Queenstown
Price NZ$309
Min age 0
Rating 4.88 / 5 [1658 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Travel bucket list idea:
Te Anua, South Island, New Zealand
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.
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.
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.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Queenstown
Price NZ$309
Min age 0
Rating 4.88 / 5 [1658 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Te Anau
Price NZ$269
Min age 0
Rating 4.96 / 5 [969 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Queenstown
Price NZ$665
Min age 0
Rating 4.92 / 5 [921 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Queenstown
Price NZ$755
Min age 0
Rating 4.94 / 5 [572 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Te Anau
Price NZ$185
Min age 0
Rating 4.98 / 5 [523 ratings]
Tour supplied by: