20 Fun Things to Do in Milford Sound + Essential Guide to Visiting in 2024

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With its towering peaks, hundreds of waterfalls, lush rainforests and majestic fiords Milford Sound tops the list of must-see places in New Zealand. 

Milford Sound (Piopiotahi in Te Reo Maori) is located in the heart of Fiordland National Park in the south-west corner of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s rugged, remote and known as one of the wettest places in the world. An experience that will leave a lasting impression for the all the right reasons. 

A boat cruise through the fiord is one of the most popular things to do in Milford Sound and not to be missed. But, there is so much more to experience in Milford Sound. It was during my own visits that I realised just how much there is to do here. 

In this blog I’m sharing 20 of the best things to do in Milford Sound so you too can experience everything this beautiful place has to offer – from land, sea and the air! 

things to do in milford sound

Did you know? Despite its name, Milford Sound is actually a fiord, not a sound. A fiord is a valley formed by glaciers that filled up with water when the glaciers melted, a sound is formed by flooding of a river valley. Milford Sound was formed by glaciation events that took place over thousands of years, hence Milford Sound is technically a fiord.

Best Things to do in Milford Sound

1. Cruise Milford Sound

The most popular way to experience Milford Sound is by going on a boat cruise. There are several different cruise types and operators to choose from. Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll get to experience the whole length of the 16km (9.9 mile) Milford Sound with all its jagged cliff faces, waterfalls and wildlife. 

Cruises depart throughout the day and the duration depends on which option you choose. A basic nature cruise with Southern Discoveries will take around 2 hours, with an option to include breakfast or lunch for certain departure times. 

Whereas their Cruise and Underwater Observatory tour offers a more in-depth 3-hour cruise experience with access to the underwater observatory.

Alternatively, a Cruise Milford Small Boat Cruise offers a ‘boutique’ cruise experience with smaller boats and fewer passengers. One of the benefits of the smaller boats is that they can get closer to the waterfalls and wildlife and access parts of the fiord the bigger boats can’t.

Related Read: 10 Best Cruises in Milford Sound

things to do in milford sound
Photo courtesy of Southern Discoveries

Fun fact: New Zealand uses the spelling fiord, rather than fjord, and all the maritime fiords use sound in their name instead of fiord. Confused yet!

2. Milford Track Day Walk to Giant Gate Falls

The Giant Gate Falls Walk is a great way to get a taste of the Milford Track without the four-day commitment required to do the full 53.5 kilometres (33 miles) Great Walk.

This Milford Track day walk starts from the Deepwater Basin boat ramp in Milford Sound. From here, you’ll be transported by water taxi to Sandfly Point and the start of the famous Milford Track. The water taxi runs every half hour throughout the day so you’ll have some flexibility around timing.

Giant Gate Falls is a good spot to aim for before turning around and returning via the same track back to Sandfly Point, about a 3 hour return journey.

You’ll follow a well-formed track through shaded beech forest, alongside Lake Ada and through a picturesque valley before reaching the spectacular 30-meter-high (98-foot), Giant Gate Falls. 

You’ll need to book this walk for access to the track, which includes return transport on the water taxi, for $50 NZD per person. This a good option if you prefer to do the walk on your own.

Alternatively, you can combine a guided walk on Milford Track with a nature cruise if you prefer a fully guided experience.

Heather from New Zealand Wanderer walking across a swing bridge in front of giant gate falls on the milford track in new zealand.
Giant Gate Falls

3. Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the best things to do in Milford Sound. Being on a small kayak in this vast body of dark water with jagged mountains all around you is a feeling that is difficult to describe, and something that is best experienced for yourself.

You can paddle behind waterfalls and get as close as you dare. You’ll feel dwarfed by nature in the best way possible. 

For safety reasons, you’ll need to join a tour to experience kayaking in Milford Sound. This Cruise & Kayak tour is our personal favorite, a 5-hour experience that includes a 90-minute kayaking adventure in addition to the cruise and underwater observatory. 

yellow kayaks lined up on the shore of Milford Sound.
Kayaking is one of the best things to do in Milford Sound

Did you know? The Milford Sound is a mix of sea and fresh water contributing to its inky black color. The consistently heavy rainfall creates a top layer of fresh water over the saltwater that flows in from the Tasman Sea. As the rainwater runs down the forest it picks up tannins, staining the surface layer of the fiord.

4. Foreshore Walk

The Foreshore Walk is an easy loop track around the sandy foreshore of Milford Sound with incredible views of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. This short walk takes around 20 minutes to complete, is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers and suitable for the whole family.

