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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: NZD
- Languages: English, Māori
- Climate: Oceanic
- Timezone: Pacific/Auckland
- Population: Fiordland and Milford Sound are sparsely populated with fewer than 1,000 residents in the wider Fiordland area.
- Best Time to Visit: due to frequent rain.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from visa-waiver countries such as the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Japan do not require a visa for short tourist stays. Others may need to apply for a visitor visa or an e-visa before arrival. Most tourists must have a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds.
About Fiordland & Milford Sound
Fiordland and Milford Sound are among New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders, located in the remote southwestern corner of the South Island. This region is renowned for its dramatic fjords carved by glaciers, towering cliffs, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. Milford Sound, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," captivates visitors with its stunning scenery, including Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed mountains in the country. The area is part of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and rare birds. Visitors come here to experience breathtaking boat cruises, kayaking, hiking on world-class trails like the Milford Track, and immersing themselves in the tranquility of untouched nature. The combination of rugged landscapes, peaceful waters, and rich biodiversity makes Fiordland and Milford Sound a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers alike.
Top Attractions
1. Milford Sound Cruise – Scenic boat tours that showcase towering cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. 2. Mitre Peak – Iconic mountain rising sharply from the fjord, a favorite for photography. 3. The Milford Track – A famous multi-day hiking trail through ancient forests and alpine passes. 4. Lake Te Anau – The gateway town to Fiordland with beautiful lake views and access to caves. 5. Stirling Falls – One of the tallest waterfalls in Milford Sound, visible from boat tours.
Popular Activities
Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, kayaking on the fjord’s calm waters, hiking renowned trails like the Milford Track and Routeburn Track, wildlife spotting including seals and dolphins, scenic flights for aerial views, and visiting glowworm caves near Te Anau. Adventure seekers can also try fishing, diving, and photography tours.
Fiordland & Milford Sound Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of South Island
- Duration Range: Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, kayaking on the fjord’s calm waters, hiking renowned trails like the Milford Track and Routeburn Track, wildlife spotting including seals and dolphins, scenic flights for aerial views, and visiting glowworm caves near Te Anau. Adventure seekers can also try fishing, diving, and photography tours.
- Group Size: Private or shared tours
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: Visit between November and March for the best weather. Pack waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes due to frequent rain. Respect local wildlife and natural habitats. Carry cash and cards as some remote areas have limited payment options. Book accommodations and tours well in advance, especially in peak season.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $180
25 Available Tour Excursions in Fiordland & Milford Sound
Enjoy chef-prepared cuisine while taking in the breathtaking landscapes and local wildlife of Milford Sound. With a boutique atmosphere the Fiordland Jewel was designed specifically to take in the stunning scenery and offers comfortable lounges, seated dining, and full sea views from our main saloon or outdoor areas Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch while onboard - all dietary requirements are catered for. Please advise us of your dietaries in advance for our chef's preparation. Complimentary tea & coffee is available. Our knowledgeable crew will share stories and point out wildlife such as seals, penguins, and dolphins that we may encounter as we cruise the length of the fiord. Check in at the Fiordland Discovery desk inside the Milford Sound main visitor terminal building at 12:00pm. Boarding the boat at 12:15pm for a 12:30pm departure from the wharf. Return to the wharf at 2:40pm.
Price: $213.06
Duration: 2 hours
Combine all that Milford Sound is famous for into one flight! Explore Mitre Peak, the Sutherland Falls, and Tutuko Glacier. A minimum of four passengers are required for this flight to go ahead. We are able to group passengers together if you are booking for less than 2 people. We will be in contact once you have confirmed your booking.
Price: $583.01
Duration: 0 hours
Depart Milford Airport and track west along Milford Sound, climb alongside Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak for some great views of the sound and its towering peaks before returning to our Milford base. A minimum of four passengers are required for this flight to go ahead. We are able to group passengers together if you are booking for less than 2 people. We will be in contact once you have confirmed your booking.
Price: $292.42
Duration: 0-0 hours
Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise onboard TripAdvisors No.1 rated cruise operator, Cruise Milford, and picnic lunch from Te Anau. There is no better way to see this famous attraction. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel and Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Price: $158.73
Duration: 9 hours
Take the scenic route back to Queenstown from Milford Sound with Air Milford, on this one-way 35-minute flight. Admire spectacular views of natural wonders such as the Southern Alps, Sutherland Falls, and the Fiordland National Park from above, then touchdown at Queenstown airport, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
Price: $322.95
Duration: 0 hours
Premium small group tour including a boutique Milford Sound cruise designed for an immersive viewing experience, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions! Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.
