Trip Planner: South Pacific / New Zealand / South Island / Southland Region / Fiordland National Park / Te Anau / Milford Sound

Milford Sound, Te Anau

4.8

#1 of 116 in Nature in South Island

#Water Body, #Nature / Park, #Must See

Experience New Zealand's untouched wilderness by cruising Milford Sound, a fjord located within a World Heritage Site encompassing four national parks. Moved by the sight of rocky cliffs rising out of perfectly still water, writer Rudyard Kipling once described this fjord as the eighth wonder of the world. Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed mountains on the planet, towers over the sound. Most of the area's half a million annual visitors arrive by one of many bus tours from Queenstown offering easy access to this pristine natural world. Numerous operators also offer flights from Queenstown, drastically reducing transit time and giving you extra time for additional activities that day. If you're staying closer to the national park, you can reach the fjord by hiking a 50 km (31 mi) walking trail starting at Lake Te Anau. Before you head to Te Anau, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Te Anau route website , to make sure you see all that Te Anau has to offer, including Milford Sound.

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Milford Sound Tours

Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Queenstown BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $176

214 reviews

Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes

Buy tours from $176

Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise including Optional Lunch BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $34

103 reviews

Duration: 2 hours

Buy tours from $34

Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Te Anau BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $120

63 reviews

Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes

Buy tours from $120

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Milford Sound Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4,537 reviews

Google

4.8

By MoraginRio On March 21, 2018

If the weather is right a trip on the water is just awesome. The boats don't really go out of the sound into the open sea by enough to cause wave disturbance. This is a sit back relax and soak it up a... more »
By michelle c On March 20, 2018

We went with Grayline coaches and Eric our driver was amazing with local knowledge and history. Made the long trip more interesting. Be prepared for a very long day, from 7am pickup to 7pm drop off, v... more »
By Scott C On March 20, 2018

Great experience even though it was a rainy day but the positive side was it generated so many beautiful waterfalls. The crew were terrific and the sights were just wonderful. Did get very wet as we w... more »

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Google

By Paul Rimmer On January 16, 2018

Stunning! What a drive to get in and out. 😀. The 1.2 km Homer tunnel is pretty cool too. Unfinished rock and 1 way. It feels like you are descending into a mine. We took our old 250K km rental van through this tortuous trail to check out Milford sound. After a lot of 3rd gear hill climbing, engine braking descents and fun twisties we parked and saw the amazing view from the parking lot. This area is absolutely stunning! The downside is that despite the long tunnel and technical mountain access road, the tour buses make it in with their hordes. While you soak in the views you will see and hear loads of planes, helicopters and boats. Can't dock a star for attracting so many people, just be aware.

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By Gonzalo Reuse Tello On March 29, 2018

Awesome place, waterfalls, rain forest, wild animals, and different ppl around make it a great place to visit

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By Lucio Tagliani On December 19, 2017

Safe to say one of New Zealand's best attractions. Cruising through the waters or soaring above by plane, this place will definitely take your breath away. One of two places in the world where fiord waters meet Ocean meet forest meet ice glacier mountains. Jurassic World was actually shot here. Careful, some dinosaurs remain.

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By Dolores Semeraro On January 30, 2018

If you arrive late with your campervan and both the lodges are full, you can stay in the car park for free. Only self-contained.

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By Jesper Mattsson On January 31, 2018

The best place i Have ever visit. Take the night cruise is you Have the possibility

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