Oceania : New Zealand : Fiordland National Park : Milford Sound

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is probably one of New Zealand's most well known scenic attractions.

Culture and History

Milford Sound is actually a fiord, having been carved by a glacier.

Like the rest of Fiordland, Milford Sound receives a lot of rain. Indeed, some tour operators argue that the sound is best seen on a rainy day as all the waterfalls can be seen in their full glory. Many recommend seeing it during a sunny day and in the rain to see both worlds as they are both very different and amazing

Wear rainwear and carry an umbrella to protect photographic equipment.

Bring bug repellant. Sand flies are evil, evil buggers.

Travel to Milford_Sound, visa requirements

By Air

There are a number of flightseeing operators that fly light aircraft and helicopters into Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau.

Amateur fliers should have undertaken special mountain flying training before attempting to fly into Milford Sound airstrip. There are special air traffic procedures to be followed.

By Car

From Te Anau, it is 120 km on State Highway 94. Allow plenty of time (and fuel), at least 2-3 hours from Te Anau, when travelling to Milford Sound by car. The road winds through some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand as it climbs up to the Homer Tunnel. The Homer Tunnel is a single lane tunnel, although it has been fitted with traffic lights in 2004, you may still experience a wait while opposing traffic clears the tunnel. You may also want to break your journey along the road to take photographs or investigate scenic spots.

By Bus

Possibly the nicest way to get to Milford Sound is to take a tour bus from Queenstown or Te Anau. There are daily services.

InterCity Coachlines.

By Foot

Perhaps the best and most traditional way to get to Milford Sound is to walk the Milford Track. Bookings are essential for this popular 5 day walk.

Milford_Sound attractions and sightseeing

Spectacular scenery. Dolphins, waterfalls, seals, and penguins.

City tours

One of the most awe-inspiring ways to see Milford Sound, is from the water-level itself. There are two ways to do this:

By Cruise Boat There are several boat operators who offer cruises. Most guided tours from Te Anau or Queenstown arrive in Milford around noon, so it is advisable to escape the crowds by going on an early-morning or late-afternoon cruise. If you intend to take photographs, the quality of light is usually better around those times as well. While most cruise companies have their last cruise of the day around 3 pm, Mitre Peak Cruises offers 4:30 pm cruises, but only if a minimum number of 6 passengers are interested.

By Kayak Your proximity to the water in this form of transport just serves to make you feel even smaller, and makes the Sound seem even more vast! The pros of doing it this way are that you get to go places that the big cruise ships cannot, you see a great deal more wildlife (penguins, seals etc.) as you move more quietly through the water, you are part of a small group (between 6 and 8) and so getting more personal attention from your guide, and you get some exercise in the process. Cons are that it is quite hard work and you should be prepared to get cold and wet. A good way of doing this kind of trip is on a 'one day package'. You can be picked up from your accomodation early in the morning (around 6.30am) in Te Anau by minibus and driven to Milford, where you are kitted out with all the relevant kajak and safety gear and given waterproof bags to take cameras and food with you. The trip lasts till the late afternoon (lunch is taken in your kajaks in the middle of the Sound) and you will be driven back for around 6pm.

Milford Sound Sea Kayaks.

Other than the cruises and kayaking, another place you read about in Milford Sound is the Milford Deep Underwater Observatory. The place can only be reached via one of the cruises. What they are trying to do is interesting, but they charge a lot to see the place and you get a whopping 15 mins total there. There is not even enough time to look through the displays.

Shopping, Milford_Sound souvenirs

Good restaurants and cheap meals

There is only one place to eat and drink in Milford Sound if you did not bring food in with you, and it is the Blue Duck Cafe & Bar. The cafe offers breakfast and lunch, while dinner is found at the bar. Snacks, drinks, and coffee are also available at the cafe. Prices are tourist prices, $8NZ+ for breakfast, $15+ for lunch, $25+ for dinner. They do sell sandwiches around $4-$5, but they are not very filling. Their food is good, but if you don't mind your own cooking, the best bet is to bring supplies with you.

Milford_Sound nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

Blue Duck Cafe & Bar has pretty much whatever drink you would like to have available with Montieths on tap.

Hotels, youth hostels, lodging

Watch out as there are only two lodges in Milford Sound, and one of them is only for those tramping the Milford Track. The one open to all travellers is the backpacker type accommodation, but cozy Milford Sound Lodge, and it is very often fully booked. The Milford Sound Lodge has private doubles or twins and dorm style bunk rooms. It also has plenty of parking for campervans by the river, though not powered sites.