Milford Sound | Southern Discoveries (2024)

Welcome to Milford Sound, Piopiotahi, The Southern Hemisphere’s Most Spectacular Fiord Environment

Visitors travel from all over the world to witness the staggering beauty of Milford Sound. Also known by its Māori name, Piopiotahi, this mighty South Island fiord formed by ancient glacial movement is one of New Zealand’s most treasured natural landmarks. A visit to Milford Sound is a journey into a spectacular landscape, one that will take your breath away regardless of whether the sun is shining or the rain is falling.

Getting To Milford Sound

Getting to Milford Sound is an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes. Whether by car, coach, or scenic flight, the trip offers breathtaking views of Fiordland’s mountains, lakes, and rainforests.

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There are several ways to reach the breathtaking Milford Sound, whether you’re departing from Queenstown or Te Anau.

By car or coach, you’ll journey through Fiordland’s stunning scenery, including lush forests and dramatic mountain passes. For a unique experience, you can take a small plane or helicopter from Queenstown, soaring over snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes for a bird’s-eye view.

Each option, whether by land or air, offers its own special way to experience Milford Sound’s beauty.

Travel Times to Milford Sound:
Driving From Queenstown: 5 hours
By Air From Queenstown: 45 mins by plane or 1.5hrs by helicopter
Driving From Te Anau: 2 hours

Activities In Milford Sound

Milford Sound offers a variety of activities, including scenic cruises, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Explore waterfalls, towering cliffs, and marine life in one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders.

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Cruises

from $143.10

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Day Trips

from $229.00

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ex Queenstown or Te Anau

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Scenic Flights

from $695.00

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ex Queenstown

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Self drive

Self-driving to Milford Sound is an incredible way to explore Fiordland National Park at your own pace.

The route, whether from Queenstown or Te Anau, takes you through some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes, with opportunities to stop and take in the beauty of the region.

From alpine lakes to dramatic mountain passes, driving gives you the freedom to discover hidden spots and enjoy the journey on your own terms.

Learn More About Driving To Milford Sound

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Coach Trips From Queenstown Or Te Anau

Experience the stunning landscapes that make the road to Milford Sound as iconic as the destination itself - and leave the driving to us!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic journey from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound in our glass-roof coach.

Our knowledgeable coach drivers offer captivating commentary and know the perfect photo stops and short walks along the route.

Enhance your experience by downloading our multilingual commentary app, allowing you to listen in your preferred language for insights designed just for you.

Book Your Day Trip To Milford Sound

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Scenic Flights From Queenstown Or Te Anau

Experience the grandeur of Fiordland National Park from a whole new perspective—high above the stunning landscape.

Embark on a scenic flight to Milford Sound, where you'll soar over the majestic Southern Alps, glide above shimmering glaciers, and marvel at hidden alpine lakes and lush beech forests. This aerial adventure will leave you in awe.

Elevate your journey to Milford Sound with a scenic flight, either fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter.

Learn More About Scenic Flights

Towns near Milford Sound

Nearby towns to Milford Sound include Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, and Queenstown, a vibrant destination for adventure seekers. Both are popular starting points for Milford Sound visits.

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About Queenstown

Queenstown, set on the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu, is New Zealand’s premier adventure destination. Surrounded by the Southern Alps, it’s known for activities like skiing, bungy jumping, skydiving, and hiking. With vibrant nightlife, world-class dining, and easy access to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, Queenstown offers a perfect mix of thrill-seeking adventures and natural beauty for visitors year-round.

Explore Queenstown

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About Te Anau

Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, is a peaceful town on the shores of Lake Te Anau. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it offers access to iconic attractions like Milford Sound, the Kepler Track, and the glowworm caves. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, Te Anau provides a tranquil base for exploring the wonders of Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes and wildlife.

Explore Te Anau

Specials & Combos

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Experience Milford Sound magic with our Milford Sound Coach & Cruise day trip from Queenstown. Take a guided adventure to Milford Sound with our friendly team offering 60 years of local knowledge. Our expert drivers will entertain you with their insight and knowledge, while showing you the best photo stops and short walks on the incredible road to Milford Sound. Once in Milford you’ll join the original Nature Cruise to explore the 8th wonder of the world.

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There is so much to see and do in Queenstown and Milford Sound. We don't want you to miss a thing so we've combined our Queenstown and Milford Sound experiences so it makes it easy to book and even better, saves you money!Check out our COMBO PAGE for some great combo deals.

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Are you looking for a totally unique Milford Sound experience? Our combo allows you to explore a taster of the world renowned, Milford Track, and experience a nature cruise in the 8th wonder of the world, all in one day. This is the perfect experience for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in nature and all Milford Sound has to offer.

