Milford Sound Swing: Where To Find It (2025)

The Milford Sound Swing has become a bit of an icon on the foreshore, so no doubt you want to find it! Well, let me share with you the exact location, when to visit, and more!

If you have done even the tiniest bit of research on Milford Sound, you have very likely come across the famous Milford Sound Swing. Typically, these pictures feature a person perfectly framed by trees, swinging away, against the impressive Mitre Peak.

So when I found out I was heading to Milford Sound, you 100% bet I was hunting out the famous swing and getting THAT photo.

Luckily enough, it was a mission success. It may not be perfect, but I like to think we put our own little spin on it with those sunset shots.

Nevertheless, I have created this guide on the Milford Sound Swing so you can do the exact same!

So read on to discover where to find the swing (that’s the main reason you’re here, right?), the best times to visit, how it even came to be, and much more!

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Where To Find The Milford Sound Swing

Well, first off, to get to the Milford Sound Swing, you will need to get to Milford Sound first.

How To Get To Milford Sound

This is a 4 hour drive from Queenstown or a 2 hour drive from Te Anau.

Just note these times don’t include any stops along the way, and you will definitely want to, as there are some epic places to check out!

You can drive yourself, which is the method I recommend, or take a tour, which is another good option.

However, just note that if you do take a tour, you will only have a limited amount of time to explore on your own, and with such a strict schedule, it’s unlikely you will have time to venture to the Milford Sound Swing.

Where Is The Famous Milford Swing?

It is straightforward to walk to the swing from the main carpark in Milford Sound, only taking around 5 minutes.

Though the main thing to note is it’s not really on a track, and depending on the tides, you will need to jump around bushes to avoid getting wet.

Unfortunately, the swing is not accessible, but the nearby Milford Sound Foreshore Walk is.

The instructions below can be used if it’s high tide during your visit.

At low tide, you can simply follow the shoreline without getting wet. However, your shoes may get covered in rocks and sand, so if you don’t want to get all dirty, follow these instructions as well.

If you aren’t sure of the expected tide during your visit, you can check this over on Metservice.

1. Head to the Milford Sound Foreshore Walk

It is super easy to make your way to the start of the Foreshore walk from the main public carpark. Essentially, position yourself facing the water and walk to the left along the footpath.

You should walk past a couple of picnic tables and a grassy area.

You will know you have reached the Milford Sound Foreshore Walk when you come across a dark green DOC sign explaining the small track.

Simply continue walking along the main boardwalk until you cross over a very small bridge. Then continue walking until the track splits into two paths.

Take the right-hand side for the quickest route to the Milford Sound Swing. Since this track is a loop, you can still take the left side, it will just take a bit longer.

A little bit after the fork, you will see a clearing in the bushes on your left side which leads out to the shore.

3. Walk Onto The Beach To The Milford Sound Swing

The swing is located on a little peninsula heading out into the water.

As a result, once you reach the beach, walk along keeping the trees on your left side.

If you happen to be visiting during high tide, the waterline can be all the way up by the trees, so you may need to do some bush bashing to get there.

However, eventually, you will come across the famous Milford Sound Swing hanging between the trees.

The Parking Situation

Parking here at Milford Sound is honestly a bit crazy and super expensive! This is even more so during the high season.

You will find the main parking area near the Visitor Terminal, but unless you are on a tour bus, you will need to do a 10 to 15 minute walk to the cruise building.

The parking fee is $10.00 NZD per hour, and you just enter your plate number into a pay machine when you arrive, then pay by credit or debit card.

There is a free parking area at Deepwater Basin, which is about a 30 minute walk from the Visitor Terminal. However, I would just make sure you budget a bit extra for the paid parking.

How To Avoid Crowds At The Milford Sound Swing

If you want to make the most out of your visit to this magical spot, you will need to figure out how to avoid the crowds, aka crazy tour buses.

Luckily enough, the majority of people visit on day tours and arrive midmorning and leave midafternoon. If you happen to be on these buses and want to visit the swing, sorry, not sorry, but you will just have to deal with crowds.

However, if you have more freedom and drive to Milford Sound, your best times to visit the swing are before 9 am and after 4.30 pm. This way, you only have to share it with people staying in the area.

I was there during sunset and happened to find this spot by chance. I knew it was there, somewhere. I just kept walking until I found it.

Visiting late in the day meant there were gorgeous sunset reds and oranges as day turned to night. However, a lot of photos online show the swing under a bright blue sky, so I didn’t exactly replicate those viral pics.

Also depending on the time of day will affect how things look. As I mentioned above, it can be a bit more difficult to get to the swing when it’s high tide. However, the bonus of this is that in your photos, the water will be right at the shoreline.

Whereas I visited during low tide, which meant the waterline was out quite far. Rather than having lovely lapping water in my photos, it’s more rockpools and driftwood.

How Did The Swing Even Get There?

The Milford Sound Swing has quite a cute little origin story.

Supposedly, it was originally built by a local worker who was living in the area for his girlfriend as a romantic gesture *swoon*.

However, this simple swing has since become an iconic spot, and is a must visit thanks to the stunning backdrop of Mitre Peak​​.

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What To Bring To The Milford Sound Swing

There are, for sure, some handy bits worth packing when you venture out to the swing:

Camera or Smartphone: Of course, you can’t come to the iconic swing without something to capture the moment! Also, a tripod can be super handy, especially if you’re visiting during sunset, like I did.

Insect Repellent: Sandflies are my personal hell, and they reside right here in Milford Sound. If you want to enjoy yourself and not get eaten alive, just pack some insect repellent.

Other Things To Do Around Milford Sound

Of course, we know Milford Sound has so much more to offer than just the swing.

Milford Sound Cruises: Seriously, you can’t travel all the way here without doing a Milford Sound boat cruise. You will get a better look at the beautiful landscapes, crazy waterfalls, and the resident wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and penguins.

Scenic Flights: Seriously, if I could, I would, but your girls are on a budget 99% of the time. This bucketlist experience will allow you to check out some epic aerial views of the area and mountains. Generally, these flights head off from Queenstown or Te Anau and are worth the money if you can afford it.

Hiking: Now, in case you aren’t into the full on hiking life, Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park are home to some of the best walks in the entire country! The Milford Track is one of the most famous and takes about four days to complete. This is THE great walk of New Zealand.

Milford Sound Underwater Observatory: For a different perspective, visit the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. Here you will be able to go 10 meters below the surface to see the black coral and interesting marine life.

Where To Stay In Milford Sound

Honestly, when it comes to accommodation in Milford Sound, you will be quite limited. Not only that, but what is available is quite expensive.

Milford Sound Lodge is the only accommodation within the area, and has different levels depending on your budget.

For those looking to splurge, the luxury chalets are super popular, with private decks with incredible views. Please don’t have a heart attack, but prices start from $370.00 per night in winter and $620.00 per night in summer (breakfast and dinner are included).

The lodge also runs the Rainforest Campervan Park, which is a much more affordable option if you have a camper. This is where I stayed, and it was perfect! The local cheeky keas welcomed us, we saw the chonkiest wood pigeon, but yes, it’s a super modern spot with amazing hot showers, which were a godsend.

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

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Wrap Up: Best Tips For Visiting The Milford Sound Swing

For sure, one of things most popular things to do in Milford Sound is visit the swing where you can take those Instagram famous photos to share online. This is Milford Sounds’ answer to #thatwanakatree.

Nevertheless, now, you will know all about how to get to the Milford Sound Swing and where exactly on the shoreline it is located.