Is Milford Sound Worth It? My Pros & Cons

If you’re wondering is Milford Sound worth visiting, come find out your answer here. I will let you know exactly this, as well as how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and more!

Now, if you’re planning a bit of an itinerary exploring around New Zealand, surely you’ve come across Milford Sound.

This lil tiny township on the West Coast of the South Island is honestly quite isolated. It’s a 4 hour drive without stops from Queenstown, which does make you wonder is Milford Sound worth it.

I mean, that’s a considerable distance in New Zealand, especially if you plan on doing it as a day trip.

Well, lucky enough, long answer short, yes, Milford Sound is 100% worth it. Here you’ll find unique landscapes, epic waterfalls, and some pretty cool wildlife.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit a couple of times, and seriously, it never, ever disappoints.

Though let’s actually break this down so you can see why I’m so sure of myself that this fiord is worth checking out on your itinerary.

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About Milford Sound

Milford Sound is over on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s snuggled right in Fiordland National Park, which is a super special spot, and well worth checking out.

Even though they call it a sound, it’s technically a fiord that was formed millions of years ago from glaciers. Surrounding it, you’ll find beautiful mountain ranges, and the drive to get there is pretty damn epic as well.

The indigenous Maori of New Zealand had been visiting for hundreds of years; however, it wasn’t found by European settlers until the 1800s. Luckily for us, nowdays it’s a lot easier to get to, a 3 and a half hour drive from Queenstown.

It’s consistently winning awards as a top travel destination from publications around the world, and it’s easy to see why once you visit.

It may be isolated, but that’s part of the beauty, feeling like you have this paradise and all the incredible nature to yourself, or well, whoever you are sharing the cruise boat tour with.

Another interesting tidbit is that this is actually the wettest place in New Zealand, as well as one of the wettest in the World.

The annual rainfall levels typically sit around 7 meters, which is insane, and it rains for an average 182 days a year!

The Pros Of Visiting Milford Sound

Okay, let’s get into it by going through all the positives of what makes Milford Sound so great.

I’m talking about those amazing landscapes, unique activities, and how it’s great any time of year.

Great In All Weather

Honestly, this is seriously one of the few places around the world where it really doesn’t matter what the weather you visit.

Beautiful sunny day? Amazing, great, you won’t be disappointed.

Wet, rainy day? Amazing, great, you won’t be disappointed.

Snowy day in winter? Amazing, great, you won’t be disappointed.

No, but straight up, this place is gorgeous in all weather. The only thing that might keep you hoping for a decent day is that the Milford Sound Highway SH94 can close quite regularly, especially in winter.

This will be due to reasons like heavy rain, slips, or simply due to too much snow to drive there safely.

A beautiful sunny day will be amazing weather, no matter what. Though a rainy, wet day in Milford Sound is next level.

Here is where you’ll find hundreds and thousands of waterfalls forming on the mountainsides and cliffs, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. This is when I think Milford Sound is at its most magical.

Incredible Scenery

Next up, with have the pretty incredible scenery, which is kind of obvious in this corner of the world. Considering everyone knows the South Island of NZ is pretty awesome, then the ‘must visit’ spot has got to be even next level!

Seriously, many people consider it the 8th wonder of the world! Though I’ll be the first to say numerous places around the world try to take this title, but I reckon Milford Sound is for sure a top contender.

With incredible waterfalls, snowy mountain ranges, rocky cliffsides, and all along a fiord. It’s a pretty damn good combination of epicness.

You seriously feel like you are amongst the mountains and at sea level all at the same time, which honestly is a pretty surreal experience.

Awesome Wildlife

Now, I’ll be the first to say I love a bit of wildlife. I mean, sign me up for a Kea any day! I’ll even give my car as a sign of friendship.

Surprisingly enough, the Kea was also my first wildlife encounter at Milford Sound. This included having them climb our camper while waiting outside the famous Homer Tunnel, as well as hopping around our campsite on arrival.

Though you won’t just see Keas here, head down on a cruise on the fiord and your experience will be taken to the next level.

Onboard, you’ll be likely to see bottlenose dolphins and seals relaxing. If you’re luckily like we were, you also see a Fiordland Crested Penguin or 2.

If you’re a fan of wildlife best bet will be booking a smaller cruise that’ll be able to take you up nice and close.