The track is easy to find, starting from the boardwalk in front of the main visitor car park at the very end of Milford Road (in front of the cafe). From the car park, walk toward the water and you’ll see a lookout with information panels where you can learn about the area. 

From here, head left (facing the water) and continue along the boardwalk, through beech forest and then along the sandy foreshore before looping back to where you started.

foreshore at milford sound
Great views of Milford Sound from the foreshore walk

5. Milford Swing

Along the foreshore walk is where you’ll find the secret swing, although not so secret anymore since it’s now featured on Google Maps! It’s still worth a visit though. Where else can you sit on a rustic wooden swing while admiring incredible views of Mitre Peak?

It was originally built by a local worker for his girlfriend and it’s actually made for two people. 

To find the swing, keep an eye out for a fork off to the right, a few minutes after you cross the little wooden bridge. You should see a small sandy peninsula jutting out into the water.

It was low tide when we visited and we were able to walk straight across to the swing, but if the tide is up you’ll need to follow the path around to the right and approach it from behind.

girl in red jacket sitting on a wooden swing with mountain in the background
The not so secret swing with the best views

6. Milford Sound Lookout

The Milford Sound Lookout is a lesser-known walk offering views of Milford Sound from a higher-up vantage point. The views of Mitre Peak are stunning from up here!

It’s a short, easy walking track with a few stairs to climb to reach the lookout. The track starts from behind the café at Milford Sound. It can be a little tricky to find. The directions we had took us behind the cafe which was a little confusing, hopefully these directions are clearer for you. 

 Facing the front of the café, head left past the petrol station toward the parking at the far end of the café (on the same side of the street as the café). Turn right, and walk between the last building and the parking lot. Once past the building, you’ll see Donald Sutherland’s grave just off to your right. Follow the path to the left of the grave and up the stairs to the lookout. 

Once you’ve soaked up the views, head back the same way you came.

View of Milford Sound and Mountains from over the tree tops on a clear day.
Stunning views from the lookout

7. Scuba Diving

Did you know you can scuba dive in the Milford Sound? You’ve seen the dramatic cliff faces towering above the water, well diving in Milford Sound gives you the unique experience of fiord wall diving below the surface, where you can observe the Piopiotahi marine reserve and a spectacular underwater world. 

Milford Sound is home to a unique eco system including the rare black coral trees. Usually found in deep water trenches, Milford Sound’s heavy rainfall creates a mix of fresh and salt water on the surface that is often in shadow due to the huge cliffs surrounding it. This creates an environment where these coral trees can thrive in shallower depths. 

The waters of Milford Sound are also home to Sharks, Octopus, Stingray, Crayfish and over 150 different species of fish. Diving in Milford Sound is an experience like no other.

Photo by Gilbert Cayamo

8. Milford Sound Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory

If you’re not ready to plunge into the dark depths of the Milford Sound on a scuba excursion, you can still see the underwater world at the Milford Underwater Observatory.

Here, you’ll walk 10 meters (33 feet) below the surface of the water to a viewing platform. Through glass walls you can see the marine life of Milford Sound including many species of fish and the rare black coral trees.

After, be sure to check out the Milford Discovery Centre to learn about the history of Milford Sound.

The observatory is located in Harrison Cove, an isolated bay that is only accessible by boat. You can get a cruise package that includes entry to the observatory and discovery centre.

Or if you’d like to kayak, we recommend the cruise and kayak combo so you can experience all three! Harrison Cove is sheltered and calm, making it a great place for kayaking.

Couple looking at fish through a window
Photo courtesy of Southern Discoveries Milford Sound

9. Take a Scenic Flight 

Seeing Milford Sound from above is a spectacular sight and a must-do experience if the budget allows. From above, you’ll see just how vast the fiord really is plus incredible views of the waterfalls, hidden glaciers, alpine lakes and the Southern Alps. 

Scenic flights are popular in New Zealand and there are quite a few options to choose from in Milford Sound. You can fly in a light plane or helicopter departing from Milford Sound or Queenstown. 

We like this Milford Sound Day Trip by Plane & Boat which includes a return flight from Queenstown plus a nature cruise in Milford Sound.

If you don’t want to miss the epic road trip driving to Milford Sound then the Southern Discoveries coach, cruise & flight tours offers the best of everything. A coach trip from Queenstown with plenty of stops on the way there, a cruise with lunch at Milford Sound and a scenic flight back to Queenstown.

