Travelling to Milford Sound - Top 10 Tips
A journey to Milford Sound is an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking views and abundant wildlife. But with Milford's famously changeable weather patterns and remote location, being properly prepared is crucial for your trip.
Here are our top 10 tips for visiting Milford Sound, collated by the team at Luxe Tours.
1 - Visit Any Time of Year
The great thing about Milford Sound is that there's no "best" time to visit, as the area puts on a spectacular show year-round. Part of what makes Milford Sound so special is its ever-changing weather, which can shift from cold to hot, sudden downpours to clear sunny skies, all in one day.
Every season also offers a slightly different experience. For warm days and mild night temperatures, which is ideal if you're camping along the Milford Road, visit in summer.
For mild daytime temperatures and fewer crowds, autumn is a great option at the start of the off-season.
For maximum quietness and snow-topped mountains, winter is a great time to visit. And if you love waterfalls at their most powerful, spring is when the melting snow and ice make them roar.
Time tip: Book any tours and Milford Sound cruises in advance, regardless of the season. They book up quickly all year round.
2 - Pack the Right Gear
Clothes for All Weather
Milford Sound is famously one of the wettest places on Earth, and it's not uncommon to experience all seasons in one day while you're there. Bring clothing layers for temperature changes, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and a warm hat.
Food
There are limited food options in Milford Sound, so bring your own snacks, especially if you have any dietary requirements.
Some tours include a lunch, while others offer a paid lunch add-on you can pre-order at the time of booking. With Luxe Tours, for example, you can add a hot lunch option to your booking, which is brought out for you to enjoy on the cruise.
Sturdy Footwear
Sturdy footwear is a must if you're doing any of the hiking trails in the area, but it's also essential for a day trip to Milford Sound. There are several short walking tracks along the Milford Road that can be uneven and muddy, so comfortable, sturdy shoes are best.
Camera and Cash
You won't want to forget your camera or phone to capture the views. Cash is also handy for the small cafe at Milford Sound or any souvenirs you might pick up.
3 - Come Prepared for Sandflies and Mosquitoes
There are both mosquitoes and sandflies in Milford Sound, and they're out in force most of the year, especially on warm, overcast, humid days.
They're not dangerous, but some people experience a lot of itching and swelling in response to the bites.
To limit bites and itching:
Avoid dark clothing: Dark colours absorb heat, making it easier for sandflies and mosquitoes to sense where you are. Light colours are best.
Bring repellent: Insect repellent is a must in Milford Sound. You'll find plenty of options in Te Anau's supermarket and pharmacy.
Take a non-drowsy antihistamine: Taking an antihistamine in the morning can help limit the swelling and itching from any bites you get later in the day.
4 - Plan Carefully for the Milford Road
Road Conditions
The Milford Road provides the only road access to Milford Sound. It's a narrow, winding road that can be difficult to navigate for those unfamiliar with the area, particularly if you're not used to driving on the left.
It can also become hazardous during certain times of year, such as in summer when there's heavy traffic on the road, and in winter when snowfall and avalanche risk increase.
Self-Driving Safety
If you choose to drive yourself, take road safety seriously. Give other drivers plenty of space, and if you're behind the wheel, make sure you're well-rested, focused on the road, and pulling over safely when you want to look at the scenery.
Check the NZTA website for road condition updates throughout the year. If you're hiring a vehicle, take a day or two to get used to driving it before your trip.
Grab Essentials in Te Anau
Te Anau is well-equipped with supermarkets, convenience stores, cafes, and a pharmacy, so grab any essentials before you head off.
If you're self-driving, fuel up in Te Anau before you leave. There are no fuel stops along the Milford Road, and fuel in Milford Sound is limited and sometimes unavailable.
Consider a Guided Tour
The safest option for getting to Milford Sound is to take a guided tour. Tours let you enjoy the scenery without worrying about the road or where to stop to get the best views.
Self-driving in winter is also not recommended for those unfamiliar with alpine driving conditions. Tour guides are very experienced in all weather, and tour vehicles carry the necessary equipment like snow chains.
5 - Choose the Right Tour for You
There are multiple tour options available from both Queenstown and Te Anau. A tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound is a longer day of around 13 hours total. It's a great option if you have limited time in the area but still want to see Milford Sound.
Tours from Te Anau to Milford Sound average around 8 to 9 hours total for a return trip.
Which type of tour to pick depends on your needs and preferences. If you don't mind a lot of people and quick stops along the way, a larger bus tour is a great option. They're also typically more budget-friendly.