This Milford Sound Boutique Nature Cruise has a small but comfortable boat and nature guides on board ready to spot all that wildlife!

There are 4 different departure times daily at 9.45am, 10.45am, 11.45am, and 12.45pm. The cruise itself last 1 hour and 45 minutes, and costs $100.00, including the Milford Sound Visitor Levy.

Feels Like Stepping Back In Time

Honestly, this sweet slice of NZ may be touristy in terms of crowds, but you won’t find any souvenir stores here.

Hell, as someone who’s stayed overnight, there’s barely anything here that you’d find in plenty of other touristy towns. E.g. a gas station (well, technically there is one, but it’s not always working).

There’s also not a whole lot of facilities in terms of accommodation options, whether that’s hotels or luxe air bnbs. The area has been super well protected, ensuring that the surrounding nature has always been the #1 priority here.

Even though you may feel crazy fair away from civilisation, Te Anau is the nearest main township 117km away which really isn’t too long.

This is another great spot to stay overnight if you aren’t keen on driving the whole way between Queenstown and Milford Sound in one day.

I also recommend stopping in Te Anau for breakfast/lunch on the drive at one of the cute cafes, and make sure you have plenty of petrol for the rest of the drive!

The Best Drive In NZ

As a local kiwi who has traveled the whole coutnry and spent thousands on thousands hours behind the wheel, here I can hands down say the Milford Sound highway is a favorite.

No doubt this is the best drive in New Zealand, though not just because the roads are of decent quality and well organised for tourists. But like, there are also many awesome stops you can make along the way.

We didn’t even get to half the stops we wanted to visit due to closures in the winter weather, but we still managed to check out some highlights, such as:

• Eglinton Valley
• Mirror Lakes
• Monkey Creek
• Tutoko Suspension Bridge
• Homer Tunnel

We spent a good couple hours checking out these stops, on top of the 4 or so hours it takes to actual drive the highway. Though this was perfect as we left Queenstown to head to Milford Sound around 8.30am, and then by the time we arrived, it was check in at our campsite.

We had enough time to have a lil afternoon tea/lunch, go on a nature walk, and head down to the harbour to watch sunset from the famous Milford Swing.

The following day, we had a chill start to the morning, did our nature cruise, hit the road visiting all the same stops again, and arrived back in Queenstown in the evening.

If you aren’t too keen on driving yourself, the coach tours also stop at a lot of these main places for travelers to check out.

Just it’s so easy to drive for hours and hours on end and not have anywhere interesting to stop, but I’m happy to report the Milford Sound highway is the complete opposite of this!

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The Cons Of Milford Sound

Okay, okay, not to be a Debbie Downer here, but I’ve definitely built up Milford Sound a lot, so it’s time to bring it back down to reality.

I mean, this place is pretty damn epic, but there are still a very few negatives worth keeping in mind.

Crowds & Tours

Okay, it’s no secret this is one of New Zealands not so secret hotspots. Milford Sound will for sure be on any NZ or South Island itinerary so I’m telling you now, don’t expect to have this place to yourself!

No matter the time of year, rain, sunshine, or snow, it’ll be busy. So set those expectations now to avoid disappointment.

Now, if you’re super duper keen to do whatever you can to avoid the crowds, first off, you’ll need to drive yourself in.

This will leave you a lot more freedom in arriving/departing times, so you can avoid those tour buses and the hordes of tourists that come with them.

You’ll also want to book your nature cruise as the first one of the day, around 9.45 am to 10 am. This will be before all the buses arrive, so you’ll only be sharing the boat with people who stayed the night nearby, and since there aren’t many accommodation options, this number is rather limited.

If you’re keen to get a bit more in depth to your visit, rather than book one of the day cruises, you can instead opt for an overnight cruise.

Again, you’ll be able to easily avoid the tour buses, and since the number of overnight operators is extremely limited, you’ll likely only have another boat or two out on the fjord.

If this sounds like a bit of you, check out the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise with Water Activities is run by RealNZ and is truly a bucketlist, unique experience.

On this, you’ll get to enjoy cabins with epic views, kayaking, a buffet dinner, and spending the night on the iconic Milford Mariner.

