Located on the west coast of South Island, Milford Sound lies nestled amongst raging waterfalls and plunging cliffs. Unofficially, it’s referred to as the 8th wonder of the world – this slice of heaven is the crowning jewel of New Zealand.
Explore the fiord’s towering cliffs and the dark inky blue waters, rocky coasts, and mountain peaks reaching to the sky. If you’re not embarking on one of the breathtakingly beautiful hikes, take an awe-inspiring tour to Milford Sound.
Find out more about this wild and beautiful part of New Zealand and the best Milford Sound tours from Queenstown.
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Lady Elizabeth Bowen Falls in Milford Sound, New Zealand
About Milford Sound
Milford Sound is certainly not a sound, but actually a fiord. It’s the only fiord in New Zealand that’s accessible by road. Keep in mind that it’s located remotely, bounded with dense rainforests and sheer cliffs.
It’s situated within Fiordland National Park in the southwest of the South Island. The park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Te Wahipounamu.
Milford Sound continues to awe even the most experienced traveller.
Beautiful reflections in Milford Sound, New Zealand – Photo by Dustin Cressey on Scopio
How to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown
The Milford Sound tours from Queenstown provides picturesque scenery and out-of-this-world panoramic landscapes.
Self-Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound
There are a number of options to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown, but only one road access. Not so original, the road to Milford Sound is on Milford Road, also known as State Highway 94.
It takes approximately 4 hours to drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown. The road is narrow and meandering. In winter it’s often covered in snow and damaged from floods.
So if you do plan on driving to Milford Sound, drive carefully, and allow plenty of time.
Best Milford Sound Cruise, Coach & Kayak Tour
This tour option is truly remarkable and provides the ultimate experience when visiting Milford Sound. It’s a 14.5 hour trip from Queenstown, starting with a glass-roof coach through incredible landscapes.
On arrival, you will join a 2-hour nature cruise and enjoy a buffet lunch on board. After your cruise, you will hop on a small group kayak in one of the most magnificent places in the world. This tour option is truly spectacular.
Check out the latest prices and book your Milford coach, cruise and kayak tour here!
Coach – Cruise – Coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound
An alternative option is to take a bus as part of a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown. This alternative allows you to spend more time enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the way and is the least costly.
Most coaches stop along the way, so you have a chance to take photos and admire the incredible landscapes along this scenic trip.
Click here to book your Milford Sound coach tour with lunch!
Cruising in Milford Sound, New Zealand
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound On a 1.5 Hour Tour
The fastest route to get to Milford Sound is to take a flight from Queenstown. This scenic helicopter ride means you can get there and back within a couple of hours, including two stops.
It’s a remarkable way to see Fiordland National Park.
Click here to book your Milford Sound and the glaciers helicopter tour!
Full-Package 7-Hour Tour From Queenstown to Milford Sound
Explore Milford Sound by coach, boat, and plane on a combined tour. You will start your exciting journey from Queenstown on a coach.
On the way, your guide will show you the best photo spots and stops for short walks along the road.
Once you arrive, you will hop on a boat and travel out to the Tasman Sea. You’ll get to stop at stunning waterfalls and points of interest along the way.
Upon returning, you will enjoy a scenic flight above the dramatic landscape to Queenstown.
Click here to book your Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and flight from Queenstown!
Stunning waterfalls in Milford Sound, New Zealand
Is it worth going on a Milford Sound day tour Queenstown?
Would you ever go to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower? Well, visiting New Zealand and not taking a trip to Milford Sound is pretty much the same.
The drive may be long and tiresome for a day trip, but the journey there is well worth it. I highly recommend opting for tours with bus and cruise combos, to get the most out of your trip.
If I were to go back, instead of a day trip I would do an overnight trip to Milford Sound. Spending 4 hours on the coach there and then back makes for a very long day, and not much time in the beautiful landscape of Milford Sound.
I’ve listed below some options for longer tours, so that you can really get the most out of your time in Milford Sound.
My friend Ramis loving the waterfalls in Milford Sound
Southern Circle Milford Sound 5-day tour
You should do the great Southern circle Milford Sound 5-day tour if you want to get the full experience of South Island. You will depart and return from Queenstown to explore Mount Cook National Park and Milford Sound.
Marvel at the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier and the Southern Alps. You’ll also ride the Tranz-Alpine train, one of the top train journeys in the world.
Click here to see the latest prices for the Southern Circle 5-Day guided tour!
