Ask anyone who’s been to New Zealand what the highlight of their trip was, and there’s a good chance they’ll answer with “Milford Sound.”
I’ve been to 100 countries, and can honestly say this area is home to some of the world’s most jaw-dropping landscapes: think lush fjords jutting out of the gem-toned water, cascading waterfalls, towering peaks, and rugged cliffs cloaked in ethereal mist.
Remarkably, it’s also one of the few places on earth where see find glaciers, rainforest and fjords in one area.
Found in Fiordland National Park, getting to this special spot is also one of the best road trips on New Zealand’s South Island where dramatic views are revealed with every hairpin turn and you won’t be able to resist stopping at every scenic lookout en route.
While the hiking trails, wildlife spotting and boat tours could be enough to keep one occupied for days, most visitors trying to maximize their time opt for a day trip to Milford Sound instead from places like Queenstown or Te Anau. This is what we did, partly due to timing but also because accommodation options are so limited in the park and often book up months in advance.
From must-see stops to the top tours, here’s how to make the most of a day trip to spectacular Milford Sound, New Zealand.
Getting to Milford Sound
While the remoteness of Milford Sound is part of its allure, that also means it’s not exactly easy to get to. The options are to self-drive, book a guided tour or private transport, or splurge on one of the flights to Milford Sound in a helicopter or small plane like a Cessna.
The closest town is Te Anau, a lovely waterfront spot best known for its glowworm caves and being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Driving to Milford Sound
Since we wanted the freedom to go at our own pace and were travelling with our 5-month-old daughter, we chose to book two nights at Tukare Cabins in Te Anau and drive ourselves into the park.
We arrived in town the day before from Wanaka (and spent the afternoon enjoying a glowworm tour), then headed out first thing the next morning to have a full day in Milford Sound before driving back to Te Anau in the late afternoon.
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound takes two hours: while four hours of driving in one day might sound like a lot, we didn’t find it bad at all since there are plenty of scenic pullovers and chances to stretch your legs each way.
Unless you have a camper van or are able to secure accommodations right in the park, I personally think basing yourself in Te Anau is the best way to do a Milford Sound day trip.
Globe Guide tip: If you’re already in Te Anau and not up for doing the drive on your own, you can reserve this guided bus tour which includes transportation and a boat cruise.
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Another option is to book a spot on a tour bus to Milford Sound from Queenstown, which tons of tourists do. But here’s the thing…it’s at least a four hour drive each way, which frankly seems insane!
That said, if your timing and budget only allow for this option, I still say do it: visiting Milford Sound is truly a bucket list-worthy experience.
Here are some of the top-rated Milford Sound tours from Queenstown:
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Parking at Milford Sound
If you choose to self-drive, parking costs $10 per hour and you can pre-pay here or use your credit card at one of the kiosks. It can get pretty busy and clogged up by RVs trying to maneuver around, so be sure to arrive well in advance if you have any tours booked to secure a spot.
It also takes at least 10 minutes to walk from the car parks to the terminal where the boats depart from, so build in time for that as well (one perk of an organized tour is that you can get dropped off right at the entrance).
There’s a visitor centre, cafe, restaurants and washrooms adjacent to the main parking lot, which is also where to access the waterfront walking tracks.
Tips for driving from Te Anau to Milford Sound
- Be sure to fuel up in Te Anau, since there are no gas stations along the route and no cell phone service.
- Go first thing in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour bus rush. Bonus: this is usually the best light for photos.
- Allow for lots of time for photo stops, slow traffic, and waiting to get through the one-lane Homer Tunnel.
- Going in winter? The road can be unpredictable with occasional closures due to snow or avalanches, so pack lots of water and snacks and check road reports before heading out. Snow chains are required between May and November.
Flying to Milford Sound
If budget isn’t a concern, a phenomenal option is to book one of the scenic flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown to avoid the long drive and enjoy epic views en route.
The experience usually lasts about four to five hours, and includes flightseeing over the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu and Sutherland Falls, then a boat cruise. Depending what type of aircraft you’re on, there may also be an opportunity to land right on a glacier.
A unique option is to book this tour which is the best of both worlds: it includes a bus ride from Queenstown to Milford Sound for the road trip experience, a boat tour, then a scenic flight back to Queenstown.
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The best Milford Sound road trip stops
Pristine lakes, sweeping valleys and lush rainforests await as you head deep into the national park. Along with some quick roadside lookout points, there are also pathways and hiking trails leading through moss-covered forests to plunging waterfalls.
The top spots to stop are:
- Eglinton Valley: A wide open valley where golden tussock grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see.
- Mirror Lakes: A wooden boardwalk leads down to the still waters, which create idyllic reflections of the Earl Mountains (my favourite stop!)
- Lake Gunn: A short and easy loop through moss-covered beech forest, good for birders.
- Hollyford Valley Lookout (Pop’s View): A jaw-dropping viewpoint looking down at the winding road and Hollyford Valley.
- The Chasm: A quick 10-minute walk to a powerful waterfall cutting through sculpted rock formations fed by the Cleddau River.
Another unique spot is the 1.2 kilometre long Homer Tunnel, an engineering feat carved through solid rock which has stunning views out the other side. It’s only wide enough for one lane of cars, so a traffic light controls the flow of traffic and you might have to wait up to 20 minutes to get through during prime time.
Milford Sound tours
Once you arrive at Milford Sound there are quite a few options for exploring, which include heading out on the walking trails, kayaking, scenic flights, diving and of course sailing through the sound on a boat cruise.
Getting out on the water is an absolute must, and the majority of visitors hop on a sightseeing cruise with a company like Real NZ (we booked this one) to head out into the majestic fjords.
Tours depart from Milford Sound Wharf, passing by iconic spots like Mitre Peak, Seal Rock and countless waterfalls toward the Tasman Sea. Soak up the awe-inspiring sights and enjoy commentary from the on-board host, while keeping an eye out for wildlife like dolphins, seals and even the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin if you’re visiting at the right time.
An absolute highlight of our tour was when the captain pulled up right alongside spectacular Stirling Falls, so we could get an up close look at the cascade and feel its spray on our face.
Cruises typically last 90 minutes to two hours, and there’s lots of room on the outdoor decks for taking photos as well as indoor seating to enjoy a cup of coffee and get a break from the inevitable rain.
The top rated Milford Sound boat tours are:
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What to pack for a day trip to Milford Sound
While temperatures in Milford Sound are generally quite mild, there’s almost always a good chance of some rain. Layers are key, so bring warm, waterproof clothing like a light jacket, hat and raincoat, and good walking shoes.
If you don’t pack your own lunch you can buy food at the Milford Sound Cafe & Visitor Centre, and most of the boats have light snacks and drinks available to purchase on board. There are also places to fill up your water bottle.
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