10 Best Ways to Explore Milford Sound in New Zealand

When it comes to the best picturesque views of natural rock formations made from ancient glaciers and lush rainforests, Milford Sound, New Zealand’s hidden jewel, undoubtedly tops the list. It’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a trip filled with captivating natural landscapes.

Fun fact: Milford Sound is actually a fiord despite its name. It’s the only fiord accessible by road in New Zealand! Milford Sound is nestled at Fiordland National Park, and it’s one of the most well-kept regions because of its pristine and unspoilt surroundings.

Keen to visit Milford Sound? There’s more than one way to explore this natural paradise. The nearest towns are Te Anau, a 1.5-hour drive, and Queenstown, which is around 3 to 4 hours away. You can either book a Milford Sound cruise, flight or day tour from these areas, depending on what itinerary you want. 

From Milford Sound hikes to kayaking along Milford Sound, each tour is different from the others. Choosing which Milford Sound cruise to hop on might be tedious, so to ease your burden, we curated a list of some of the best Milford cruises you can book. Scroll through our list and find what suits you best. 

When going on a Milford Sound cruise, make sure you wear waterproof clothes and non-slip shoes or boots because things might get a bit wet and slippery once you approach cascading waterfalls. Make sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellant, as well. Don’t forget your cameras so that you can take snapshots of the gorgeous scenery!

Check out our list of trips and tours to go on when you visit Milford Sound in New Zealand and find the best Milford Sound cruise that suits your needs!

Travel in luxury aboard the “Gem of the Sound” when you board this JUCY premium Milford Sound cruise! Embark on a 2-hour adventure to see the lush rainforests surrounding the area, and visit other well-known landmarks such as Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak. You can join either the morning cruise for this g cruise, which starts at 11:15 am, or the afternoon cruise at 1:45 pm. All packages are inclusive of access to a luxurious glass-roof catamaran with spacious indoor and outdoor decks, its on-board Cafe Bar where you can feast on a wide variety of food, as well as complimentary tea and coffee. 

Get up close to the majestic Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls, and glimpse adorable local wildlife such as fur seals in the area when you choose to book this Milford Sound cruise by Southern Discoveries!

This nature cruise lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes. You’ll hop aboard a comfortable vessel complete with complimentary tea or coffee to keep you warm during the tour. The morning cruise departs at 10:30 am, while the afternoon nature cruise leaves at 1:15 pm. With live commentary on board, you get to discover Milford Sound’s best-kept secrets, as well as fun tidbits about the region. If you prefer, picnic lunches are available for purchase as well.

Turn this trip into the best Milford Sound cruise you’ll ever experience when you choose to upgrade! Enjoy the same features and amenities, plus so much more when you add in an underwater observatory and kayak experience!

Hop aboard this 1-hour and 45-minute cruise, and marvel at the dramatic landscape that unfolds as you cruise along Milford Sound. Visit the underwater observatory available on board and chance upon local creatures like fur seals and dolphins swimming along. When you go kayaking, Milford Sound’s calm turquoise waters lets you paddle peacefully without any harm.

Explore Milford Sound’s mesmerising natural landscapes, and visit local seal colonies aboard an award-winning boutique small boat. One good thing about this Milford Sound cruise is that it only takes limited passengers on board, so you get a bit of privacy as you cruise along the region.

In this Milford Sound cruise, you get to stop by famous landmarks such as the scenic Hanging Gardens and the Fairy and Stirling Falls. Brace yourself when you receive a “glacial facial”—make sure to hold onto your jackets as you feel the full force of Stirling Falls!

Your adventure to this glacial wonderland would not be complete if you don’t go kayaking in Milford Sound. Go sightseeing as you paddle along the pristine glacial waters, and get the best views of Lady Bowen Falls, the fiord’s tallest waterfall! Who knows, you might even be greeted by rare local wildlife like the Fiordland crested penguin as well as New Zealand fur seals and dolphins. 

This kayak and cruise experience lasts for 105 minutes aboard a boutique cruise boat and gives you up to 2 hours of kayaking fun. Beginners are highly encouraged to try out kayaking in Milford Sound!

Aside from Milford Sound cruises, get another perspective of the marvellous Milford Sound when you go on a mesmerizing helicopter flight that lets you watch over the majestic scenery of this fiord. 

Enjoy this 2-hour round trip between Queenstown and Milford Sound as you fly over Mt. Cook and Te Wahiponamu, as well as dense verdant rainforests, steep cliffs, and cascading waterfalls in Milford Sound. Experience landings on Milford Sound and on Mount Tutoko glacier, a secluded area in the Southern Alps. All this plus entertaining commentary about the place from your friendly pilot!

Enjoy an uninterrupted bird’s eye view of Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most spectacular natural wonder, aboard a safe aircraft. Travel to Milford Sound from Queenstown and be mesmerised by the scene below from your window seat.

The usual itinerary lasts for around 4 hours. It includes a flight to Milford Sound above Lake Wakatipu and glacier-fed rivers along Dart River Valley and uninterrupted panoramic views over Olivine Ice Plateau, Mt. Tutoko and the Tutoko Glacier. This flight experience is available from October to April and May to September.

Have a full day and want to spend it exploring Milford Sound? Take this day tour, complete with round trip transfers to and from Queenstown or Te Anau, and a delicious lunch!

Ride under mountains on a relaxing coach bus through Homer Tunnel to get to Fiordland National Park. You’ll board a Milford Sound cruise to take you around the glacial region’s highlights. The bus ride will also let you stop by other well-known landmarks like Knobs Flat and Monkey Creek where you can taste the freshest waters on the planet! 

Be enthralled by the captivating landscape as you travel to Milford Sound via a comfortable glass coach in this Milford Sound Day Tour by Southern Discoveries!

This tour departs from either Queenstown or Te Anau and lasts for up to 12 hours. Start your day via a bus tour going to Fiordland National Park. Pass by picturesque locations such as Lake Wakatipu or Lake Te Anau, and stop by for some photo ops. Afterwards, embark on a sightseeing Milford Sound cruise and enjoy a picnic lunch of meat wraps, salad, soup, seasonal fresh fruit and dessert. There is also a licensed bar on board so you can enjoy a quick cocktail as you lay back and watch the fiord’s beauty unfold beneath your eyes.

Want to try something different apart from the usual Milford Sound cruise? Join in this 5-day guided walk along Milford Track, one of the finest Milford Sound hikes out there!

Challenge yourself and set off by foot to visit Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most gorgeous natural attraction. The track is a combination of flat paths and steep alpine tracks, so we recommend you, prepare for this Milford Sound hike beforehand, especially if you’re a beginner. Rest assured, you’ll be accompanied by a local expert guide during the tour. After the trail hike, enjoy an eco-cruise around Milford Sound.

For more information about this guided tour and its inclusions, visit their page here.