Beautiful reflections in Milford Sound, New Zealand – Photo by Lissy L’Amoreaux on Scopio
Fiordland Discovery overnight cruise
Alternatively, you can also do the Fiordland Discovery overnight cruise. Be prepared to be blown away with views of waterfalls, towering peaks, and local wildlife.
You can try out the hot tub on-board or enjoy your private luxury cabin. It has an en-suite bathroom, and the rooms are climate controlled to keep you comfortable.
The overnight cruise provides cooked breakfasts and a 3-course dinner. There is a cash bar with complimentary tea and coffee.
There are also additional fun activities, including kayaking and other small boating excursions. You can also opt for a luxury round trip land transfer from Queenstown.
Click here to book your stay with an overnight cruise on the Fiordland Discovery!
One of the beautiful waterfalls in Milford Sound – Photo by Dustin Cressey on Scopio
Where to stay for your Milford Sound tours
Milford Sound provides limited accommodation within the national park. The most popular option is to stay in either Queenstown and Te Anau.
Most of the Milford Sound tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation. We stayed in Queenstown, which is the perfect starting point for the Milford Sound tour.
The Love Shack
This stunning apartment features a patio with sweeping views of the landscape. The rooms provide complimentary WiFi and have private parking available.
After a busy day exploring the area, you will undoubtedly want to come back and relax on the sofa and switch on the blu-ray. Alternatively, enjoy the sun terrace and light up the barbecue.
The accommodation is close to main attractions like the Ben Lomond Walkway and Queenstown Hill. Airport pickup and dropoff service are provided as well.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at The Love Shack!
Hiking up Queenstown Hill, New Zealand
Million Dollar View
Enjoy stunning views of the Shotover River from your balcony or relax on the sofa watching TV. The accommodation has fantastic amenities, including a kitchen, free parking, and WiFi.
You’ll be within close range of other attractions, such as the Skyline Gondola and restaurants. This property provides the ideal place for anyone looking for a main base before exploring Milford Sound.
Check the latest prices and availability at Million Dollar View!
Views over Queenstown from the Tiki Trail
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Located on Lake Wakatipu’s shores, this resort boasts 5-star amenities including a day spa, an indoor pool, and a fitness centre. It’s the ideal place to relax after a trip to Milford Sound.
Enjoy luxury amenities, a king-sized bed, and an LCD TV. If you’re looking to sample New Zealand cuisine, I highly recommended trying out Wakatipu Grill Restaurant.
It’s close to the Airport, and 15-minutes to Queenstown city centre by water taxi. This resort provides luxury and comfort all in one place.
Click here to book your stay in Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa!
Queenstown town centre
What to bring on your Milford Sound tour
Fiordland is notorious for high rainfall and cool temperatures throughout the year. In summer, temperatures reach a mere 18°C (64F) and 4°C (41F) in winter.
You don’t need to bring much on your tour, besides the usual travel essentials. Keep in mind that it is one of the wettest places on earth, with an annual rainfall of 6,812 mm.
So put on your raincoat, and maybe some waterproof shoes and embrace the weather. Here are some things you should include when you’re packing.
Warm coat – With cool weather and chances of rain during certain times of the year, you should certainly bring a warm coat. If you are going on a boat cruise, you’ll want to keep warm and protected from the onshore winds.
Water bottle – There will be services on your tours, and some provide lunches and picnics. But taking an extra water bottle is advisable.
Sun hat – If you’re going on a tour, you will undoubtedly be in the sun. Especially when you’re on the boat cruise. I highly recommend taking a sun hat on your trips.
Closed walking shoes – I suggest you take closed and comfortable shoes to walk in and explore the surroundings. There are chilly weather conditions and you’re likely to get wet.
Exploring Milford Sound in New Zealand – Photo by Nikolett Leder Pataki on Scopio
Final thoughts on doing a day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown
A New Zealand trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing the ever so beautiful Milford Sound. Soak up the scenery of sheer cliffs and capped mountain peaks on a 16 kilometre trip from the head of the fiord to the sea.
Milford Sound is absolutely beautiful; however, it is a long journey for just a one day drive up. If you have time in your New Zealand itinerary then definitely try to do one of the overnight trips and spend longer in the area.
If not don’t worry, even doing a full day trip or a combo trip, you’ll understand why this slice of heaven is worth it. Together with hiking Roy’s Peak it was amongst my favourite things to do in New Zealand.
I hope you find this guide useful in planning your Queenstown to Milford Sound tour!
Looking for more New Zealand travel tips? Check out these guides:
- Everything you need to know about hiking Mt John Summit Track
- Ultimate guide to hiking Hooker Valley Track
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