What is Milford Sound?

Milford Sound is a fjord located in Fiordland National Park in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. This area, formed by seawater entering a U-shaped valley carved by glaciers, is famous for its high cliffs, numerous waterfalls, mysterious mist, and rich ecosystem.

• Location: About 287 km from Queenstown, about 120 km from Te Anau
• Climate: Very high annual rainfall, often creating misty and mysterious scenery
• Main Points: Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls

Travel Tips

• As it is a nature reserve, no littering is allowed
• No gas stations along the way → Be sure to refuel in Te Anau
• Due to heavy rainfall and frequent weather changes, raincoats/waterproof jackets are essential
• Mobile signal is very weak – prepare offline maps

How to Get There

Self-Driving (Queenstown or Te Anau → Milford Sound)

• Queenstown → Te Anau (about 2 hours)
• Te Anau → Milford Sound (about 2 hours / total 120 km)
• Total time required: About 4–5 hours one way from Queenstown
• Route: Use State Highway 94 (Milford Road)
• You must pass through the Homer Tunnel in the middle of the road, and chains are required in winter

Tour Bus

• Day tours available departing from Queenstown or Te Anau
• Recommended packages include professional guides and one-way cruises

Light Plane / Helicopter Tour (Departing from Queenstown)

• One-way flight takes about 35 minutes to 1 hour, offering views of the Southern Alps and fjords through the window
• Combination of one-way flight + one-way bus is also possible

Cruise Tour (Milford Sound Cruise)

• Enjoy the spectacular scenery on a cruise along the fjord

• Experience famous waterfalls like Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls up close

• Options available: Standard Cruise / Luxury Cruise / Sunset Cruise

Kayak Tour (Kayaking)

• Kayaking on calm waters – get close to seals and dolphins

• Various options including guided half-day tours and full-day tours with breakfast

Helicopter or Light Aircraft Tour

• Enjoy aerial views of the entire fjord and the Southern Alps (Mount Aspiring, Mount Tutoko)

• Some packages include snow-covered mountain landings

Milford Track – One of the World’s Top 10 Trekking Routes

• A hiking course approximately 53.5 km long, completed over 4 days

• Passes through Dumpling Hut, McKinnon Pass, and more

• Requires DOC (Department of Conservation) permits; sells out early during peak season