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Milford Sound [Boating, kayaking, helicopter, hiking]

  • Te Anua, South Island, New Zealand

Last updated: 18 March, 2024

This gorgeous 22km long fjord – one of New Zealand’s most accessible – is hallmarked by beautiful upland scenery, crowned by the Mitre Peak. Despite the crowds, it remains an awe-inspiring landscape of snow-capped mountains, dense forests and spectacular waterfalls.

There are several bucket list ways you can get out into the wilderness and appreciate it in all its natural glory.

The most popular way is on a pleasure cruise along the Milford Sound waterway – justifiably ranked as one of New Zealand’s signature experiences. A range of cruises are available, from thrill rides on jetboats to gentle two-hour tours on historic steamboats. You can also take an overnight cruise along the entire fjord to the Tasman Sea.

You could take it all in from the water on a kayak, soar over Mitre Peak on a helicopter or spend 4-days hiking the world-renowned Milford Track around it, through pristine, fern-filled rainforest.

Logistics

Price from: £10
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

Milford Sound is 295kms (about a 4-hour drive from Queenstown). A number of organised tours depart from Queenstown – some involving a (much faster) flight to get there. If time allows, you can make your way down to Te Anau, the ‘gateway to the fjords’, 2.5 hours’ drive from Queenstown. For those who are self-driving, a public car park is located 10 minutes’ walk from the boat harbour. Air Fiordland operates regular flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

 

 

 

When to do it

Cruises operate all year round, seven days a week. Departure times vary by operator. The earliest cruises depart around 9am (summer) and 9.45am (winter). The last cruises depart around 3.30pm (summer) and 1.45pm (winter).

The access road gets clogged with cars and coach tours, so go early before the crowds. Australia and NZ school holidays are the peak tourism times; avoid if possible.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Queenstown

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible views are guaranteed to leave you awestruck. This is a small group tour for travellers seeking an all-inclusive, uniquely-kiwi, personalised trip to Milford Sound.  We keep things personal using our fleet of modern Mercedes vans. Enjoy your journey with only 15 people, in a vehicle with premium features such as leather seats, panoramic scenic windows, Wi-Fi and Spotify. Let your Altitude Tours guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge of the area, as we travel from Queenstown through Te Anau and into the Fiordland National Park on the famous Milford Road. Enjoy many scenic photo stops at both famous locations, as well as our guide's favourite off-the-beaten-track spots. Enjoy a 2-hour small uncrowded cruise while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer! You can also add on a picnic lunch to enjoy onboard.

Price NZ$309

Min age 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [2073 ratings]

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  • Te Anau

This full-day Milford Sound extraordinaire tour from Te Anau will have you traveling along the spectacular Milford Road. With fun commentary and plenty of local knowledge provided you will have a chance to see keas, seals, dolphins and the Fiordland crested penguin. Enjoy an amazing morning tea that includes wonderful date scones, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits, chocolates Experience an amazing 20-minute walk to the Chasm. You will have the chance to do the most spectacular 30-minute walk to Milford Sound. It is the Marian Cascade which is a continuous cascading waterfall draining from a glacier fed lake. Your day will be topped off with a 2-hour cruise on the famous Milford Sound.

Price NZ$239

Min age 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [1065 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Queenstown

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. This tour with Air Milford allows you to combine the stunning flight to Milford Sound with a beautiful cruise on the fiord. Relax as you enjoy the best of both worlds from above and from the sea.

Price NZ$754

Min age 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [633 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Te Anau

Embark on an awe-inspiring day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, where you'll be part of a friendly, intimate group of no more than 15 fellow travelers, led by a friendly local guide. Prepare for an unforgettable journey, including a small boat cruise, traversing the entire length of the majestic fiord and venturing out to the vast expanse of the Tasman Sea. Our relaxed itinerary is designed to maximise your enjoyment, allowing ample time for leisurely strolls, capturing breathtaking photographs, and immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the area alongside our knowledgeable nature guide. Whether it's pausing to admire cascading waterfalls, spotting playful dolphins, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings, every moment promises to be filled with wonder and discovery.

Price NZ$286

Min age 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [615 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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