The 16-kilometres-long Milford Sound was described by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth Wonder of the World. Situated within Fiordland National Park, it's a magical place considered one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions. Renowned for monumental mountain peaks, plummeting waterfalls, forested cliffs and mysterious dark waters, Milford Sound is possibly one of the wildest places on South Island.
"After living in New Zealand for four years, one of the things that really stuck with me was the close relationship many New Zealanders have with the outdoors. I enjoy providing travellers with an authentic experience of the unique culture and varied landscapes on offer. I take pride in building you a bespoke itinerary and look forward to helping you make the most of your time in this fantastic country!"
Contact Kieran
Milford Sound is in a remote part of South Island, in the heart of Fiordland National Park. The interesting thing about it is that even though it was named a sound by the early European settlers it is actually a fiord. A sound is formed when a river valley gets flooded by the sea and this is not the case for Milford Sound. It was carved out of glacial erosion. The inspiration for the name Milford is from the long narrow inlet on the Welsh coast called Milford Haven.
With an average of 200 days of rainfall per year, Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in New Zealand as well as the world and this is all a part of its appeal. All that rainfall creates gushing waterfalls and lush green forests. Staying overnight is highly recommended because when all the buses leave you will feel like you have the entire place to yourself.
Tip: Bear in mind that there are no shops or WIFI. You will find a cafe at Milford Sound Lodge.
There are many ways to explore Milford Sound be it by boat, cruise, hiking, kayaking, diving and snorkelling. With such stunning scenery, you can't go wrong. Be sure to visit the underwater observatory at Harrison Cove to view black coral and other interesting sea creatures.
Known as one of New Zealand's most famous walks, it begins at the northern end of Lake Te Anau and zigzags through pristine wilderness. Along the way, you will pass Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand. You can choose to do it over four days or you can do a half-day tour with a guide. The shortened half-day tour means you will take a boat to the end of the track and walk part of it.
Tip: The DOC huts on the Milford Track get booked out early. It is best to plan and book well in advance so as not to be disappointed.
Taking a cruise is a popular way to experience Milford Sound. You can choose to do it during the day or have a unique overnight adventure. The cruises are usually one hour forty-five minutes to three hours in length and even with a shorter one, you will cruise the length of the fiord. Marvel at the iconic Mitre Peak, be in awe of Lady Bowen Falls or the equally magnificent Stirling Falls.
Paddle through lakes and waterways, get up close to Sutherland Falls, and spot dolphins and seals. See the unforgettable beauty of Milford Sound from sea level. For those that are more adventurous, you can enjoy an overnight kayaking adventure in Doubtful Sound.
Doubtful Sound was originally named Doubtful Harbour by Captain Cook because he wasn't sure whether the narrow inlet was safe to sail through. Later it was renamed Doubtful Sound by whalers and sealers. The easiest way to reach Doubtful Sound is by boat from Manapouri and then by coach over the Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove.
Be blown away by this off-the-beaten-path experience. It is the deepest fiord at 421 metres and the second largest at 40 kilometres. Shrouded in stillness it is sometimes called the Sound of Silence. A mystical place surrounded by dark waters and deep-sea species such as black coral, the serenity is broken only by the sounds of spectacular waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs or the sounds of bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins.
Tip: Be sure to pack your insect repellent because sandflies are legendary in the fiords.
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to New Zealand in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register nowThere is one road leading to the famous fiord and that is Milford Road. Most people travel to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau. It is an approximately four-hour drive from Queenstown and two hours from Te Anau.
Milford Sound can be reached by air, self-drive or bus. Flights depart from Queenstown, Glenorchy or Te Anau and land at Milford Sound Airport.
The jaw-dropping beauty that is Milford Sound means that it is one of those places that you can visit all year round and given that it is one of the wettest places on the planet, expect rain. If you want to avoid the summer crowds, Spring (September to December) is a good time to visit. Summer (December to March) is the peak period and there are many bigger crowds. There is however a greater chance of clearer views when out hiking.
In Autumn (March to June) the temperature drops but it is still pleasant enough to be outdoors. There will be fewer boats on the water and more of a chance to see dolphins. Winter (June to September) might be cold but it is when you will practically have this moody, wild landscape to yourself.
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in New Zealand and its surrounds. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
Start your adventure with a bus trip through deep valleys, past lakes and towering cliffs of granite rocks to… read more
Connect with nature and wilderness in the Doubtful Sound, during an overnight kayak adventure. Doubtful Sound is… read more
An overnight cruise into the Doubtful Sound is simply breathtaking. Wake up to absolute calm and experience… read more
Get in touch with nature during your stay in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. The perfect base to… read more
In the picturesque lakeside town of Te Anau lies an exclusive bed and breakfast. On the edge of Fiordland National… read more
Discover one of New Zealand's most thrilling destinations. Surrounded by magnificent mountains and situated on the… read more
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped-out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 9am until 6pm. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
020 36 95 95 69