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Weather In Milford Sound

Milford Sound is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, but it’s also famous for its unique weather patterns. Nestled within Fiordland National Park, this breathtaking destination experiences some of the highest rainfall in the world, averaging around 6,800mm (270 inches) annually. This abundant rainfall is what nourishes the lush rainforests and creates the stunning waterfalls. Check today’s weather on our webcam

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Summer (December to February)

Summer brings mild temperatures, averaging between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). This season offers the longest days and is ideal for outdoor activities, including cruises, kayaking and hiking. Although it’s the driest season, occasional showers can still occur, adding to the magic of the atmosphere.

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Autumn (March to May)

Autumn showcases vibrant foliage and mild weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). This is a wonderful time to visit, as the crowds diminish and the scenery transforms into a tapestry of rich autumn colours. Rainfall begins to increase, but the waterfalls are spectacular as they swell from the season’s rains.

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Winter (June to August)

Winter in Milford Sound can be cold and wet, with temperatures averaging 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). While it may be the wettest season, this is also when the fiord transforms into a serene winter wonderland. Snow-capped mountains and glistening waterfalls create a stunning backdrop, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape.

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Spring (September to November)

Spring heralds the return of warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). This season sees the landscape burst back to life, with flowers blooming and waterfalls flowing strongly from melting snow. Spring is an excellent time to visit for those wanting to witness nature’s revival.

Best Time To Visit

While Milford Sound is a spectacular destination year-round, the best time to visit largely depends on your preferences. For those seeking warm weather and outdoor adventures, summer is the prime season. If you prefer fewer crowds and stunning autumn foliage, consider visiting in March or April. For a tranquil experience surrounded by winter beauty, winter visits offer a magical atmosphere.

Milford Sound promises awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable experiences, no matter the season.

Where To Eat

Even in the remote rainforests of Fiordland, you can find a great coffee and meal. Dining options in Milford Sound are limited, but there are a couple of excellent spots. The Milford Sound Café, just a short stroll from the cruise terminal, offers barista-made coffee, fresh sandwiches, and baked goods—perfect for a quick bite before or after your cruise. For a more relaxed experience, visit Milford Sound Lodge’s Pio Pio Café, where you can enjoy hearty meals made from locally sourced ingredients, along with a scenic view. These are the best spots to refuel and enjoy the beauty of Milford Sound.

Where To Stay In Milford Sound

Milford Sound offers limited but beautiful accommodation options. The Milford Sound Lodge provides comfortable, eco-friendly stays in the heart of Fiordland, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.

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Milford Sound Lodge offers a range of comfortable and eco-friendly accommodation options, perfect for immersing yourself in Fiordland’s stunning natural environment. Guests can choose from luxurious one or two-bedroom riverside or mountainside chalets with private decks, or for premium rainforest parking for campervans.

The lodge also provides excellent facilities, including the Pio Pio Restaurant, where you can enjoy locally sourced meals. Free parking, laundry facilities, and a communal kitchen are also available for guests.

Nestled in the heart of the rainforest, the lodge is the only accommodation inside Milford Sound, making it a serene base for exploring the area's natural beauty.

Stay At Milford Sound Lodge

Day Walks Around Milford Sound

Explore the beauty of Fiordland with stunning day walks along Milford Road. From short strolls to challenging hikes, these trails showcase native forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking alpine views on the way to Milford Sound.

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When you book a Day Trip with us, your Coach driver will stop at all of the best stops for short walks along the Milford Road.

If you're self-driving, be sure to allow time to experience the natural beauty of Milford Sound is through the guided walks offered by Fiordland Outdoors.

Popular trails include the Key Summit Track, offering panoramic views, and the short, scenic walks to Lake Marian or The Chasm.

Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, alpine views, and dense bushland.

History Of Milford Sound

Milford Sound’s history spans over 1,000 years, from the first Māori inhabitants to early European explorers. Its dramatic landscapes have long captivated those who ventured into its remote beauty.

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Milford Sound’s history begins with Māori settlers over 1,000 years ago, who named it Piopiotahi, after a now-extinct bird. The area held spiritual significance, serving as a place to gather pounamu (greenstone).

European explorers arrived much later, with Donald Sutherland settling there in 1877 as one of the first European residents. His perseverance opened the area for tourism.

The Milford Track, developed in the late 19th century, became one of New Zealand’s most famous hiking routes, leading travelers through dense forests to this dramatic fiord.

Today, Milford Sound remains a testament to the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural history.

Webcam

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FAQ

Do you provide disabled/wheelchair access?

We have a wheelchair ramp available for our vessels in Milford Sound. There are no wheelchair-accessible toilets onboard the vessel. We ask that you advise us prior to travelling.

Where do Milford Sound cruises leave from?

All cruises leave from and return to the wharf at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.

Do you operate on Christmas Day?

All trips operate on different schedules. Please refer to the individual trip for dates and times. Most experiences operate on Christmas day, but are subject to schedule updates and weather.

Will I see wildlife?

