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Milford Sound is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and untouched places in New Zealand and is an absolute must visit for anyone exploring the South Island.
Famous for its dramatic landscapes, towering peaks and powerful waterfalls, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a breathtaking look into Fiordland National Park.
This guide covers everything you need to know to plan the best day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown, including how to get there, the best stops along the way, practical tips and more.
How to Get to Milford Sound from Queenstown
There are 3 different ways to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown, this includes driving yourself, taking a guided tour or taking a scenic flight.
1. Driving Yourself
Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound is an incredible journey filled with lots of scenic stops along the way and is definitely one of the best drives in New Zealand. The distance is approximately 288 km (about 4 hours one way), so it’s a full day of travel.
There is only one road in and out of Milford Sound and that is State Highway 94; it’s a well maintained road and is suitable for all vehicles. However, it can be narrow, steep and windy in some sections, so it requires focus and care when driving. We found the road to be absolutely fine and didn’t have any problems in a campervan.
If you’re travelling in the winter, just beware of icy roads and make sure your vehicle has snow chains. When you get near Milford Sound, you’ll pass through the Homer Tunnel, which is a one-lane tunnel with traffic lights.
Te Anau is the last town before Milford Sound, so make sure to fill up with fuel and get any snacks while here, as there are no more fuel stations or shops between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
2. Taking a Guided Tour
Guided tours are another option if you don’t have a vehicle or prefer not to drive. You’ll still be able to take in all the beautiful views and scenic stops, but you’ll be able to sit back and relax. Guided tours usually include hotel pick-up, commentary about the area, and a scenic cruise on Milford Sound.
There are a few different types of guided tours available, these range from large coach tours, small group tours or even private tours.
3. Flying to Milford Sound
If you’re short on time or looking for an adventurous option, a scenic flight or a helicopter flight is the quickest way to get to Milford Sound, taking around 40 minutes one way, compared to 4+ hours of driving.
Helicopter landing at Earnslaw Burn
Flights depart from Queenstown and offer breathtaking views of the mountains, lakes, and fjords from above.Many scenic flight packages include a cruise once you land, allowing you to experience the sound from above and on the water.
This is the most expensive option, but it’s well worth the cost for the incredible experience and convenience. We did a helicopter flight over Queenstown, and although we didn’t fly to Milford Sound, we would highly recommend it as the views over Queenstown alone were mesmerizing!
Best Stops Along the Way to Milford Sound
The journey to Milford Sound is just as breathtaking as the destination, with incredible walks, waterfalls and viewpoints in Fiordland National Park.
Te Anau
Te Anau is the last town before Milford Sound, so it’s important to fill up on fuel, water and anything else you may need while you’re here. It’s also a great point to break up your drive from Queenstown as you can grab a coffee or walk along Lake Te Anau. There’s not much else to see here, it’s just a good resting point.
Mirror Lakes
The Mirror Lakes are a short and easy walk that takes you to a small, calm lake perfectly reflecting the surrounding mountains and sky on still days, it’s a great photo spot!
Eglinton Valley
Eglinton Valley is a vast, flat stretch of land covered in golden tussock grass and framed by towering mountains. It's a beautiful spot and the mountains lining the valley make the perfect backdrop for photos.
The Chasm
The Chasm is a short 10-minute walk through lush rainforest that leads to dramatic waterfalls and rock formations carved by the Cleddau River. It’s an excellent place to stretch your legs and admire the beauty of Fiordland.
Homer Tunnel
Driving through the Homer Tunnel is an experience in itself. This 1.2 km-long tunnel cuts through solid rock, and the views on either side are spectacular. Just after leaving the tunnel, there are a few stops you can make to admire the valley covered with thousands of waterfalls. Look out for the cheeky kea too, New Zealand’s native alpine parrots!
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Should you do the Milford Sound Cruise?
Yes definitely! The highlight of any visit to Milford Sound is the iconic cruise through the fjord. The views from the water are breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of the towering cliffs, lush rainforests and the famous waterfalls that cascade down the mountains.