Price: $200.85
Duration: 13 hours
Rated one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand. Join our boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound the "local" way. We limit passenger numbers on all cruises to half of the boats capacity (capacity 150 passengers) to guarantee an uncrowded and much more personal experience. Let us show you our backyard on this once in a lifetime experience. Relax with complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits and enjoy the skipper’s live commentary while marvelling at the breath-taking scenery. The smaller size of the vessel enables us to get you up close and personal with the local wildlife like New Zealand Fur Seals, dolphins and the very rare Fiordland Crested Penguin (spring/early summer). A “Glacial Facial” under the Sterling Falls is an experience not to be missed.
Price: $103.17
Duration: 1 hours
Discover a side of Milford Sound that most visitors miss with Fiordland Outdoors’ Milford Track Day Walk. This adventure allows you to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes of both Milford Sound and the iconic Milford Track—all within a single day. Perfect for those looking to make the most of their visit, this walk offers a unique opportunity to see and experience more of Milford Sound’s natural beauty. This section of the track is flat and easy-going, and in under two hours, you can reach Giant Gate Falls, one of the highlights of the Milford Track. Allow 3-4 hours for the return hike. The perfect family-friendly adventure in Milford Sound suitable for anyone. *Please note - this is a self-guided walk, no guide, lunch or beverages are supplied.
Price: $45.79
Duration: 3-4 hours
Enjoy a two hour cruise traversing the deep waters of Milford Sound, located in Fiordland. Your cruise will take you past St Anne’s lighthouse and out into the Tasman Sea. Informative guides point out scenic highlights along the way, such as the Bowen Falls (dropping 160 metres seaward), Sinbad Gully (a classic example of a hanging valley), snow-capped Mount Pembroke, and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself, towering 1692 metres from the ocean floor.
Price: $94.63
Duration: 2 hours
Taking only 22 passengers a night, the Fiordland Jewel features nine climate-controlled cabins each with their own ensuite and sea views. Includes: overnight accommodation cabin for 2 people per cabin only (option in king twin or super king double cabin), two cruises of Milford Sound, a three-course evening meal, cooked and continental breakfast prepared by the on board chef, kayaking, tender boat explorations, use of top-deck hot tub (weather permitting). The friendly expert crew will share with you the incredible natural wilderness and local wildlife of this area. View the fascinating sea life beneath the surface when shown underwater film footage captured by the Fiordland Jewels' onboard Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) following dinner. Bookings are open from 5 November 2024 to 21 April 2025 Van connections (maximum 8 people) are available from Te Anau or Queenstown with exclusive charters available upon request.
Price: $823.55
Duration: 17 hours
Get closer to nature on a Milford Sound Day Cruise with RealNZ. Discover glacier-carved cliffs rising from the ink waters below – when you’re travelling by boat, there’s plenty of time to take it all in before framing up the perfect shot to preserve the moment. Please note: this service may operate on several different vessels. If you wish to find out more, please contact the supplier directly. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to check in. Paid Parking - as set by Milford Sound Tourism LTD.
Price: $88.52
Duration: 2 hours
An overnight cruise amidst spectacular Milford Sound, is a once in a lifetime experience. While on board the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove.
Price: $792.41
Duration: 48 hours
Embark on a stress-free Milford Sound adventure from Te Anau. We'll do the driving as you relax in our premium coaches, designed for unbeatable views of the Milford Road. Your friendly driver shares stories of the area's history and unique ecology, with well-timed stops to snap photos of the views. At Milford Sound, step onto a purpose-built catamaran for a Nature Cruise. Enjoy free tea and coffee, pre-order a picnic lunch, or try the To Kai buffet available on selected departures. Download our free app to hear the commentary in eight languages. Get close to waterfalls and towering cliffs and watch for wildlife like fur seals, dolphins and the Fiordland crested penguin. An easy round-trip transfer from Te Anau and the perfect way to experience the majesty of Milford Sound.