Photo credit Kyle Kotajarvi courtesy of Southern Discoveries

10. Catch Sunset over Mitre Peak

Catching sunset over Mitre Peak is one of the most beautiful and peaceful things to do in Milford Sound. Most visitors and tour buses will have left for the day so you’ll have the place almost to yourself.

A stroll along the foreshore, watching the light change over Milford Sound as the sun sets is absolutely magic, and a photographers dream. 

Depending the time of year you are visiting, sunset can be quite late and best done if you are staying overnight in Milford Sound or Te Anau.

11. Experience the night sky

If you are staying in Milford Sound, stick around after sunset and enjoy the stars! With so little light pollution the stars light up the sky on a clear night in a stunning display.

To really make the most of experiencing the night sky at Milford Sound, it’s best to stay a night at the Milford Sound Lodge. This way you can simply step outside and look up without having to worry about a long drive back to Te Anau or Queenstown in the dark.

star trails over mountain
Photo by InstaWalli

12. Go on an overnight cruise

Another way to spend a night in Milford Sound is to go on an overnight cruise! You’ll have more time and less crowds to enjoy exploring the stunning landscapes before spending a night on the fiord.

Wake up early to catch the first light over Milford Sound and keep an eye out for wildlife.

There are a few options for overnight cruises. The iconic Milford Mariner offers private cabins and a 3-course buffet dinner with options to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat.

Alternatively, the Fiordland Jewel is a purpose built catamaran with smaller groups (up to 22 passengers) for a boutique experience complete with a hot tub on the top deck.

The Milford Mariner overnight cruise ship  cruising past Bowen Falls and a lush green cliff face in Milford Sound.

13. Check out the scenic stops along Milford Road

Milford Sound is the only sound in Fiordland accessible by road, and the road to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. There are many stops along the way offering a variety of landscapes and viewpoints that are simply stunning. 

Here are some of the top stops on the drive to Milford Sound, but there are many others. Be sure to check out our blog driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound for full details on all the stops.

Eglington Valley: As you enter Fiordland National Park you’ll notice the change in terrain as you drive through Eglington Valley. Long and narrow stretches of road carve a path through the vast golden tussock covered valley. There are designated areas where you can pull over to the side of the road to snap some photos and take in the views.

girl standing in tussock grass valley of eglington valley surrounded by mountains
Eglington Valley

Mirror Lakes: Mirror Lakes is a short stretch of boardwalk leading you alongside the glass like Mirror Lakes. On a clear and calm day you can see the Earl Mountains reflecting in the lake. There are information boards along the track providing interesting insights about the area.

Lake Gunn: A short easy nature walk that starts from the Cascade Creek parking lot and takes around 40 minutes to complete. The track takes you through red beech forest and a short side path leads to a pebbly beach for the best view of the mountains surrounding Lake Gunn. 

Hollyford Valley Lookout (Pop’s View): One of the best views along the drive to Milford Sound and worth stopping at. You’ll see signs for the lookout with a small area to pull over on your right side. The lookout is on a wooden platform next to the car park so no effort required for this one. Just hop up on the platform and enjoy the view!

A narrow river running through the valley of a green forest forest and mountains in Milford Sound.

14. Go on a Hike

Milford Sound is the starting point for a few of New Zealand’s Great Walks such as the Milford and Routeburn Tracks, but there are also some great day hikes in the area. Here are my top three. 

The Key Summit Track is one of the most popular hikes in Milford Sound. This moderately challenging track is 3.4km (2.1 miles) that should take around 3 hours to complete. It’s one of the best hikes in Milford Sound for its lush vegetation, prolific birdlife and epic views of Fiordland National Park. This hike is best done on a clear day to ensure you can see the awesome views. 

The Lake Marian Track is my personal favourite. Classified as a moderate to hard hike, this 3.1km (1.9 mile) track should take around 3 hours to complete. If you are short on time, you have the option to do an easy 20-minute track to the Lake Marian falls and back. 

For a more challenging option, the Gertrude Saddle is a 4-6 hour advanced hike that will reward you with incredible views over the valley and Milford Sound. This hike is quite dangerous and only suitable for experience hikers. 

Lake Marian surrounded by mountains with large rocks along the shoreline.
Lake Marian – worth the effort to get here!

Related Read: If you’re staying in Te Anau, check out these awesome day walks around Te Anau and Manapouri.

15. Drink water from the source

Skip the line at the water fountain and fill your water bottle with some of the purest water in New Zealand. Monkey Creek on the Milford Highway and the Ceddau River near the Milford Sound Lodge are both options where you can drink straight from the source.

16. East Homer Nature Walk

Driving through the Homer Tunnel is a highlight on the journey to Milford Sound. But did you know you can explore the outside of the tunnel? It’s an easy 20 minute return walk that starts from the Homer Tunnel Parking Area and takes you over the eastern side of the tunnel. 

Here, you can experience an alpine ‘garden’ in the spring and summer months. Alpine buttercups (called Mt Cook Lillies) and daisies grow among the shrubs and tussocks, very picturesque against the backdrop of the mountains.

sunset over mountains and a grass covered valley in Milford Sound.

17. Bowen Falls Walk (currently closed)

The Bowen Falls walk is only accessible by boat making it all the more special. The walk starts from the wharf at Freshwater Basin Terminal in Milford Sound. From here, you’ll be transported by boat a short distance across the basin to the start of the track. 

Follow the track through the native bush as it winds its way up to the viewing area in a steady uphill climb. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of the powerful 162m high Lady Bowen Falls and the dramatic Mitre Peak. 

The track is suitable for the whole family and takes just 30 minutes to complete including the boat ride. There is a small fee for the boat, $10 for adults and $5 for children which can be purchased at the terminal.

Note: This walk is currently closed due to lack of transport but we’ll leave it listed here for when it reopens, hopefully soon!

18. The Chasm

The Chasm is an easy 20-minute walk from the Milford Sound Highway shortly before you arrive at Milford Sound village. The walk takes you across two foot bridges over the Cleddau River where you can view, and hear, a series of thunderous waterfalls that over thousands of years have carved unique shapes and basins in the rock.

Note: The Chasm track is open with some restrictions due to storm damage. You can check for updates on the DOC website

river running over moss covered rocks through forest

19. Be entertained by the cheeky kea

The Kea is a native alpine parrot that lives in the forests and mountains across the South Island, including Fiordland. They are a protected species due their declining population as a result of predators and human impacts. These beautiful birds are highly intelligent and have a reputation for getting up to mischief. 

Their inquisitive nature means they are not afraid to ‘check things out’ and have been known to steal belongings and destroy property, especially the rubber seals around car windscreens.  

If you are lucky enough to encounter a Kea and observe their antics, be sure to hang onto your belongings. Anything that is not secured is fair game to a Kea. They are regularly seen around the Pop’s view lookout and the entrance to the Homer Tunnel.

Important note: Please don’t feed the Kea. It’s important they stay wild and continue to hunt for food that is good for them.

20. Hunt for Glowworms

When researching things to do in New Zealand you may come across excursions to glowworm caves. Glowworms are a particular species of bioluminescent insect that can only be found in New Zealand and certain parts of Australia. They are actually the larvae of the insect that lights up at night to attract bugs. 

They are mainly found in dark and damp areas such as caves and forests. You can often see them along walking tracks in Milford Sound. Their locations can change, so check with the visitor center in Milford Sound on the best places to see them at the time you are visiting.

Top tip: If you are staying in Te Anau, the 12,000-year-old Te Anau caves is one of the best places in New Zealand to see glowworms. 

Best Time to Visit Milford Sound

waterfall on a forest covered mountain

Milford Sound can be visited any time of the year.

However, the best times to visit are late Spring (October to November) and Autumn (March to May). These are shoulder seasons in New Zealand that tend to be less busy. Plus, the days are still long leaving plenty of time to explore, but not so long that you have to wait until 10pm to see sunset or the night sky.

The spring and autumn daylight hours are especially favorable for photographers who want to shoot sunrise, sunset and astrophotography. The temperatures are also milder, perfect for hiking, although the weather is changeable so be sure to pack warm layers. 

» Read Next: Packing List for New Zealand: What to Wear & Pack

Summer is peak season which gets very busy and winter weather can make travelling difficult with the risk of road closures due to snow or avalanches. 

Milford Sound is best experienced in the rain when hundreds of waterfalls come to life. Luckily, it rains pretty consistently all year round.

How to Get there

There are a few options to get to Milford Sound. You can drive, take a guided tour or fly! You can even do a mixture of these options. Here’s what you can expect for each. 

Paved road cutting through the mountains in Milford Sound

Driving to Milford Sound 

The drive to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. Driving through Fiordland National Park is absolutely stunning and half the fun of visiting Milford Sound. 

Renting a car or campervan and self-driving gives you the most flexibility. We recommend spending a night or two in Milford Sound or Te Anau. This way you can take your time getting there and see all the best stops along the way! Plus, there are a ton of great things to do in Te Anau.

