If you’ve never been before, then Milford Sound is a must do.

​

THE HIGHWAY TO MILFORD SOUND is one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world, and, although the 119-kilometre distance from Te Anau to Milford can be covered in two hours, there are just so many viewpoints and side trips on the way that a full day should be allowed for the journey. Plan a relaxing day, taking time to stop and experience all that the Milford Road journey has to offer.

  

We strongly suggest taking a small, personalized tour. There are two owner operated tour companies we recommend each with excellent reputations. Each tour includes coach from Te Anau to Milford Sound with an experienced guide, time to walk in the forest and plenty of photo stops as well, a cruise on Milford Sound, and return to Te Anau. Pick up for all tours is in Te Anau where you will find free all day parking facilities.  Trips N Tramps.   or  Fiordland Tours

 

However, ifyou plan to drive yourself to Milford Sound, then we suggest one of two cruises there, each offering smaller numbers and personal service on either RealNZ Milford Wanderer or with Mitre Peak Cruises.

 

F.Y.I. : Make sure you have a full tank of fuel before leaving Te Anau, and take food and beverages with you. It is also recommended that you take insect repellent. Also note that there is no mobile phone coverage once you leave Te Anau. There is just one café at Milford Sound and no fuel available to purchase. Parking near the Milford Sound visitor terminal is $10 per hour and is a 10-to-15-minute walk from the visitor's terminal, but please note that the number of parking spaces is very limited, Alternative FREE PARKING is available at Deepwater Basin Road. If you plan to use the free park, please allow an extra 30 minutes to walk to the Visitors Terminal. 

​

We suggest that you plan to arrive at Milford Sound at a time when there are fewer visitors, for example plan to take either an early cruise at on the fiord by driving directly there from Te Anau and then make your Milford Road sightseeing stops on the return journey back to Te Anau, or spend the day exploring the Milford Road and its many scenic walks and aim to arrive for a later cruise in the afternoon thus avoiding arriving at the middle of the day when day trippers from Queenstown generally arrive and the visitor terminal there can become quite congested.