Our Favourite Things to Do in Milford Sound
- Alice Neilson - Fiordland Enthusiast & Writer
- Sep 16
- 7 min read
Milford Sound offers a range of activities for visitors to experience the iconic fiord.
From scenic cruises and helicopter flights to peaceful walks and kayaking adventures, there's something for every interest and fitness level.
This guide covers the activities available, with details on what's involved, pricing, and how to book.
Key Takeaways
Milford Sound cruises are taken by 90% of visitors, with six operators offering different experiences from budget to luxury.
Fiordland Outdoors offers a day walk on the Milford Track, accessed by water taxi from Deepwater Basin.
Kayaking tours with Rosco's Milford Kayaks range from relaxed 2-hour trips to more challenging 5-hour adventures.
Helicopter flights offer aerial views of Milford Sound, glaciers, and waterfalls with scenic landings.
The Milford Sound Foreshore Walk is a free 400-metre loop track with excellent views of Mitre Peak.
Pio Pio Restaurant is the only restaurant dining option in Milford Sound, using seasonal local ingredients.
A leisurely walk from the main car park to Deepwater Basin is a relaxing way to explore the area and spot local wildlife.
Milford Sound Cruises
Cruises are the most popular activity in Milford Sound, with 90% of visitors taking a Milford Sound Cruise.
Six cruise operators run multiple vessels daily, offering experiences from budget-friendly trips to luxury cruises.
Options range from large boats with restaurant and bar facilities to smaller vessels with basic onboard amenities. You can book directly through each operator's website.
Day Cruise Options
Day cruise prices range from approximately $165 to $389 per adult, depending on the operator and level of service.
RealNZ operates several larger boats but caps passenger numbers to avoid overcrowding. This operator also offers a choice of vessels with different food options to purchase on each one: restaurant, cabinet-style food, or a hot lunch buffet. RealNZ also offers a premium small boat cruise option that includes canapés.
Southern Discoveries provides larger boats with buffet or picnic lunch options available for purchase.
Pure Milford also runs large boats with cabinet-style food options for purchase.
Cruise Milford and Mitre Peak Cruises operate smaller boats with complimentary tea and coffee included.
Fiordland Discovery operates luxury cruises from November to April, which include a gourmet two-course plated lunch.
Check out our Milford Sound Day Cruise Pricing Guide to compare options.
Check out our Luxe Tours cruise
Overnight Cruise Options
RealNZ Overnight Cruise
RealNZ offers overnight cruises aboard the Milford Mariner, which has a classic sailing ship appearance. Guests spend their time relaxing and enjoying wildlife, waterfalls, and mountain scenery.
Accommodation options include private cabins with ensuite bathrooms ($1,628 per adult) or bunk-style compartments ($839 per adult). Children cost around $499 and must be booked with an adult, while infants sleep free in cots.
The cruise includes a three-course buffet dinner, continental breakfast, and optional shoreline exploration by kayak or small boat. Nature guides provide commentary on Milford Sound’s geology and wildlife.
Fiordland Discovery Luxury Overnight Cruise
Fiordland Discovery offers luxury overnight cruises from the beginning of November to the end of April on the Fiordland Jewel. The boutique cruise accommodates a maximum of 22 passengers across nine climate-controlled cabins with ensuite bathrooms.
Luxury amenities include an onboard chef, hot tub, helipad access, and tender boat or kayak excursions. Prices range from $1,998 per person (four-guest rooms) to $2,698 per adult (two-guest rooms) for guests 16 and older.
Milford Track Day Walk
The Milford Track day walk offers a taste of New Zealand’s most famous multi-day hike.
The day walk is available from October to May, and the easy flat walk takes you to Giant Gate Falls, one of the Milford Track highlights. The day walk suits most fitness levels, including families with children, as the elevation gain is under 50 metres.
Getting There
Access requires a 10-minute water taxi trip from Deepwater Basin to Sandfly Point, where the track begins. Fiordland Outdoors operates water taxis from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
The water taxi costs $75 for adults and $25 for children, bookable online through the Fiordland Outdoors website, with the return trip included in the booking price.
Free parking is available at Deepwater Basin on a first-come, first-served basis. Deepwater Basin Road is accessed via a left turn just before entering the main Milford Sound township. Allow extra time to find a parking spot.
The Walk Experience
Giant Gate Falls can be reached in under two hours along the clearly marked track. There is a long swing bridge in front of the waterfall, and you can also step off the track onto the rocks for a close-up view.
Native bush and birdlife provide beautiful, relaxing scenery along the flat, easy track. Allow three hours total for the return hike from Sandfly Point to the waterfall.
Kayaking Tours
Rosco's Milford Kayaks has been operating guided sea kayaking excursions for over 31 years as New Zealand's longest-running owner-operated sea kayak company.
All trips are fully guided with safety gear provided. They provide a range of tour options to cater to all levels, including families, first-time paddlers, and experienced kayakers.
Participants should bring snacks, water, personal medication, soft shoes, warm clothes, and weather protection.
