Perched at New Zealand’s southwestern edge, Fiordland and Milford Sound form a landscape of seaside peaks, towering trees, and deep fjords protected within UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. The best things to do in Fiordland & Milford Sound highlight those natural wonders. Cruises on Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound seek out penguins and dolphins; hiking trails range from the multi-day Milford Sound Track to short rainforest outings. Going outside pays off in all weather: Sunny days add sparkle, while frequent showers make thundering waterfalls of the region’s sea cliffs.
Ample showers fuel Fiordland and Milford Sound’s lush forest and famed waterfalls—the region gets around 200 days of rain yearly. Sunshine does break through, especially in the hiking season of October–April, and the warmest days of January and February can be downright balmy. In winter (June–August), Milford Sound turns quiet. With fewer cruise and sightseeing boats in the sound, native seals, penguins, and dolphins venture further inland and can be easier to spot.
Trailheads, glacial valleys, and big views flank the winding road to Fiordland and Milford Sound. The main gateway to both is Te Anau, and from there it’s a 75-mile (120-kilometer) drive to Milford Sound that takes around 1.5 hours. It’s also possible to visit Milford Sound on a full-day trip from Queenstown. If your time is limited, consider flying. Scenic charter flights between Queenstown and Te Anau or Milford Sound skip that beautiful—but long—overland trip.
The 4-day, 33-mile (53-kilometer) Milford Track Walk from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound must be booked months in advance, but you can experience part of the trail even if you don’t secure a coveted reservation. Water taxis at Milford Sound shuttle walkers to Sandfly Point, where a 3-hour, round-trip hike leads to Giant Gate Falls. Day hiking tours at Milford Sound generally take care of the water-taxi booking, and some even provide waterproof jackets.
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Visiting Milford Sound is all about outdoor exploration. Getting out on the water is the best way to see Milford Sound’s dramatic coastal scenery, with popular activities including sightseeing cruises, kayaking, and sailing. On land, hikes range from short forest walks to all-day treks that let you take in big views and mountain summits.
...MoreNew Zealand’s Fiordland region brings together rugged summits, wildlife, and gorgeous coastal scenery. While a day trip from Queenstown or Te Anau can take in key highlights, 2–3 days will allow more time for exploring by both land and water. Stay longer if you’re planning an overnight excursion.
...MoreOutdoor adventure is the main draw at Fiordland National Park, whose top hiking trails include three of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks: Kepler, Milford, and Routeburn. The park’s dramatic ocean fiords, including the famed Milford Sound, are best explored by water. Options include sightseeing cruises, kayaking, and even sailing trips.
...MoreYes, Milford Sound is worth visiting. The glacier-carved feature in Fiordland National Park one of New Zealand’s most accessible fjords, with towering waterfalls, lush vegetation, and thriving marine wildlife. Milford Sound is simply gorgeous, whether you’re hiking nearby trails or spotting penguins, dolphins, and fur seals from a sightseeing boat.
...MoreMany visitors come to Milford Sound on day trips from Te Anau or Queenstown, whether by bus tour or scenic flight. That leaves time to hike, cruise, and explore before returning to town. Spending the night means booking an overnight sightseeing cruise or securing a room at Milford Sound Lodge.
...MoreMilford Sound is home to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, and it’s the most accessible of the country’s coastal fiords. With its towering waterfalls, marine wildlife, mountain peaks, and sheer cliffs, it’s easy to see why Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound the “eighth wonder of the world.”
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