Price: $142.30
Duration: 8 hours
Enjoy uninterrupted views of glacier-carved cliffs on your Milford Sound cruise aboard mdoern, spacious and comfortable catamarans. With spacious seating indoors, an open sun deck up top and a covered deck at the rear, your cruise comfort is guaranteed. Visit the onboard Café Bar for an array of substantial hot and cold snacks, or simply savour a local wine or beer as you bask in the beauty of the surrounds. The famously friendly skipper and crew are on hand to share their wealth of local knowledge, take those all important photos and join you on foredeck for the big finale as the bow noses close to Stirling Falls!
Price: $88.52
Duration: 1 hours
The best way to experience Milford Sound from Queenstown. We take care of the driving while you sit back and enjoy the stunning views from our premium coaches with panoramic windows, glass roofs, and USB charging ports. Your friendly driver shares stories about the area's history and unique ecology, with well-timed stops to snap photos of the amazing views. Our free multi-lingual commentary app is available on both the Coach and Cruise in eight languages. Arrive in Milford Sound feeling refreshed and ready to cruise the fiord. Get ready for unobstructed views of thundering waterfalls and the towering cliff faces. Our premium Nature Cruise comes with options to pre-order a picnic lunch or choose the To Kai buffet on selected departures. This trip takes care of all the transportation, including round-trip travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound and a seamless connection to your cruise. All you have to do is enjoy the experience.
Price: $169.78
Duration: 12 hours
Experience stunning scenery on an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound. The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in the south west of the South Island, and is famed for its remote atmosphere and rugged beauty. It is New Zealand’s best known fiord and the only one that can be reached by road. Maori are believed to have discovered Milford Sound more than 1,000 years ago, returning seasonally to collect the prized pounamu (greenstone). In the early 1800s John Grono was the first European settler to land in the sound, which he named after Milford Haven in Wales. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather. Cliffs rise high into the air from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards, some as high as 1000 metres.
Price: $184.37
Duration: 13 hours
Discover Milford Sound with the experts. For over 70 years, we've shared our passion for the natural wonders of Milford Sound. Our premium catamarans are purpose-built for uncrowded comfort and unbeatable views. More space means better memories. Enjoy ample room to roam, inside and out. Get closer to the spray of waterfalls and snap epic photos of Mitre Peak or Stirling Falls from outdoor viewing decks, or relax in the cosy interior cabins. Immerse yourself in nature, not a crowd. We ensure a premium experience for all. Complimentary tea and coffee plus options to pre-order a picnic lunch or choose the To Kai buffet on selected departures. Cruise with the original Milford Sound experts and discover the wonders of this unique fiord—all without feeling rushed.
Price: $87.36
Duration: 1 hours
Experience the majestic Milford Sound onboard the MV Sinbad vessel. Cruising the length of the fiord you’ll enjoy freshly prepared canapes and bubbles made from local produce, while you take in the beauty of Milford Sound. Explore the outside areas of The Sinbad and enjoy allocated seating with uninterrupted views. Our experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you’ll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins Elevate your experience and create unforgettable memories aboard the MV Sinbad. Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience what’s been called the “eighth wonder of the world”.
Price: $182.54
Duration: 2 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
Browse our curated selection of tours and select your perfect adventure.
2. Check Details
Review tour inclusions, duration, and meeting points carefully.
3. Book Online
Complete your booking securely with instant confirmation.
4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Fiordland & Milford Sound.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
The local cuisine features fresh seafood such as salmon, whitebait, and crayfish, often served in rustic lodges and restaurants. Traditional New Zealand dishes like lamb and venison are common. Dining options include cozy cafes and fine dining establishments in Te Anau and Milford Sound Lodge. Must-try foods include green-lipped mussels and locally sourced game meats.
Getting Around
The main access to Fiordland and Milford Sound is by road from Queenstown or Te Anau. There are also scenic flights available. Local transport is limited; most visitors rent cars or join guided tours. Walking and hiking are popular within the park. Costs vary, with car rentals and tours being the primary expenses.
Travel Tips
Visit between November and March for the best weather. Pack waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes due to frequent rain. Respect local wildlife and natural habitats. Carry cash and cards as some remote areas have limited payment options. Book accommodations and tours well in advance, especially in peak season.
Culture & Customs
The area respects Māori heritage and local conservation efforts. Visitors should observe quiet appreciation of nature and follow park guidelines. Key events include local festivals celebrating Māori culture and conservation. Politeness and environmental responsibility are valued social norms.