For fewer people, a more personalised, relaxed experience, and more time at each stop, a smaller group tour is the way to go. These tours usually use a 12 to 18-seater coach, and guides have more time to share information and answer questions.
Queenstown to Milford Sound tour price range: NZD $248-$399
Te Anau to Milford Sound tour price range: NZD $205-$339
6 - Don't Miss Marian Falls
There are many incredible stops along the Milford Road, but Marian Falls is one you don't want to miss. The track is located off Hollyford Road, and the walk takes you through lush native forest to a series of waterfalls.
The walk is relatively easy and takes around 10 to 15 minutes each way. It's manageable for children aged around 4 and over, with adult supervision near the swing bridge and creek edge.
For the best experience, book a tour that includes this stop in the itinerary. Tour guides are experienced in all weather conditions and carry safety equipment such as first aid kits and a satellite phone for emergencies.
7 - Stay in Te Anau
Consider staying in Te Anau for at least one night, ideally two, when you're visiting Milford Sound. As the closest town to Milford Sound, Te Anau means a shorter drive and a more relaxed day overall, so you'll be well-rested and able to get the best experience possible. Visiting Milford Sound from Queenstown is also doable, but it makes for a longer day, so basing yourself in Te Anau is our recommendation, where your itinerary allows.
There's a range of accommodation options in Te Anau to suit your budget and preferences, including campgrounds, backpackers, motels, hotels, Airbnbs, and luxury lodges.
You'll also find plenty of things to do in Te Anau to add to your Fiordland experience, such as seeing the famous takahē, taking a glowworm cave tour, biking the Lake 2 Lake cycle trail, or walking some of the great hiking trails in the area.
8 - Consider Adding a Helicopter Flight
If your budget allows, consider adding a scenic helicopter flight to your Milford Sound tour experience.
A helicopter add-on gives you a different view of the area, with the chance to fly over Milford Sound, see the mountains from above, and land on a glacier or alpine spot, depending on the day.
You may also get to drink some pure glacier water and view alpine lakes you wouldn't see otherwise.
Prices vary depending on tour operators, but you can expect to pay between NZD $750 - $1,100 for a tour + helicopter add-on package.
9 - Tailor Your Trip for the Kids
A trip to Milford Sound is very doable with children, but there are a few things to consider when planning.
Consider Leaving from Te Anau
For families, especially those with young children, basing yourself in Te Anau makes for a more relaxed day. The drive to Milford Sound is much shorter than from Queenstown, meaning less time sitting in a vehicle and a less tiring day for everyone.
Te Anau is also a great base for your family, with time to rest at both ends of your trip and activities to enjoy in town.
Visiting from Queenstown is still possible. Self-driving works if you come prepared with entertainment and a long day in mind, while a day tour from Queenstown lets you skip the driving and focus on the kids. Visiting from Queenstown can work for families with older children, but we don't recommend it for children under five, as it's a long day on the road.
Take Entertainment on the Road
There are plenty of opportunities to stop along Milford Road, and Milford Sound cruises are really engaging for kids. They'll likely be entertained a lot of the time, but it's still a good idea to take some entertainment that doesn't require wifi, just in case.
Take Plenty of Snacks
Take enough food for you and your family for an 8 to 10-hour day, as there are limited options in Milford Sound.
Take Extra Clothes
Pack layers and a waterproof jacket for the kids, especially for the cruise. Take an extra set of clothes too, so they can get as wet as they like and still be comfortable and dry for the trip back.
10 - Travel Responsibly and Respectfully
Give Wildlife Space
Give animals plenty of space and never touch or follow them. Don't feed them either, as human food can make them sick and disrupt their natural behaviour and diet..
Choose Responsible Tour Operators
Milford Sound is a unique environment with many rare and threatened species found nowhere else on Earth, so it must be conserved as much as possible.
Choose tour operators who prioritise sustainable practices and support local conservation efforts.
Leave Only Footprints
Put your rubbish in designated bins, and take it with you if there are no bins nearby. If you're in a campervan, make sure you only dump waste at the designated dump stations in Te Anau, Knobs Flat, and Milford.
Respect Indigenous Culture and Heritage
Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, discovered Piopiotahi, Milford Sound, over 1000 years ago, many years before European Explorers.
The area holds profound significance for Māori. It’s important to respect Piopiotahi’s cultural heritage and acknowledge its sacredness to Māori and their role in its discovery.
Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful locations to visit in New Zealand, and as long as you're well prepared, you're set for a spectacular trip.
If you'd like more in-depth planning info, browse our other Milford Sound planning articles, or feel free to reach out for a chat with one of our team. We're always happy to help.