This is a little pricey at $381.00, but this includes your food and a pretty epic once in a lifetime experience. Like I live here in New Zealand, but I’m still planning to fork out the cash for this next time I’m in the area.

Sandflies

Now, if there’s one thing I HATED about Milford Sound, let it be this. Sure, I suppose they have their place somewhere important in the ecosystem.

But, personally, for me it’s a no.

Honestly, I’ve never had much of an issue with sandflies in New Zealand, especially being mainly in the North Island. However, Milford Sound is just ridiculous.

It’s like the whole population of them in the country just converges in this little area on the shore. Seriously, it’s bloody crazy.

So, please take this as a warning, pack that bug spray because I’m telling you now, sun, rain, or snow, you’ll need it to keep away these lil buggers!

It’s Far Away

Okay, so I said it’s the best drive in New Zealand, and I’m still sticking with that statement.

However…..

It’s a damn long drive, especially if you’re coming all the way from Queenstown. And yes, I’ll be the first to admit 4 and a half hours isn’t really anything crazy.

But, when you add in all the stops you’ll make along the way it turns into a pretty damn long way. I reckon add on at least 2 hours+ for the lil stops.

On top of this weather can be quite full on during the drive, from rain, to snow, hail to thunder, it’s a tempermental part of the country without a doubt.

So buckle in, and get comfy, this won’t be the shortest drive you make here, not by far, however it’ll be one of the most beautiful. Just try not to snooze off.

So, Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?

Ahhhhh, don’t you see it yet! 100000% Milford Sound is worth visiting, and I won’t accept any other answer.

Especially if you aren’t planning to come back to New Zealand, this is for sure one spot you’ll want to make sure you tick off your list, so you don’t leave with regrets.

Now we’ve cleared that up, let’s get into the more logistical side of Milford Sound to make your trip easy breezy.

Getting To Milford Sound

A fitting segway from talking about the long, okay maybe not too long, 4 and a half hour drive to Milford Sound is how to actually get there in the first place.

Well, here you have 3 main options: either driving yourself, heading off on a bus tour, or booking a crazy cool flight!

Driving

First off, you’ll have the option of driving yourself to Milford Sound. Perhaps you have your own vehicle in NZ (I know mine wouldn’t make it over those mountains), or decide to rent one.

By driving, you’ll have a lot more freedom to explore at your own pace and set your own speed. There are a bunch of awesome things to do along the drive, way more than the tour buses can take you to.

On top of this, there’s also plenty of cool spots to just stop and take in these pretty damn cool views.

Just keep in mind that the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound can be quite demanding, especially depending on weather conditions.

I literally learned how to fit snow chains on our camper just for this drive! Thankfully, we didn’t need them.

You’ll find plenty of rental car companies around Queenstown and Queenstown Airport. Just make sure you brush up on the NZ road rules if you’re coming from overseas and stop for petrol in Te Anau so you don’t run out!

On A Bus Tour

Next up, we have the most popular option for travelers, which is booking a bus tour from Queenstown. This is perfect if you’re limited on time or traveling solo.

You’ll see so many bus companies offering these bus & cruise combo tours, which is a great way to see the highlights of Milford Sound. Plus, your driver will also give you some local insights and share their stories with you along the way.

My personal fav is the very reputable Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip From Queenstown, run by Pure Milford. It costs $140.00 for a day, including transport, guides, scenic stops along the drive, a boat cruise around Milford Sound, and lunch.

Though no matter which company you book with, you’ll essentially follow the same itinerary:

• Depart Around 7 am
• Pass By Lake Wakatipu
• Te Anau Morning Break
• Eglinton Valley
• Mirror Lakes
• Monkey Creek
• Homer Tunnel
• Milford Sound Cruise & Lunch
• Te Anau Afternoon Break
• Return To Queenstown approx 7 pm

To avoid the crowds and other tour buses, you can also book early or late departures with Pure Milford, which is perfect if you’re keen to really soak up the atmosphere.

Lastly, I do want to point out a pretty cool feature of a lot of the buses, which is that they have glass roofs! That means you don’t have to miss out on those epic mountain views while driving along.

🚌 How I Book Cheap Buses In New Zealand: Intercity

Scenic Flight

So if you have a lil extra cash to splash and are keen to do things on the luxe, then book yourself on a scenic flight tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown.