During the cruise, you’ll get close-up views of iconic landmarks like Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed mountains in New Zealand, and Stirling Falls, a dramatic waterfall that plunges 151 meters into the fjord below.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins, seals, or penguins that call Milford Sound home. The cruise typically lasts about 1-1.5 hours, which is plenty of time to admire the incredible landscapes while on a day trip.
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What Other Things Are There to Do in Milford Sound?
While the scenic cruise is a highlight of Milford Sound, there are several other activities that let you experience the beauty of this stunning location up close. Whether you're looking for a walk, a hike, or an adventurous way to explore the fjord, there’s something for everyone.
Walks and Hikes
Milford Sound has several short walks and longer hikes, all showcasing the diverse landscapes of the region. If you’ve travelled to Milford on a day trip, a quick and easy walk is The Foreshore Walk, which takes you along the shores of Milford Sound with incredible views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
There are lots of longer hikes, but these are best suited for those planning to stay overnight or for a few days, as they can take anywhere from several hours to multiple days to complete. Some of the best day hikes in Fiordland are the Key Summit Track and the Gertrude Saddle Track, both offering stunning views and a rewarding challenge.
For those up for a longer adventure, the Routeburn Track and Milford Track are multi-day treks, both classified as New Zealand’s Great Walks, and offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the country!
Kayaking
If you’re looking for an adventurous activity to do then Kayaking in Milford Sound is the perfect option, allowing you to get up close and personal with the towering cliffs and powerful waterfalls. Some cruises offer a cruise and kayak tour, but this will make the tour longer which may not suit day trippers.
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Chloe Butcher
Cafe
Milford Sound does have a small cafe located in the Information Centre, which has a range of hot drinks, snacks and light meals. It’s a great place to grab a coffee or a bite to eat before or after your cruise or walk and it’s actually not that expensive. We bought 2 pasty’s and a brownie for $21, which we thought was reasonable!
What is the weather like at Milford Sound?
Milford Sound is one of the wettest places on earth, with more than 200 days of rainfall each year. While the rain may seem daunting, it’s also what contributes to the fjord's dramatic beauty, as the waterfalls become even more spectacular in wet weather.
I’d even go so far as to say that Milford Sound is better in the rain, so don't let rain deter you!
How long shall I leave for a Milford Sound day trip?
Since it’s a long journey, make sure to leave early to maximize your time in Milford Sound. The earlier you leave, the more you can enjoy the scenic stops along the way without feeling rushed.
If you book a cruise, you’ll also need to leave enough time to board 30-40 minutes before departure time. We started our drive to Milford Sound at around 6-7am, before the sunrise, so that we could get to Milford as early as possible and have all day to spend exploring.
How does a Milford Sound day trip cost?
To give you an idea of how much it costs to do a Milford Sound day trip, I’ve compiled a list of average prices (in New Zealand dollars) along with my own experiences of how much we spent:
- Guided Tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound inc cruise: $180- $250
- Milford Sound Cruise: $80 - $100
- Parking: We paid $25 for 3 hours ($10 an hour before 3pm, $5 an hour after 3pm)
- Scenic flight: From $300 - $700
- Food at the cafe in Milford Sound: We paid $21 for two pasty’s and a brownie
Can you visit Milford Sound without a tour?
Absolutely! You can visit Milford Sound without booking a guided tour. If you're driving, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace, which is the option we chose.
Are there food and drink options in Milford Sound?
Yes, there is a small cafe in Milford Sound serving hot drinks, snacks, and light meals. However, options are limited, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks just in case.
Does Milford Sound have a fuel station?
Yes, there is a small fuel station in Milford Sound, but don’t rely on this as the card reader often doesn’t work and doesn’t accept international cards. Make sure to fuel up in Te Anau or Queenstown to avoid any problems.
Can you stay overnight in Milford Sound?
Yes, you can stay overnight in Milford Sound but there is only one accommodation option. The Milford Sound Lodge has luxurious chalets and campervan spaces if you want to extend your stay.
This does get booked up in advance though, so make sure to plan ahead and save your space. There are also a few paid campsites along the Milford Sound road, with the closest one being a 50 minute drive.
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