Milford Sound
Fiordland National Park is one of the most gorgeous places in the South Island that offers not only a window into an untouched and rugged world, but the chance to be pulled through the pane and immersed in the landscape itself.
A well known gate to this world is the Milford Sound Cruise, but on your way there you’ll also find that the whole journey is something to be enjoyed.
With our 60+ years of experience in this area, we have put together the ultimate three day itinerary to Fiordland. By driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back, you can discover the 8th wonder of the world in your own time with the freedom to stop at our suggested sightseeing must-dos below.
Day 1 – Making your way to Fiordland
The journey to Fiordland cannot be underestimated. It takes you through spectacular and towering views that can almost rival the Sounds themselves. Spend the morning soaking in the views along your drive, stopping at some of the best lookouts, and stretching your legs on a walking track.
Must-do lookouts and stops on the road to Milford
- Mirror Lakes
The Mirror Lakes walk and lookout is an easy 400m track that allows you to stretch your legs and view the Earl Mountain range as well as the local birds and plantlife. On a calm day, you’ll see a pristine reflection of the mountains in the lake that gives the lookout its name. - Knobs Flat
A stretch of flat road and tussock grass in the Eglinton Valley, Knobbs Flat is surrounded by never-ending mountain views and home to the last flushing toilet until you reach the heart of Milford Sound. - Gertrude Valley Lookout
An alternative to the challenging and technical Gertrude Saddle Hike, the Gertrude Saddle Lookout requires only a stop on the main road as you head into Milford Sound. You’ll see the towering valley walls and the snow-capped peaks beyond. - Hundred Falls Viewpoint
The legend that promises rain is good luck really does hold up on the road to Milford Sound (most of the time). If you are traveling after or during some rainfall, you may be lucky enough to see many small waterfalls cascading down the rock face at Hundred Falls.
Walk the Fiordland tracks
With our National Parks preserving much of New Zealand’s wild landscapes and unique critters, there is much to discover of our unique flora and fauna on foot. Take an easy 30 minute walk through rainforest to view Humboldt Falls from afar and warm up for the hundreds of waterfalls you will see in Milford Sound.
The tracks that begin at the Lake Marion Carpark are stunning and popular tracks on the way to Milford Sound from Te Anau with something for every traveler. Choose from the 20-minute Lake Marion Falls Track or discover the Lake Marian Track If you are a keen adventurer. Exemplifying some of the most sought-after views in an alpine hike, Lake Marian is in a hanging valley formed by the movement and behavior of glaciers.
Where to stay in Milford Sound?
Once you have made the drive, remain immersed in the ancient rainforests and natural beauty by choosing accommodation in the heart of this World Heritage sight. Milford Lodge
is one of the few buildings that exist in the National Park and Mildford’s only accommodation for independent travelers like yourself. Mildford Lodge has the option of luxurious and tranquil riverside chalets or a rainforest campervan site if you’re self-driving with a home on wheels.
Cozying up in your secluded and stylish chalet doesn’t mean missing out on the splendour of your surroundings as these premium abodes were crafted to accentuate the landscape and not hide away from it. There are options to stay riverside right on the shores of the Cleddau River, take in the ever-changing waterfalls and mist with a mountain view chalet, or look out into the mysteries of an ancient rainforest from your lounge and bedrooms.
Day 2 – Deeper into Milford Sound
Explore from the water on a Milford Sound cruise on either a Nature Cruise or Discover More Cruise with Southern Discoveries, the original Milford Sound cruise company.
When you walk aboard the Discover More Cruise, you can guarantee that no other Milford Sound Cruise takes you further. Float past some dramatic cliffs, lofty peaks and thundering waterfalls while keeping an eye out for the locals; seals, dolphins or even a rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. This tour option is the only cruise in Milford that includes a visit to New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory, where you can descend ten metres below the surface to check out rare black coral in its natural habitat and meet colourful sea creatures.
The Milford Sound Nature Cruise takes you on a wondrous two-hour journey. Become one with the views when your skipper gets you incredibly close to the famous Stirling Falls with the option to be drenched in the power of nature (literally). If the warm interior of the boat calls to you, you can still marvel at the passing sights with unobstructed views through full-height windows and a complimentary hot cuppa; the perfect chance to spot seals or penguins basking on the rocks nearby.
Find the famous Milford Sound swing
There are many hidden gems in Fiordland as well as some spots that are infamous for great reasons. The Milford Sound swing is likely sitting on your New Zealand inspiration board and you will be surprised how simple it is to find.
Once you reach solid ground after your Milford Sound Cruise, you’re in the perfect place to start The Milford Foreshore Walk, a 20-minute loop track beginning at the main Milford Sound carpark. This track will lead you to the scenic swing with multiple picturesque views of Mitre Peak along the way. This is the perfect short walk in Fiordland to fill the afternoon before returning to your chalet or campsite to sort through all of your amazing fiordland photos.
Photo credit: walk my world
Day 3 – Take to the skies
Milford Sound Scenic Flight
By now you’ve seen the 8th wonder of the world by land and sea, now see higher and further; discover Fiordland National Park by air on a scenic helicopter or plane flight. When you take to the skies and leave the crowds behind, the sheer scale of the Southern Alps and endless hidden glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls and beech forests suddenly lay beneath you. Drifting over this dramatic landscape is something you’ll never forget about your once-in-a-lifetime visit to New Zealand.
Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound offer a breathtaking adventure into a world of untouched beauty. With this suggested three-day itinerary, you can fill up your South Island bucket list and fully immerse yourself in this little (extremely large) corner of the world. The mountains are calling!