This is perfect if you aren’t so interested in spending so long on the bus or perhaps only have a limited amount of time.

Obviously, the main downside is you’ll miss the stops you’d see on the road. However, those epic views are a once in a lifetime experience. Plus, with every seat being a window view, you can’t go wrong.

The most popular option is the Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat From Queenstown run by Milford Scenic Flights.

In just a 40 minnute flight, you’ll be transported to Milford Sound over snow capped mountains, glacier lakes, and seriously some of the best views in the South Island. Then jump on board a boat for a 2 hour cruise around the fiord, then back on the plane to Queenstown.

This, for sure, isn’t cheap at $400.00 per person, but no doubt this is a bucketlist experience that I’m really wanting to do!

Booking A Milford Sound Boat Tour

Now, for sure one thing you have to do here in Milford Sound is take a boat tour around the fiord.

This will get you up and close with all those waterfalls, wildlife, and epic views people travel here for.

Day Boat Tour

Of course, you have to do a boat cruise while in Milford Sound, but the real question is which! Seriously, there’s so many that it def gets super overwhelming looking at them all.

Well as I recommended above for our nature lovers, I’ll say again, your best option is booking the Milford Sound 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise run by Mitre Peak Cruises.

This is a super well known company within the region, famous for their much more in depth tours and very knowledgeable guides.

For $91.00, you will spend 2 hours onboard being shown around the best sights you can see within the fiord that is Milford Sound. Of course, that includes all those incredible waterfalls!

In a smaller boat, you’ll also be able to get right up close and personal with them, and maybe even get a refreshing sprinkle from the bow of the boat.

Afterwards, head indoors to enjoy a free tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and take in those views.

Overnight Boat Tour

Okay, if do are able to do an overnight boat tour around Milford Sound, I’ll tell you now, I will be super duper jealous!

Though if you’re only planning to visit once, you may as well do it the right way! You’ll be able to enjoy the best of the fiord without all the crazy crowds.

You can head off on the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise with Water Activities with RealNZ.

You’ll stay overnight onboard in a private cabin with an ensuite, enjoy a buffet dinner and breakfast, as well as a kayak or tender boat cruise where you can get right amongst it.

Now this is definitely more on the pricey side, costing $380.00 for the overnight trip. However, when you think about the price you pay for a standard couple of hours cruise around, this is a pretty good value for money.

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Want To Stay Overnight In Milford Sound?

So if you’re keen to actually stay overnight there, in a hotel or whatnot, just know your options are super limited. Plus, they sell out way in advance!

A short drive away from the foreshore is the Milford Sound Lodge, which is super luxe and has a price tag to match. You’ll be paying $370.00 per night in winter and $620.00 per night in summer. Thankfully, breakfast and dinner are included in this amount.

If you happen to be exploring by camper, which I must say is my fav way to see New Zealand, then you can check out the Rainforest Campervan Park.

This is where I stayed, and it was perfect! There’s awesome hot showers, a modern kitchen, and it’s much more affordable at $100.00 per night (2 night minimum stay from November to March).

I know it’s still quite pricey, but as I said, options are crazy limited here!

Milford Sound Lodge THE place to stay here in Milford Sound. They have incredible rooms in an equally incredible location. Prices start from $370.00 in winter and $620 in summer this breakfast and dinner included. BOOK NOW	Eglinton Valley Camp Located halfway between Te Anau and Milford Sound, and surrounded by nature. Rooms here start from $140.00 per night which is great considering the location! BOOK NOW
Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers Your budget friendly option in Te Anau. Dorms rooms start from $25.00 per night, and they also have private rooms available. BOOK NOW	Dusky Motels A clean and comfortable typical kiwi motel, the perfect choice for families. Double rooms start from $100.00 per night. BOOK NOW

Wrap Up: Is Milford Sound Worth It?

Hopefully, now you’ve been able to figure out is Milford Sound worth it, and I hope that answer is yes!

Fingers crossed, I’ve been able to convince you that yes, Milford Sound is 100% worth visiting.

Sure, there are some cons like the crowds and the fact that you’ll basically have to fork out the cash for a boat tour.

Though this is so outweighed by the epic scenery, interesting wildlife, and the fact it’s not just the fiord you’ll be checking out but all the lil stops on the drive there!