Popular Tour Options
The Sunriser Classic is their most popular tour, lasting five hours and taking guests on a large loop of the fiord. This option is suitable for ages 14 and older, with reasonable water confidence and physical fitness required. The tour costs $205 per person.
The Milford Cruiser offers a more relaxed two-hour experience suitable for ages eight and up. Children must weigh over 25 kilos and be accompanied by adults. Adult prices for this option are $189, with children aged 14-18 costing $149.
Additional tour options include waterfall-focused trips and challenging full fiord adventures. All tours can be booked through the company’s website.
Scenic Helicopter Flights
While there are other helicopter companies that fly into Milford Sound, Milford Sound Helicopters is the only flight company based in Milford Sound itself, offering aerial adventures over Fiordland National Park.
Helicopter flights provide unique perspectives of Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, glaciers, and waterfalls. Tours include guided commentary and photo opportunities and can be booked through the Milford Sound Helicopters website.
Grand Tour Experience
The 45-minute Grand Tour is their most popular option, featuring two remote mountain landings. The flight covers Milford Sound, Tutoko Glacier, Sutherland Falls, and West Coast forests.
There is a minimum of four passengers required per flight, with a pre-flight safety briefing provided. The tour costs $895 per person and includes guided commentary through two-way communication.
Departure is from Milford Sound Airport, located at 104 Milford Sound Highway. Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled flight time for check-in and briefing.
Additional touvr options include shorter glacier visits and waterfall-focused flights. Helicopter flights with Milford Sound Helicopters can also be added to Luxe’s Milford Sound Day Tours for return transport to Te Anau or Queenstown.
Pio Pio Restaurant
Pio Pio Restaurant is the only restaurant dining option in Milford Sound, located at the Milford Sound Lodge, just before reaching the main Milford Sound township.
The restaurant provides free wifi and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and welcomes both lodge guests and day visitors. The restaurant is a great option to stop in for a glass of wine or craft beer, but bookings are recommended for meals due to limited seating capacity.
Bookings can be made through the Milford Sound Lodge website.
Dining Experience
The menu features seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including Fiordland wild venison and crayfish. The focus on South Island producers also extends to their wine and craft beer selection.
Main course prices range from $59 to $62, with vegetarian options available. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated.
Milford Sound Foreshore Walk
The Milford Sound Foreshore Walk is an easy 400-metre loop track beginning from the main Milford Sound car park. Interpretation panels dotted along the track share information about the area's natural and cultural history.
Walk Highlights
The track follows the foreshore, allowing views of cruise boats entering and leaving the fiord. Lady Bowen Falls can be seen in the distance from various viewpoints. This walk also provides the best views of Mitre Peak.
At low tide, visitors can walk down onto the beach to watch the seabirds. This walk also provides access to the famous Milford Sound swing, featured in many a Milford Sound Instagram photo.
The track is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Allow 30-45 minutes to complete the full circuit, including time for photos and reading interpretation panels.
General Wandering
A marked pedestrian track leads from the main Milford Sound car park back toward Deepwater Basin through a peaceful bush setting with opportunities to spot native wildlife.
The walk requires no specific goal, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Mountain and forest scenery create a peaceful environment.
The journey takes approximately 25 minutes one-way, and the marked track ensures safe walking away from vehicle traffic.
Milford Sound’s activities cater to a range of interests, fitness levels, and budgets, from relaxed walks to full-day adventures. Many options can be combined, and advanced booking is recommended for tours and dining.
Whatever you choose, the variety of experiences means you can shape your visit to match your own pace and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to park in Milford Sound?
The main Milford Sound parking area beside the visitor centre costs $10 per hour before 3 PM and $5 per hour after 3 PM. Payment is made at parking machines using your license plate number and credit or debit card to pay.
The main car park is approximately a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Alternatively, Deepwater Basin (located to the left just before reaching the Milford Sound township) offers free parking on a first-come, first-served basis, located about a 25-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Are there toilets on the Milford Track Day Walk?
Long-drop toilets are available at Sandfly Point where the day walk begins and near Giant Gate Falls. These are the only toilet facilities available along the Milford Track day walk route.
What food is there in Milford Sound?
Pio Pio Restaurant at Milford Sound Lodge is the only full restaurant option in Milford Sound. A small cafe operates near the Milford Sound visitor centre but has limited options and seating.
We recommend bringing your own snacks when visiting Milford Sound due to limited food availability. Food can also be purchased on some Milford Sound cruises, depending on the operator. Check what's available when booking your cruise.
What if it's raining in Milford Sound?
Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in New Zealand, so there’s always a chance you’ll get some rain during your visit. As long as you wear layered clothing and bring a waterproof jacket, you’ll be warm and comfortable in any weather. Most people find they prefer Milford Sound in the rain, as it creates hundreds of temporary waterfalls throughout the mountains. All cruise operators run tours in wet weather with covered areas available. Helicopter flights may be weather-dependent, but most other activities continue regardless of rain.
