Milford Sound Travel Guide

Explore the natural beauty and adventure of Milford Sound in New Zealand with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and more.


Introduction to Milford Sound

Milford Sound, located in Fiordland National Park in Southland, South Island, New Zealand, is known for its pristine natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities. This amazing destination boasts rugged mountaintops, thundering waterfalls, serene fiords, and diverse wildlife, including penguins, fur seals, dolphins, and whales. If you love hiking, kayaking, sightseeing, or photography, Milford Sound is a must-see destination.

List of Places to Visit in Milford Sound

Here are some of the top places to visit in Milford Sound:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre: learn about the history and culture of the area, and get tips on hiking and kayaking tours.
  • Milford Sound Underwater Observatory: explore the underwater world of Milford Sound and see rare deep-sea creatures like black coral and rare fish.

Natural Attractions of Milford Sound: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mitre Peak: climb the iconic peak for panoramic views of Milford Sound’s surroundings.
  • Bowen Falls: take a boat tour to witness these amazing falls up close.
  • Stirling Falls: another breathtaking waterfall that you can see on a boat tour.
  • Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory: experience the full range of Milford Sound’s natural beauty, on land and in the water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Milford Sound

Milford Track is the most famous hiking trail that lies in Milford Sound with over 53 kilometers of natural terrain that take anywhere between 3-4 days of hiking with facilities along the way. Beyond the Milford Track, there are shorter hikes and walks along the sound that offer views of the natural beauty and some tracks are suitable for biking. The Discover Milford Sound Information Centre is a great point for advice and information about how to choose and plan your perfect Milford Sound hike.

Best Things to Do in Milford Sound: Activities and Tours

  • Milford Sound cruise: this is the most popular tour avenue of Milford Sound and is the perfect way to see the sound and its environs.
  • Hiking and walking: Explore Milford Tracks and hiking routes, get a chance to see remarkable views of the natural terrain, and take in the crisp air.
  • Kayaking: Experience the waters in a serene fashion and get closer to the seals, dolphins, and penguins in their natural habitats.
  • Scenic Flight tours: Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Milford Sound and its immediate surroundings.
  • Underwater observatory: an alternative way of witnessing the wonders of Milford Sound underwater.

Week-Long Itinerary for Milford Sound

Day 1: Explore Milford Sound’s Marine Life Day 2: Kayak along the sound Day 3: Hiking Trails around Milford Sound, including the famous Milford Track Day 4: Discover the scenic Milford Sound by air via a scenic flight tour Day 5: A boat tour through Milford Sound. Day 6: Take an underwater seabed tour via the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory Day 7: Go biking on designated trails

Food and Drink Scene of Milford Sound

Milford Sound offers numerous food and drink options. Finding adequate food and refreshments will be an easy task for tourists; here are the options:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Paua (abalone) patties: a delicacy of South Island seafood cuisine.
  • Whitebait fritters: another seafood-based dish popular in New Zealand, made using small shrimps.
  • Venison: New Zealand is also known to raise some of the tastiest deer meat.

Local Beverages

  • New Zealand wine: made of local varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Local beer: there are several breweries in and around Southland, which serve different types of beer.

Where to Stay in Milford Sound: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Milford Sound has several accommodation options for tourists, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. The following are some of the best places to stay in Milford Sound:

  • Milford Sound Lodge: The Milford Sound Lodge Village provides a selection of luxury suites nestled in the heart of Milford Sound. It’s only a short walking distance from the village center and is surrounded by seemingly endless views of the local mountains and oceans.
  • Fiordland Discovery: A luxurious cruising experience on Milford Sound where options for overnight stays and the opportunity to explore the immediate spaces via the boat exist.
  • Milford Sound Overnight Boat Cruise: A more natural and budget-friendly option than the Milford Sound Lodge. The overnight boat provides space for a few guests and sails around Milford sound, overnight guests enjoy comfortable cabins and local meals.

What to Buy in Milford Sound: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Milford Sound offers numerous souvenirs to tourists to take home as a reminder of the place. The following are some of the souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Pounamu (Jade): the greenstone is a Maori symbol of strength, good fortune, and peace.
  • Sheep-based products: New Zealand is synonymous with sheep-rearing, make the best of your visit and purchase local woolen garments as souvenirs.
  • Local crafts: there are several arts and crafts shops in Milford Sound that sell handmade Maori pottery, jewelry, and wooden sculptures.