Related Read: Check out our Queenstown to Milford Sound road trip itinerary for all the details about the drive including the best places to stop along the way. 

Guided Coach Tour

Another option is to take a guided coach (bus) tour to Milford Sound. These coach and cruise tours depart daily from Queenstown or Te Anau and are a comfortable and easy way to travel to Milford Sound as a day trip.

Tours include coach transport with a knowledgable tour guide, stopping at the best places along the way and a cruise once you arrive in Milford Sound.

Guided tours are good value and a great option if you are short on time. The downside is that there is less flexibility and you will be with a lot of other people. It’s also a long day with 8+ hours spent travelling if you are coming from Queenstown. Worth it though to see Milford Sound!

bus driving along remote road with mountains in background
Photo courtesy of Southern Discoveries

Small Group Tour

If the idea of a large group tour isn’t appealing, you may want to consider a small group or private tour. These tours are usually limited to 12 people and offer more flexibility than the bigger tours. 

Tours include transport in a luxury vehicle, usually a van or small coach, lunch and a Milford Sound cruise. Our top choice this Full Day Milford Sound Experience from Queenstown with Altitude Tours.

Fly to Milford Sound

For the ultimate experience, you can travel to Milford Sound on a scenic plane or helicopter. Although the most expensive option, it’s a bucket-list experience if the budget allows for it. 

Most scenic flights depart from Queenstown. This flight and cruise package includes a flight to Milford Sound plus a nature cruise so you get the experience of seeing Milford Sound from the air and on the water. 

Or, you can mix it up with the coach, cruise and fly tour, which we highly recommend. This gives you the best of everything – a drive along the Milford Sound Highway seeing all the best stops, a cruise on Milford Sound and a scenic flight on the way back.

Where to Stay

Accommodation in Milford Sound

Accommodation in Milford Sound is very limited with the Milford Sound Lodge being the only hotel-style option. They have 3 different types of chalets available with a minimum 2 night stay required during peak times. Rooms sell out fast, especially during peak summer months so best to book as early as possible. 

lake surrounded by mountains

The Rainforest Campervan Park, operated by Milford Sound Lodge, is the only powered campervan site in Milford Sound. You have use of the lodge facilities including a 24-hour kitchen, lounge and laundry. Just be aware these sites also book out quickly, and are closed for winter from 1st June. 

Another option for staying overnight in Milford Sound is to book the overnight cruise and spend the night on the boat.

Accommodation near Milford Sound

There are several campgrounds along Milford Sound Highway (SH 94). The closest being the Cascade Creek Campsite, 43km (27 miles) from Milford Sound. You can find a full list of campsites on the DOC website

Alternatively, Te Anau is the next closest town, a 2 hour drive from Milford Sound, with plenty of accommodation options (and great restaurants) to suit a range of budgets. 

Lakeside Motel & Apartments (mid-range). Their rooms are a little dated but very spacious with kitchen facilities and suitable for families. We also like the location right on the lakefront and close to all the shops and restaurants.

Fiordland Lakeview Motel & Apartments is located next door to Lakeside Motel & Apartments. It’s a higher end motel with spacious and comfortable rooms. Each room has a balcony and kitchen facilities, suitable for couples or families.

Fiordland Lodge Te Anau is ideal for a luxurious stay. Located a few minutes outside Te Anau on the way to Milford Sound, this 5-star resort offers a good balance of luxury and comfort for the ultimate stay in Fiordland.

Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers is a good budget option. It’s located on the lake and a 5 minute walk to town. There’s nice communal areas you can use and plenty of facilities, such as an indoor and outdoor kitchen and laundry.

Where to eat

There are two main options for food in Milford Sound. The Pio Pio restaurant is located at the Milford Sound Lodge and offers everything from a light cafe-style lunch menu to a full dinner menu complete with wine pairings.

You don’t have to be a guest of the lodge to eat there but we do recommend booking a reservation in advance. Being the only restaurant in Milford Sound it can get booked out.

The other option is a cafeteria style cafe located in the Milford Sound Information Centre. There’s a selection of pies, sandwiches and sweet treats from the cabinet or they have a menu board offering cooked meals. It’s a good option for a quick bite to eat and the coffee was decent.

If you are staying in Milford Sound we recommend bringing snacks and plenty of water with you.

Milford Sound FAQs

girl in red jacket on a boat looking out to Doubtful Sound in New Zealand

How long does it take to get to Milford Sound?

