Milford Sound is actually a fjord! It was incorrectly named a "sound" by early European settlers. A sound is a river valley flooded by the sea, whereas fjords are large valleys carved out by ancient glaciers. Many Milford Sound cruises take you along this 16 km long fjord, allowing you to marvel at the natural wonders, admire the tall overhanging cliffs, enjoy the spray of numerous small and big waterfalls, and, if you're lucky, spot seals soaking in the sun or dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
We had a great time exploring Milford sound , and here is how you can also plan your own trip!
When to visit -
Milford Sound is the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand, with rain falling around 200 days a year. So, no matter what time of the year you visit, you may be greeted by rain and clouds. However, the rain also causes many waterfalls to gush down the towering cliffs, making your experience truly unique. Therefore, any time of the year is a good time to visit Milford Sound.
However, if you are planning a self-drive tour, consider the tricky driving conditions and road closures during winter due to weather-related challenges before planning your trip.
Exploring Milford Sound: Various Options
Self-Drive + Cruise
We chose to drive up to the cruise terminal at Milford Sound from Queenstown/Te Anau and then boarded the cruise. This option allows you the freedom to stop and admire the scenic beauty along the way, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Coach from Queenstown/Te Anau + Cruise
For those who prefer to avoid the stress of driving on winding mountain roads, taking a coach from either Queenstown or Te Anau to the cruise terminal is a great option. However, keep in mind that a coach tour from Queenstown can be extremely tiring, even without the driving, as the journey is around 5 hours each way. Additionally, you might miss out on the fun of driving and exploring the natural beauty at your own pace.
Overnight Cruises
As the name suggests, overnight cruises let you spend the night on Milford Sound. This allows you to enjoy the sunset and sunrise on the fjord, and you can also go kayaking. It’s a wonderful way to fully immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the area.
Scenic Flights to Milford Sound
Scenic flights offer a unique, though expensive, way to explore and experience Milford Sound. These flights provide thrilling aerial views of the fjord, especially on a clear, sunny day. It’s an unforgettable way to appreciate the grandeur of this natural wonder.
No matter which option you choose, each provides a unique way to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound.
How to book cruise tickets -
Several companies offer Milford Sound cruises, with the most popular being Southern Discoveries, Mitre Peak, and Real NZ. You can book online or through their offices in Queenstown. The tour structure is generally similar across all companies, so I recommend booking the one that offers the best deal.
Tip:
Avoid larger boats, as they can get crowded by tour buses, providing less space on deck and inside. Smaller boats offer a better overall experience.
For great deals on Milford Sound cruises, you can also use the Bookme app. Sometimes, there are significant discounts available through the app.
Southern Discoveries offers the option to visit their underwater observatory along with the cruise, adding another layer of adventure to your trip.
Suggested itinerary for Milford sound self drive trip -
Day 1: Queenstown to Milford Sound -
Start your drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Leave around 6 AM to allow plenty of time for stops and exploration.
Scenic Stops: Make sure to stop at Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley, and The Chasm for some breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Breakfast: Stop at the Sandfly Cafe in Te Anau around 8 AM for breakfast.
Continue your drive to Milford Sound, aiming to arrive around noon. Board your pre-booked Milford Sound cruise with one of the popular companies like Southern Discoveries, Mitre Peak, or Real NZ. Enjoy the stunning fjord, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Spend the night in Te Anau.
Day 2: Te Anau to Queenstown -
Spend the morning exploring Te Anau.
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary: Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to see some of New Zealand's rare native birds, like the Takahe.
Lake Te Anau: Take a leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Te Anau and enjoy the serene views.
Start your drive back to Queenstown. it will trake around 2 to 3 hours to reach Queenstown.
This itinerary allows you to experience the beauty of Milford Sound and Te Anau at a relaxed pace, ensuring you make the most of your trip without feeling rushed.
How to reach Milford sound -
If driving from Queenstown, we recommend starting early in the morning to reach Milford Sound. Located approximately 300 km from Queenstown, the drive should take roughly 4 to 5 hours. We had a booking for a 1 PM Milford Cruise, so we set out at 6 AM. By 8 AM, we reached Te Anau, where we stopped for breakfast at the Sandfly Cafe. Allow 2 hours to get to Milford Sound from Te Anau. The drive is beautiful, with several scenic stops along the way, such as Mirror Lakes and the Eglinton Valley.
The views just before and after you exit the Homer Tunnel are nothing short of breathtaking. Keep in mind that the wait time to pass through the tunnel can range from 5 to 15 minutes.
There is paid parking available at Milford Sound, which is around a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Free parking is available at Deepwater Basin, which is a 20 to 30-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Here are some tips to make your Milford experience fun and comfortable :
A small cafe is located at the Southern Discoveries Information Center at Milford Sound, where you can grab coffee and some hot snacks. It's worth noting that there are no other restaurants or cafes along the way from Te Anau to Milford Sound, so carry enough water and snacks for your day trip.
It's a good idea to fuel up at Te Anau as there are no petrol stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
This area has a lot of sandflies, so carrying insect repellent is a must.
It can get windy and cold on the cruise during any season, so we highly recommend carrying a good jacket and raincoat .
There are a lot of native birds that can be spotted in this area. Also, if you are lucky, then you can spot some wildlife like seals, penguins, or dolphins.
We recommend spending the night at Te Anau as driving back to Queenstown can be very tiring
We had a terrific day exploring the Milford sound and we hope you have too!
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