound takes roughly an hour and a half without stopping, but I’d recommend giving yourself lots of extra time (just in case).
If you’re driving independently, you have the advantage of being able to take in all the scenic stops along the way. You’ll find plenty of viewpoints, short hikes, and rest areas, as well as great places to camp for the night.
Another way to get to Milford Sound is by booking a bus tour from Queenstown or Te Anau. These tours include a scenic cruise through the fiord as well as roundtrip transportation.
What’s the weather like at Milford Sound?
Fiordland National Park is known for its wild and unpredictable weather. Milford Sound in particular can experience all four seasons in one day!
The fiord is also one of the wettest places on Earth, getting over 180 days of rainfall per year on average. It’s very likely that at least one day during your trip will be rainy.
Don’t worry, though — Milford Sound on a rainy day is almost better than a sunny one! The clouds rolling over the mountains and the dark waters of the Tasman Sea look incredible in photographs.
When’s the best time to visit?
Most tourists will visit Milford Sound in the summer months (December to February). This is the best time to visit if you’re looking for warmer weather and more accommodation and activity options. January is the warmest month, with average high temperatures of 15°C (59°F).
Of course, summertime will also have more expensive prices and bigger crowds! If you’re visiting during this time, make sure to book everything far in advance.
Winter (June to August) can also be a great time to visit Milford Sound if you want see the fiord’s natural beauty with fewer crowds. July is the coldest month, with average high temperatures of 5°C (41°F).
Is it safe to drive to Milford Sound?
Yes, the road to Milford Sound is completely safe to drive. Expect to encounter a lot of traffic, one-way stoplights, and road construction in the summer months.
In the winter months, you’ll need to look out for road closures due to inclement weather. Make sure to carry snow chains and check on the road conditions before you head out!
Which fiord is better: Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound?
Both Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound are unbelievable experiences with amazing waterfalls, wildlife, and stellar views of the fiords and the Tasman Sea. It’s impossible to say which one is better because your opinion will be based on your expectations, preferences, and personal experience!
With that being said, I think that Milford Sound is the best option for most travelers. It’s cheaper, easier to access, and has more things to do than Doubtful Sound. Because it’s the more popular destination, there are also more accommodation and tour options.
If you only have enough time to see one, I’d recommend Milford. But if you have time to do both, Doubtful Sound is still definitely worth it!
Tips for visiting Milford Sound
Here are some important things to keep in mind before you visit!
- Fill up your tank before you go: Make sure to fill your car or campervan up with fuel in Te Anau before heading off to Milford Sound.
- Leave with plenty of time: The road to Milford Sound can notoriously take a long time to travel, so give yourself plenty of time before your cruise. Expect road construction, one-way stoplights, and to get stuck behind slow-moving tour buses!
- You don’t have to pay for parking: Most tourists head to the normal car parks in Milford Sound, which cost $25 NZD for 5 hours. Luckily, there is a free alternative at the Deepwater Basin Road parking lot. Give yourself an extra 20 minutes to walk to the cruise terminal from the lot (there’s a nice pedestrian walkway along the water).
- Be prepared for any weather: Despite being one of the wettest places on Earth, you should also plan for sunshine because the weather can change at a moment’s notice. Bring a rain jacket or poncho, sunscreen, and a good hat!
- Bring insect repellant: The sandflies in the fiord are relentless and their bites can get really itchy!
- Pack snacks: There’s only one cafe in Milford Sound, and it’s both mediocre and overpriced. If your boat cruise doesn’t come with a packed lunch, make sure to pack some food and snacks with you before you go.
- Bring a good camera: Especially if you’re interested in nature or wildlife photography!
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Thanks for reading this guide to the best things to do in Milford Sound! Whether you take a Milford Sound cruise, look out for local wildlife, or enjoy the scenic drive from Te Anau, you’re sure to have an incredible time.
xoxo Niki