Milford Sound has an abundance of wildlife and is home to New Zealand fur seals and bottlenose dolphins year-round. Rare Dusky dolphins are known to visit the fiord and the world’s rarest penguin, the Fiordland Crested Penguin/Tawaki visits Milford during breeding season (August - November) and moulting season (March/April).While there is wildlife in Milford Sound, we can’t guarantee sightings as these are wild animals in their natural habitat. A visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory offers more wildlife viewing opportunities with an abundance of sea life below the surface.

What cruise is best for wildlife viewing?

Every cruise provides the opportunity to view wildlife, but we cannot guarantee sightings. Our Nature Cruise includes plenty of stops for viewing the amazing geology and occasional wildlife, our skipper and friendly boat hosts will be sure to point out any wildlife.

Do your lunches have vegetarian options?

Yes, picnic lunches can be ordered as vegetarian or vegan. You can select this when booking online.

Which Milford Cruise is best for kids?

All cruises are suitable for children.

What’s the difference between the cruises?

Please check out our Cruise Comparison table, where you can see our range of cruises and the vessels. https://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/milford-sound/cruises-compare/

What should I bring on my Milford Sound cruise?

Due to the changeable nature of the weather in Milford Sound, it’s a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, warm clothing and to wear comfortable shoes. We also have ponchos available for purchase so you can enjoy a glacial facial under Stirling Falls.

Is there somewhere to get a coffee or snack in Milford?

Yes, Discover Milford Sound Information Centre & Cafe is the perfect place to grab a coffee or a hot snack before or after your cruise. It's located beside the main carpark and is a short 15-minute walk to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.

Is there parking in Milford Sound?

Yes, there is paid car parking at the Milford Sound public car park. This car park does fill quickly in the summer months, so we advise getting there early.

Are there sandflies?

There are sandflies in Milford Sound. To avoid being bitten, bring mosquito spray with you and wear long-sleeve clothing and trousers. Mosquito spray is available for purchase from Discover Milford Sound Cafe & Information Centre in Milford Sound.

Do you have a webcam in Milford Sound?

Yes, you can view how the weather and day looks. Check out our Milford Sound webcam here.

How long does it take to drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound?

It typically takes around 5 hours to drive from Queenstown to Milford. Please allow extra time for road works and the Homer Tunnel traffic lights.

How long does it take to drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound?

We advise to allow 2.5 hours to drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. There are various scenic stops along the way so we recommend allowing plenty of time.

Where is your desk in Milford Sound?

Inside the Milford Sound Visitor terminal. Once inside turn right and you will see the Southern Discoveries front desk.

What is included in the picnic lunch?

The picnic lunch includes a sandwich with selected meat and salad, cheese and crackers, seasonal fresh fruit, crisps, a cookie and a small chocolate bar. We can cater to most dietary requirements – please note this on your booking.

Can I get a refund for my booking?

We have a 24-hour cancellation and amendment policy, so as long as you notify us more than 24 hours before departure we can amend your booking to another day or cancel for a refund.

What weather can I expect in Fiordland?

Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in the world with an average annual rainfall of 7 metres per year. Rainfall can reach 250 millimetres in 24 hours and creates dozens of temporary waterfalls (as well as several more permanent ones) that cascade down the cliff faces, some reaching a thousand metres in height. The high rainfall is why Milford Sound is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and rainforest. The temperature in Milford can vary depending on the season and can go from an average high of 19C (66F) in summer (Dec – Feb) to 9C (48F) in winter (Jun – Aug). All our vessels have spacious indoor areas with comfortable seating for cruising in all weather conditions.

Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?

Milford Sound is the wettest place in New Zealand and one of the wettest places in the world! Many visitors are shocked to know that this true world wonder actually measures its rainfall in metres (and not millimetres like most of the world.) In fact, in 2016 Milford Sound received over nine metres of rain! Doubtful Sound is also rainy with an average of 3-6 metres of rain per year. Both fiords are magnificent to visit in rainy weather due to the significant amount of waterfalls. The fiords come alive with water streaming down sheer cliffs - a magical sight not to be missed.

How likely are we to see wildlife in Fiordland?

Although we cannot guarantee wildlife viewing, it is very likely that you will see the New Zealand fur seal, and likely more than just one or two! Dolphins are often sighted swimming alongside cruise vessels. Two species of penguins make Milford Sound their home at various times throughout the year. Little blue penguins and the Fiordland crested penguin - known at the Tawaki. Often hard to find and see, it is always a delight to spot them when we do.

How long does it take to travel to Milford Sound?

It takes approximately five hours to get to Milford from Queenstown depending on the time of year and road conditions. It takes approximately two hours to get to Milford Sound from Te Anau. You can drive a car or campervan or take a coach tour. We always recommend allowing plenty of time to get to Milford as the journey there is as spectacular as the cruise itself.

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Get in touch

in New Zealand

0800 264 536

Overseas

+64 3 441 1137

Email

reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz

Milford Sound | Southern Discoveries (2024)

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