Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is one of New Zealand’s most world-renowned spots to visit. It is located on the remote southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island, within Fiordland National Park, which is part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. Technically, Milford Sound is a fiord that extends 16 kilometres from the head of the fiord to the Tasman sea. Within the fiord sits Mitre Peak, a picture-perfect icon that rises sharply and towers 1,692 meters above sea level, and is the most iconic landmark in Milford Sound.
Get to Milford Sound by bus (including guided tours), car, scenic flight or campervan and takes around 2.5 hours from Te Anau or 5 hours from Queenstown. Here are the top six things to do in Milford Sound so you can plan your next trip to the most beautiful fiord on Earth!
1. Walk The Milford Track
Milford Sound is famous in New Zealand for having one of the finest hikes in the world – the Milford Track! The Milford Track is a four or five-day hike from Milford Sound to Hollyford Valley. It’s 96km long and includes 19.87 km of track through private land. Milford Track passes through the World Heritage Fiordland National Park with views over lakes that are perfect for kayaking! Milford Track is classed as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. The scenery is colourful and breathtaking. Explore ancient rainforests, enormous glacier-carved valleys with steep cliffs and roaring waterfalls (including New Zealand’s largest!), as well as unique wildlife and the splendour of nature in all its majesty!
Note that the walking season is from late October to early April due to its alpine environment and shifting weather conditions. The walk can be completed one way only so booking your hut and return water taxi back is essential. Either way, if you’re planning a trip to Milford Sound, make sure to consider the once-in-a-lifetime experience that is the Milford Track.
2. Milford Sound Cruise
If the Milford Track seems like too much effort, don’t worry! Several cruising experiences are available to visitors, both day and overnight (rain, hail or shine!). A cruise of Milford Sound gives you perfect views of the entire area’s highlights, including Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Sinbad Gully, Seal Rock, and more. Milford Sound Day cruises last between one and three hours, while overnight cruises are a great way to get out on the fiord when it’s quiet – at night. If you’re lucky, your Milford Sound Cruise may even see dolphins or penguins in their natural habitat. Cruises leave from the Milford Marina at the end of State Highway 94.
3. Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
Milford Sounds Underwater Observatory is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. The Milford Sound Underwater Observatory is designed to provide visitors with safe viewing of the fish life and coral found in Milford Sound. The Observatory is an enclosed viewing area that descends 10 meters underwater. It’s incredibly unique because you can see species of fish that typically dwell at greater depths in a much shallower environment. This is due to an oceanic phenomenon known as ‘deep-water emergence,’ when salty water meets freshwater.
The Milford Sound Underwater Observatory is one of Milford Sounds’ most fascinating attractions. Available exclusively to Southern Discoveries customers – so make sure to book ahead.
4. Mirror Lakes Walk
Mirror Lakes is one of the highlights along the Milford Road. It provides a great spot to get out of the car and stretch your legs – being just a quick two-minute walk from the car park. The lakes are named for their spectacular reflections of the Earl Mountains. Waterfowl and marshy plants can be seen against the backdrop of the beech forest, which gives it an other-worldly feel.
Another increbile walk in Fiordland National Park that’s well worth a visit is the Lake Marian Track!
5. A Milford Sound Scenic Flight
The best views of New Zealand’s scenery are available from the air, and this rings true in the case of Milford Sound. Perhaps the most luxurious way of seeing what many call the World’s 8th Wonder is with Air Milford. With a shuttle available from your hotel, all you need to do is pack for a day trip, and you’ll be viewing the best of Milford Sound within just 35 minutes! With options to connect with a Milford Sound Cruise, you can still get up close and personal with the beautiful Milford Sound.
Among other breathtaking areas, your flight will take you over the Skippers Canyon which is renowned for its thrilling canyon formations, Paradise region (known as film locations for Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit Trilogies), and Donne glacier. The return journey takes you across the many beautiful alpine lakes and waterfalls in Fiordland National Park, such as the Sutherland Falls which span 580 metres!
6. Sea Kayaking
Probably the best way to enjoy Milford Sound is from a kayak where you can get up close and personal with nature. Kayaking is family-friendly, and you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy all that it has to offer. You’ll be in great hands with Rosco’s Milford Kayaks, New Zealand’s longest owner-operated sea kayaking firm. There are multiple adventures to choose from so you can choose one that suits your fitness level and experience. Kayaking allows you to get closer to the action than you would on a big boat, whether it’s watching seals sunbathe on the rocks or seeing a stunning waterfall. The enormous fiord cliff faces are put into perspective when paddling next to them in a small kayak!
Check out the other Best Places for Kayaking in New Zealand here!