Local Culture and Customs of Milford Sound

The Milford Sound Community is an exciting mix of different cultures including Maori, Asian, and European ethnicities. While visiting Milford Sound, you may encounter various cultural practices, languages, and customs. Visitors are advised to respect local customs and dress codes, inquire about acceptable photography practices, and pay attention to etiquette in sacred places.

Best Time to Visit Milford Sound

The best time to visit Milford Sound is between November and April. During this period, the temperatures are mild, rainfall is infrequent, and there is plenty of sunshine. Furthermore, the vegetation during this time would also reflect its best colors, leaving you with beautiful scenery in pictures and memories. Between May and October, there is strong rainfall, which can considerably obstruct outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Milford Sound

Do:

  • Plan ahead of time, so you don’t miss anything you’d like to do.
  • Take warm clothing layers even if traveling during summer, temperatures change rapidly in Milford Sound
  • Take pictures and feel free to explore Milford Sound. It’s one of the best active starter-packs destinations in the world.

Don’t:

  • Disturb local wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and penguins.
  • Jump into waters without excessive protection, maintain caution while around waters and also indoors for occasional perservance of local rules.

Safety and Health

Safety in Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a relatively safe place, but tourists are advised to take adequate precautions.

  • Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in secluded locations.
  • Take necessary precautions while hiking and kayaking, and inquire on suggested safety accessories that could be acquired during the activities.
  • Beware of changing weather conditions and water tides while engaging in physical activities.

Health in Milford Sound

The risk of contracting diseases while in Milford Sound is low, given the area’s relatively few cases of diseases. Ensure to have full personal medical coverage before visiting Milford Sound.

Getting to Milford Sound: Transportation Options and Logistics

Milford Sound is accessible by air, road, and boat. Here are some of the transport options and logistics:

Airports Near Milford Sound

The closest airport to Milford Sound is Queenstown Airport, which is served by both domestic and international flights. Local airlines and small charters also offer flights to Milford Sound, connecting with Queenstown or Te Anau, Southland, and Manapouri airports.

Bus Stations Near Milford Sound

Intercity and Kiwi Experience coaches stop at Te Anau en-route to Milford Sound. Te Anau also offers the car rental points, including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Thrifty.

Other Options

Helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft transfers are offered by Heli Services, as an alternative way to arrive in Milford Sound. During the transfer, visitors have the rare opportunity to see Milford Sound and its surroundings views from above.

How to Get Around in Milford Sound

Getting around Milford Sound is easy thanks to several transport and tour options:

  • Eco-friendly boat tours: These are the best way to explore Milford Sound’s natural beauty and wildlife.
  • Scenic flights: A scenic flight around Milford Sound offers a bird’s eye view of the sound and its environs.
  • Hiking and walking: There are several hiking and walking trails in Milford Sound for a more detailed exploration.
  • Kayaking: Renting a kayak is an ideal way to get a closer look at the aquatic life in Milford Sound.

Where to Go Next from Milford Sound: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Queenstown: A great place for adventure sports lovers. The city offers walking trails, mountain biking, bungee-jumping, and skiing activities.
  • Te Anau: A town that offers a range of activities such as fishing, hiking, and kayaking tours.
  • Wanaka: A town that offers water activities, winter sports, hiking trails, and an eco-sanctuary as major attractions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Milford Sound, located in Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand, is a nature lover’s paradise. From the iconic Mitre Peak and the Bowen Falls to underwater observations and hiking tracks, visitors are promised a mesmerizing experience. Be sure to experience as much as possible, from scenic views atop mitre peak, kayaking on Milford Sound’s calm waters to learning about the local customs and taking in the culinary delights, Milford Sound guarantees a natural paradise of a lifetime.

Milford Sound Milford Sound Milford Sound Airport, wharf (left), Bowen falls (far left), looking southeast Milford Sound Airport, wharf (left), Bowen falls (far left), looking southeast Helicopter, Milford Sound Helicopter, Milford Sound The twisty road after the Homer Tunnel The twisty road after the Homer Tunnel Boarding the ferry at Te Anau Downs to go to the start of the Milford Track Boarding the ferry at Te Anau Downs to go to the start of the Milford Track Mitre Peak on a rare day when it's not raining Mitre Peak on a rare day when it's not raining Stirling Falls with boat Stirling Falls with boat Seals at Milford Sound Seals at Milford Sound Milford Sound wharf, looking northwest Milford Sound wharf, looking northwest