The drive between Queenstown and Milford Sound will take between 3.5 and 4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Queenstown to Te Anau will take around 2 hours, and Te Anau to Milford Sound around 1.5 to 2 hours. 

Is Milford Sound really worth it?

Yes! Milford Sound and the drive through Fiordland National Park to get there is absolutely stunning. Milford Sound is often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. It’s some of the most picturesque and dramatic landscapes this country has to offer, topping the list of must-do experiences in New Zealand. 

Can you see Milford Sound without a cruise?

As you can see from the list above, there are lots of things to do in Milford Sound other than a cruise. However, we highly recommend you do a cruise. It’s the best way to see the true scale of the fiord and experience the waterfalls up close. You may even encounter wildlife. 

What is the best time of day to visit Milford Sound?

Early morning or late afternoon are the least busy times in Milford Sound. Morning cruises tend to be less busy and often less expensive than the day time tours that coincide with the arrival of the bus tours.

Late afternoon and early evening are a magic time of the day to explore the foreshore of Milford Sound, when everyone’s gone for the day and the light starts to fade over Mitre Peak (just don’t forget the bug spray!). 

Can you do Milford Sound in a day?

It is possible to experience Milford Sound as a day trip from Queenstown or Te Anau. You’ll be surprised at how much you can fit into a day trip. From Queenstown, it’s a long day with a lot of driving but you’ll have time for a few of the quick stops along the way. 

Doubtful Sound between the mountains seen from above.

Which is better, Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound? 

This is a tough question and a tough choice. I’ve done all 3 – Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound and enjoyed them all. They each have something a little bit different to offer. However, if I had to choose just one, it would be Milford Sound but only by a sliver. 

The landscape of Milford Sound is more dramatic with the jagged peaks and impressive waterfalls, which was more interesting from a photography aspect. Milford Sound is also more accessible and the road to get there offers scenic and diverse landscapes.

Whereas, getting to Doubtful Sound (and Dusky sound even more so) is a bit of a mission and the softer, rounded landscape starts to feel the same after a while. In saying that, if you prefer a more off-the-beaten path experience with fewer crowds then Doubtful Sound may be the better choice.

Doubtful Sound also comes out on top for the wildlife! We were thrilled to see baby fur seals and two pods of dolphins during our cruise. While it is possible to see wildlife in Milford Sound, chances are much higher in the quieter and more remote Doubtful Sound.

Tips for visiting Milford Sound

To help you make the most of your trip, here are a few tips for visiting Milford Sound. 

small boat near shore with mountains in background
  • Bring bug spray! Sandflies are not shy in Milford Sound. A high deet inspect repellent such as Bushman’s or Aeroguard are your best bet. 
  • Be sure to book your accommodation and cruise as early as possible, particularly if you are travelling during the peak summer months (generally December to March can be quite busy).
  • If you are flexible with time, consider an early morning or late afternoon cruise. They tend to be less busy and better value. 
  • Bring binoculars if you have them. Useful to have should you see wildlife during your cruise. A zoom lens is also worth bringing if you wish to photograph wildlife (should the opportunity present) or get those compression shots of the waterfalls. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. We recommend bringing warm layers, even during the warmer months. The weather is known to be changeable in Milford Sound and it can get chilly out on the water. If visiting in winter, bring lots of warm layers and appropriate gear. 
  • Don’t forget your raincoat. Remember, you’ll be visiting one of the wettest places in the world (with lots of incredible waterfalls as the reward)!
  • If driving yourself, you’ll need to pay for parking at Milford Sound. The cost is $10 NZD per hour and there are machines in the car park to pay by card. Alternatively, there is limited free parking at Deepwater Basin. From here, it’s a 25-30 minute scenic walk to the Visitor Terminal.
  • There is designated overnight cruise parking located in the coach parking lot, close to the Visitor Terminal. It’s a flat rate of $30 NZD and you’ll need to depart by 11am the following morning.
  • There are no shops or petrol (gas) stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound so be sure to fill up the tank and snack supply at Te Anau
  • Cellphone coverage is also limited once you leave Te Anau so best to download any maps or information you may need before setting off.
  • Wear black or dark clothes if you want to photograph the landscape through the window during a scenic flight, as bright colors usually show in the reflection.

Final Thoughts

As you can see there are lots of fun things to do in Milford Sound. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable experience in one of the most raw and beautiful places in New Zealand!

Have you been to Milford Sound? What did you enjoy the most while there? Let us know in the comments below.

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Milford Sound Travel Guide

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