Gigantic mountains, deep dark water and powerful waterfalls; Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is an incredibly special place that transforms daily making each visit truly unique. The southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island is bejewelled with glacier-carved fiords with a rich history and fascinating birdlife. Exploring what lies in the crevasses of the Fiordland region and Fiordland National Park is an absolute must-do in New Zealand. Milford Sound is the northernmost fiord in the Fiordland and is one of the more accessible fiords thanks to the Milford Sound road.
1. Milford Sound Day Cruise
A journey to Milford Sound is not complete without a scenic Milford Sound Day Cruise. RealNZ offers day cruises on the Milford Haven and on the Milford Mariner. Both get you up close and personal with the most impressive waterfalls in the fiord. Cruise out to the Tasman Sea and back, watching out for penguins, dolphins, seals and native sea birds. Grab a drink on board, or spend the entire cruise on the front deck chatting to the onboard nature guide. It’s an experience of a lifetime.
To learn more about Milford Sound Day Cruises check out RealNZ here.
2. Walk the boardwalk
Take time to explore Milford Sound by foot. The boardwalk wraps around the shores of the Milford Sound. It winds through the native bush and over water crossings. Keep your eyes peeled for the Milford Sound swing along the way. Milford Sound is quite possibly the most scenic place for a classic rope and wood swing. Discover various lookouts along the boardwalk too. At low tide, the sandy, rocky shores are exposed and you can wander out further for some great photo opportunities.
3. Stay overnight
Just when you think Milford Sound is too good to be true, you learn that you can stay overnight too! All the crowds disperse and the sun begins to set over the mountains. The RealNZ Milford Mariner is your overnight vessel, equipped with private cabins with ensuites. Enjoy a cruise through the fiord before you settle in a sheltered bay and enjoy a 3-course dinner prepared by the onboard chef. The wildlife sightings continue and the nature guide is with all the way. Better yet, explore the shores a little more by kayak or small boat tour! A Milford Sound overnight experience is a must-do.
4. Walk the Milford Track
The Milford Track is a world-renowned multi-day hike and one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’. Twisting through Fiordland National Park, the alpine scenery is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. The Milford Track is just over 53 kilometres long, taking walkers 4 days and 3 nights. The last leg of this mighty track passes Giant Gate Falls before ending in Sandfly Point. Take a boat transfer from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound and see the sights in the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ before heading on to your next adventure.
To start planning your full Milford Track experience, learn more about track transfers here.
5. Discover Bowen Falls
One short boat ride from the Milford Sound wharf and you’ll find yourself at the base of Bowen Falls. In true Fiordland nature, this waterfall is wild and powerful and it even provides the small Milford Sound township with electricity. A boat takes you to the beginning of the track, which winds through spectacular native bush before reaching the viewing area. It’s a 30-minute return walk, with views of mighty Mitre Peak across the fiord. Be sure to check the opening status of the walk before embarking on your trip.
6. Do a scenic flight
As the crow flies, Milford Sound is not all that far from Queenstown. A scenic flight from the adventure capital takes you over glacier-carved valleys, alpine lakes and incredible mountain peaks. The flight from Queenstown is around 1 hour and 20 minutes on a small fixed-wing plane. Scenic helicopter flights are also available. Whether you tap on a Milford Sound cruise to your experience or focus on the flight alone, you won’t regret getting up in the air to see sights you’d otherwise never get to see.
This article was created in paid partnership with RealNZ.
