Milford Sound
Your guide to Milford Sound with kids: How to make New Zealand’s most famous fiord fun for the whole family.
Deciding whether to add Milford Sound to your New Zealand holiday with the kids? You should! This natural wonder isn’t just for grown-ups—it’s a place where you can dance in the spray of a waterfall, watch dolphins play, or have a curious kea come to say hello. Here’s your ultimate guide to making this iconic New Zealand adventure a hit with the whole family.
Before you go: Travelling to Milford Sound with kids
Milford Sound lies 120km from Te Anau (1hr 45 mins direct drive) or 288km (a four-five hour drive) from Queenstown. In reality, the journey will take longer as it is filled with scenic stops along the way. Factoring in the short walks, photo opportunities, and comfort breaks, you can expect your journey to Milford Sound to take around two-and-a-half hours from Te Anau or just over five hours from Queenstown. So, the question is: what is the best way to get to Milford Sound when travelling with children?
Self-drive or coach to Milford Sound with kids?
The choice is yours when it comes to getting to Milford Sound, with options to self-drive, join a coach tour or take a stunning scenic flight.
The option to self-drive appeals to many families travelling with kids, as it gives flexibility. On the other hand, a coach tour gives you the chance to focus more on the kids and the views and less on the driving. You’ll avoid the stress of navigating the winding (yet breathtaking) roads into Fiordland while also refereeing backseat squabbles. On the coach, your driver-guide knows exactly when and where to stop to keep everyone happy. Bonus: no parking hassles once you get to Milford Sound. You can read more about choosing between a car or coach to Milford Sound here.
Starting your Milford Sound trip from Te Anau or Queenstown?
While Milford Sound is a popular activity to do from Queenstown, Te Anau might be the smart choice when travelling with kids. From Queenstown, a Milford Sound cruise with return coach journey will take around 12 hours all up—that’s a lot of “Are we there yet?”. From Te Anau, it’s a more manageable seven-hour adventure, including stops.
Must-stop spots on the Milford Road with kids
The road to Milford Sound is packed with great spots to break up the journey, capture family photos and let the kids burn off some energy. Here are the must-see stops whether you’re self-driving or taking a coach:
Eglinton Valley: Give the kids a run around and take in the stunning views of this vast glacial valley before your journey takes you into the dense Fiordland bush.
Mirror Lakes: A perfect, kid-friendly short nature walk with the chance to spot wetland birds.
Monkey Creek: Fill the water bottles with glacier-fresh water (always a hit with kids).
Homer Tunnel: This 1.3km tunnel through the Homer Saddle is an engineering marvel, and for the kids, it is a great place to take a break and watch for kea who often come in to say hello (just keep the snacks hidden!).
Milford Sound Foreshore Walk: Before or after your cruise, take the 30-minute Milford Foreshore Walk. It’s stroller-friendly and offers postcard-perfect views of Mitre Peak.
Cruising Milford Sound with kids
The cruise itself is often the highlight for children. On board one of the purpose-built cruise boats, you will have plenty of room to move around and explore different indoor and outdoor viewing decks. As the skipper calls out wildlife sightings, the kids will get a buzz as they spot seals basking on the rocks or dolphins swimming through the wake. And there’s nothing quite like their squeals of excitement as the boat edges close to a thundering waterfall for a gentle spray (just enough for bragging rights, not enough to drench). It’s the kind of natural entertainment that beats devices any time.
Pro tip: Pre-order a picnic lunch box for the cruise—full tummies make for happy travellers.
Family-friendly Te Anau
If you plan to base yourself in Te Anau for your Milford Sound experience, give yourself some time to explore this charming lakefront township. A few activities to do with kids in Te Anau include:
- Lakefront playgrounds with plenty of space to run free
- A visit to the Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. Free entry with the chance to see the rare takehē and many other native species
- Become intrepid travellers for a day and walk the first section of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks
- Refuel little tummies at the selection of family-friendly cafés and restaurants
Top tips for travelling to Milford Sound with kids
Pack Smart
- Bring spare clothes (Milford Sound’s weather can change in minutes)
- Pack plenty of snacks (food options are limited at Milford Sound)
- Include offline entertainment for the journey
- Layer up with warm, waterproof clothing
Time it Right
- Start early to avoid peak traffic or join a coach tour to avoid the stress
- Plan regular stops—there are plenty of bathroom breaks along the way
- Consider breaking up the journey with an overnight stay in Te Anau
The Verdict
Is Milford Sound worth it with kids? When done right, absolutely. Families often choose Te Anau as their base and opt for a coach tour as part of the adventure. Remember, sometimes the unplanned moments—like watching your kids’ faces light up at their first kea encounter—become the highlight of the trip.
Ready to plan your family’s Milford Sound adventure?
Book a family-friendly tour to Milford Sound today and let us handle the details while you focus on making memories.
