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 122 in Nature in South Island
Must see · Water Body · Nature / Park
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.
Create an itinerary including Milford Sound
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours to Milford Sound

FROM $103 BOOK WITH VIATOR Full-Day Milford Sound Hiking Tour with Cruise
5.0
Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $103 »
FROM $124 BOOK WITH VIATOR Milford Sound Experience Full Day from Te Anau
4.8
Duration: 9 hours
Tours from $124 »

Milford Sound reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
5,653 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • By holidaysforeva
    Oh boy did it rain but that’s just Milford. It’s just water get out of the cabin and enjoy it. Getting so close to the waterfalls was incredible. We did the bus trip from Te Anau and the driver...  more »
  • By Kelly I
    Was an amazing experience that the whole family enjoyed. The waterfalls were spectacular! A must see if you are down that way.  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Louie Huang
    Rainy weather brings its own style to Milford sound
  • By Christopher S
    Paradise on earth. The journey there is as good as the destination. BEWARE and keep an eye on the avalanche updates website as the roads can close if there is an avalanche risk. This means you can either be locked in or out of the one road to and from Milford Sound.
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Te Anau

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Te Anau

Doubtful Sound ©
Water Body
Doubtful Sound
4.7
Duration: 8 hours
Te Anau Glowworm Caves ©
Cave
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
4.1
Duration: 2h 30 min
Lake Te Anau ©
Water Body
Lake Te Anau
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Kepler Track ©
Hiking Trail
Kepler Track
4.8
Duration: 8 hours

Side trips from Te Anau

Hollyford Track ©
Hiking Trail
Hollyford Track
Fiordland National Park
5.0
Duration: 8 hours
Routeburn Track ©
Hiking Trail
Routeburn Track
South Island
4.9
Duration: 8 hours
©
Boat Tour
Boat Tours & Water Sports
Milford Sound
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
Lake Marian Track ©
Hiking Trail
Lake Marian Track
Fiordland National Park
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min

Hidden gems in Te Anau

The Chasm Walk ©
Hiking Trail
The Chasm Walk
4.6
Duration: 1 hour
©
Kayaking / Canoeing
Kayaking & Canoeing
4.5
Duration: 8 hours
©
Boat Tour
Boat Tours & Water Sports
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
©
Helicopter Tour
Helicopter Tours
4.8
Duration: 8 hours

Wildlife in Te Anau

©
Fishing Charter / Tour
Fishing Charters & Tours
4.9
Duration: 3 hours
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary ©
Wildlife Area
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
4.0
Duration: 1h 30 min

Trails in Te Anau

Gertrude Saddle ©
Hiking Trail
Gertrude Saddle
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Lake 2 Lake Trail
Biking Trail
Lake 2 Lake Trail
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min

Nature in Te Anau

Ivan Wilson Park
Water Body
Ivan Wilson Park
5.0
Duration: 1h 30 min

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Milford Sound by other users

21 days in New Zealand & Australia BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Rotorua · Taupo · Paihia 8 days in South Island BY A USER FROM BRAZIL Queenstown · Christchurch 6 days in South Island BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Queenstown · Te Anau 15 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Auckland · Taupo · Picton 15 days in South Island BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Blenheim · Picton · Kaikoura 31 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Waitomo Caves · Rotorua · Taupo