Milford Sound is one of the most famous destinations in New Zealand for a reason. With dramatic jagged peaks, endless waterfalls and the incredible fjord teeming with wildlife. There’s plenty of activities on offer beyond the cruises and those who are lucky enough to spend the night will get to experience sunsets, stargazing and glow worms in peace and serenity, as the majority of people only come for a day trip.
Even the road into Milford Sound is a delight and you could spend days exploring the many walking tracks and scenic viewpoints!
We’ve visited Milford Sound several times and have made our way through almost all the things to do there to bring you this list based on our personal experiences.
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1: Cruise the epic fjord
2: Check out the incredible views from the foreshore walk
3: Enjoy the world-class view from the famous swing
4: Discover the secret glow worm road
5: Catch a sunset
6: Check out the electric blue river
7: Marvel at Lady Bowen Falls
8: Climb up to the iconic lookout
9: Go stargazing
10: Explore the sound by kayak
11: Take in the view from the old suspension bridge
12: Hike the “finest walk in the world”
13: Have a night’s stay inside the World Heritage Site
14: Explore one of the most beautiful roads in New Zealand
The best things to do in Milford Sound
1. Cruise the fjord
Forgive us for starting with the obvious but I’m not sure that anyone visits Milford Sound and doesn’t head out on one of the many boat trips.
It’s a great way to see a lot of the fjord in a short space of time. You’ll cruise through the water surrounded by those jagged mountain peaks as you pass waterfall after waterfall.
Some of the big falls, such as Lady Bowen and Stirling falls are permanent, whereas some appear only as it rains, and as this is one of the wettest places on earth your chances of seeing plenty are pretty high! It’s one of the few boat trips in the world where you actually will it to rain because there’s just nothing like it!
The boat trip will also give you a chance to get dunked under one of the waterfalls, as well as point out some of the wildlife along the way. Seals are pretty much a guarantee and if you’re lucky you might also see dolphins or penguins.
We did this cruise which was great but if you cruise with Southern Discoveries you will also be able to visit the underwater observatory, so it’s worth looking into both options.
You can also book an overnight boat trip where you can sleep out on the sound which we’ve tried to book many times but never been lucky enough to get a space. It’s on our bucket list!
2. Stroll along the Foreshore Walk
This easy 700m stroll is where you’ll get to experience that iconic Milford Sound view which you’ve probably seen many times in photos.
The walk is partially in pretty forest and then takes you down to the stony beach where you can get right up to the water’s edge and look out upon Mitre Peak.
It’s a glorious spot and one worth returning to at different times of day, but more on that later.
The little walking track is also gorgeous and there are a few information boards along the way which tell local Maori stories and give insights into the area.
As soon as you step off the boardwalk and onto the beach, or in fact sit on the bench just before the beach, you will encounter the scourge of the South Island, the sandfly.
Cover up or try your luck with repellant to mitigate the worst of the itchy bites (that is unless you visit in winter when they are few and far between).
3. Enjoy the world class view from the famous swing!
Just off the Milford Foreshore Walk you’ll find a rustic swing with a world class view. It was built by someone who used to live in the area for his girlfriend and has been left there for everyone to enjoy.
It’s actually not an easy spot to find, so we’ve put step by step directions on how to find it in this guide.
It’s easiest to reach at low tide but is accessible at any time if you stick close to the bushes. It’s a lovely spot to kick back, relax and of course a good photo op too!
4. Visit ‘Glow Worm Road’
This isn’t an official name but we decided to call it what it is, a road lined with glow worms. Walk down to the furthest part of the Milford Sound Highway after dark (the section just before the cruise terminal), turn your torch off and let your eyes adjust.
You’ll see that hiding amongst the abundance of ferns is a magical little colony of glow worms. Some are in small clusters and some are in bigger patches of around 30 or so. The more you look the more you’ll see and it’s such a delightful little find.
