Discover Milford Sound – The Pristine Natural Wonder in New Zealand's South Island
A stunning Fjord in the South Island
Discover Milford Sound, a stunning fjord in New Zealand's Fiordland. Explore by drive, cruise, or flight and enjoy its waterfalls, wildlife, and towering peaks.
Activities and Adventures in Milford Sound
Milford Sound by Road – Your Driving Guide
The journey to Milford Sound is as iconic as the destination itself. The drive along the Milford Road offers plenty of scenic stops, such as the Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, and the Homer Tunnel.
Top Hiking Trails Around Milford Sound
Milford Track: One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, offering a multi-day hiking experience through lush rainforests and over alpine passes.
Key Summit Track: A day hike with rewarding panoramic views over Fiordland’s rugged landscape.
Milford Sound Boat Tours – What to Expect
The most popular way to experience Milford Sound is by boat, where you can get up close to waterfalls like Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls, and perhaps even see dolphins, seals, and penguins.
Self-Drive Tours Featuring Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a must-visit on many of our top South Island driving tours.
Explore this majestic destination with our hand-picked itineraries:
12 Day Ultimate Southern Adventure
Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island, including Milford Sound’s iconic scenery, boat cruises, and wildlife encounters.
30 Day Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip
This adventure combines Wanaka’s outdoor activities with glacier hiking, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes across both islands.
11 Day Scenic South Island
This scenic journey includes a visit to Milford Sound, where you’ll marvel at towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Best Time to Visit Milford Sound
Weather and Seasonal Events
Summer (December to February): The warm weather makes it the ideal time for outdoor adventures, including hiking, cruises, and wildlife spotting.
Winter (June to August): Snow-capped mountains and misty landscapes offer a dramatic experience, perfect for photographers.
Weather Considerations for Your Visit
Due to the high rainfall in Fiordland, Milford Sound is a landscape of vibrant green, and the waterfalls are at their best during or after rain.
Milford Sound Wildlife
Unique Fauna in Milford Sound
Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin, which are commonly spotted in the area.
Best Spots for Wildlife Photography
Photographers will find the best wildlife shots either during a cruise or from the shoreline, especially during early morning or late afternoon.
Why Milford Sound Should Be on Your New Zealand Itinerary
Milford Sound is an essential stop on any New Zealand South Island self-drive holiday. Its dramatic landscapes, accessible via car, boat, or air, ensure that every traveller experiences the raw beauty and majesty of Fiordland.
Fascinating Facts About Milford Sound – Did You Know?
Milford Sound is actually a fjord, not a sound, and was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago.
The Sound receives more than 6,000 millimetres of rain annually, one of the highest in the world, making its waterfalls particularly impressive.
Milford Sound is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site, recognised for its outstanding natural beauty.