Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound - Which One Should I Visit?

Keen for a change in scenery? There might not be a better pick for your next holiday destination than Fiordland National Park. The UNESCO-listed site is home to cloud-scraping peaks, spectacular waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It's best experienced with a trip to its most famous fiords. But the question is which one: Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound?

We've broken down the basics and compiled the best Milford and Doubtful Sound tours so you can make a sound decision.

Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi, is one of New Zealand's most popular tourist attractions, receiving about 1 million visitors a year. And for a good reason—dark waters are framed by towering peaks, and cascading falls amplified during rains make for epic views unlike any other. The mystical black colour of the inlet is because of the combination of freshwater and seawater. There's a reason why Rudyard Kipling declared this place the eighth wonder of the world.

If you're looking for something more intimate, it's best to go for a small group tour and experience paradise the way it's supposed to be — in peace and quiet.

Milford Sound may have the advantage of being the more popular destination between the two. But Doubtful Sound has its fair share of sights and experiences that make it worth the trip. Since it's less accessible, visitors tend to choose Milford, making Doubtful Sound less crowded and more peaceful. There's a reason why its Maori name is Patea, which means a place for silence.

There are also less towering cliffs in Doubtful, making viewing native animals like dolphins and fur seals much easier. It's also three times longer than Milford, so there's much more to see and explore.

Whichever destination you pick, Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, be aware that they are not the most accessible locations. Located in the Fiordland National Park, both fiords are remote, but you have several options to kickstart your time in paradise.

You can reach Milford Sound by land. From Queenstown, the average drive typically takes 4-5 hours, while from Te Anau, it takes 2-3 hours. A coach tour will give you the chance to relax and soak in the alpine scenery during the lengthy trip. You can also drive to the area yourself but make sure you're fully prepared. There are no petrol stations along the way from Te Anau, and the turns can be challenging to navigate during rains. 

Another option is to travel by water. You can opt for a full-day cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau and see the epic peaks and cascading falls up close.

The fastest but also most expensive option is to fly to Milford Sound. A flight cuts the trip short to around 30 minutes each way, and you get to enjoy a bird's eye view of the alpine panorama.

Since there's no direct road to Doubtful Sound, the only way to reach it is by water. You can go on a full-day scenic cruise that starts from Queenstown or Manapouri to bask in the stunning scenery of the fiord. 

When thinking of the best place to visit between Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, you also have to factor in the weather and the season to make the most out of your trip to the remote national park.

Milford Sound gets more rain out of the two. In fact, it rains there for almost half of the year. Naturally, there's a good chance of heavy rainfall (which means more waterfalls to be seen during cruises), storms, and even snow during the spring months. During summer, it's best to time your visit during early mornings and late afternoons to avoid high temperatures. The ever-green forests don't change colours in the autumn. While in the winter, you should wear a lot of layers and expect to see snow-capped peaks.

Like Milford, the weather in Doubtful Sound is the most stable during winter when you can see snow in the fiord. In the spring, expect more wind and rain. The temperatures can reach as high as 30°C during summer and cool down at the end of autumn.

One of the most important things to consider when planning a trip to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound is the activities you're interested in doing. Since Milford is the more established tourist destination of the two, there are more choices to pick from.

To maximize your day at Milford Sound, combine a panoramic cruise with a kayak ride and a visit to the Underwater Observatory, the only floating underwater observatory in New Zealand. At 10 metres below sea level, you get an immersive experience like no other as you see dolphins, penguins, seals, and corals up close.

If you want the best of both worlds, why not go on a coach and cruise tour? Take in the dramatic cliffs and waterways of Milford Sound from two different perspectives.

For people who drove themselves to Milford, the ideal way to spend the day is a picturesque cruise through the fiord. You won't be able to take your eyes off the gorge-carving waterfalls surrounded by lush trees.

As for the best Doubtful Sound cruise, it takes place overnight when you have more than enough time to soak in the stunning scenery. Just imagine: you and your partner indulging in a 3-course dinner as the sun sets against the cliffs. If you're an early riser, you can also catch the sunrise and see the fiord in hues of yellow and orange for the ultimate visual experience.

Can't decide which is better: Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound? Why not go to both and make the most out of your holiday? You can go for a convenient tour from Queenstown or Te Anau that shows you the highlights of Milford Sound in a single day. Then, opt for a cruise to Doubtful Sound the next day.

If you can’t make it to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, there's always the option of going on a TSS cruise from Queenstown. Instead of towering peaks and waterfalls, you'll marvel at the snow-covered mountains of The Remarkables, the alpine scenery of Walter Peak Station, and more.