Don’t come expecting Waitomo or Te Anau Caves, but these little guys can be visited without a tour and for free. Best of all as it’s not an official glow worm spot you’ll likely get them all to yourselves!
We had big ambitions to find more glow worms in the area as we saw some promising spots by day, but in the end as we were visiting in winter our warm bed at the lodge was calling us. Let us know if you find more!
If you’re looking for the best glow worm spots around the country, you’ll find them in this guide.
5. Catch a sunset
Not many people have the chance to experience a sunset at Milford Sound, which is a shame as it’s the most beautiful time of day. Our favourite spot to head to is that incredible viewpoint at the rocky beach along the Milford Sound Foreshore Walk.
If you are lucky enough to have a windless day the mountains and sunset are reflected in the water. Unfortunately we’ve never seen it that way but it’s still absolutely beautiful. In winter the sun sets directly behind Mitre Peak which is quite something to witness!
We also watched a sunrise from this spot and whilst it was nice to see the tops of the mountains turn red with the first rays of the sun, sunset was definitely my preference.
6. Check out the electric blue river
I will never get over the colour of New Zealand’s rivers, and the Cleddau River is up there with the best. The electric blue water is mesmerising and taking a stroll along the walkway beside the river is incredibly relaxing.
You can start the walk in front of the Milford Sound Lodge and head right along the river towards the long stay car park (or vice versa if you’re not staying at the lodge).
It’s just 800m each way and flat and easy to begin with, before you hit a short patch of rock hopping to continue following the river. You can then return the same way or via the forest track which is very pretty, although does get muddy in patches.
Surprisingly few people seem to know about this lovely little walk and that makes it even more of a gem.
7. Marvel at Lady Bowen Falls
Lady Bowen Falls is magnificent. The 162m waterfall gushes over the mountainside with such force you can see the spray from quite a distance - not surprising given that Milford Sound is one of the wettest places on earth.
The great thing about this waterfall is that you can actually get right up close to it along the short Bowen Falls Walk, that is unless you are visiting in winter like we were, when the boat service to the start of the walk isn’t running.
If you’re visiting in winter or don’t want to pay for the short (couple of minutes) boat ride over to the walkway, you can still get a wonderful view of the falls from the Milford Foreshore Walk, which is where our photos are taken. Hopefully we get another chance to visit when the boat is operating though as there’s no substitute for being close enough to feel the spray!
8. Climb up to the lookout
The Milford Sound Lookout offers the most elevated view of the sound you can get, short of hopping on a scenic flight.
It’s tucked away behind the Allied Petrol Station (yes, Milford Sound now has 24 hour self-service petrol!) and not very well signposted which keeps it wonderfully quiet.
The view is terrific and the walk to get there very short. It’s just 750m return and only takes around five minutes each way, albeit all uphill (on well made steps).
The walk is through the forest and full of the sound of birdlife in the early morning, which is a lovely time to admire the view. Sunset would also be beautiful.
9. Go stargazing
If you are lucky enough to have a night with clear skies in Milford Sound then heading out to do some stargazing is a must.
The starry night skies here are phenomenal and we could see the full Milky Way and the core. Light pollution is extremely limited in the area as there are so few places to stay.
Heading down to the Milford Foreshore Walk and enjoying the stars over Mitre Peak is the most special spot, but anywhere will provide a great view, even just in front of the lodge.
If you’re keen on seeing the Milky Way over Mitre Peak then you can use this app to track what time it will be in the right position.
10. Explore the sound by kayak
There’s nothing like getting out on the water dwarfed by those giant jagged peaks to really make you feel small. It’s a completely different feeling to taking one of the boat cruises.
You can’t rent kayaks at the sound due to the precarious nature of the weather, so you’ll need to take a guided tour.
This is the only thing on this list we didn’t do personally and that’s because we had just kayaked on Doubtful Sound and doing both was out of our budget.
It remains on our list to do one day though because the experience on Doubtful Sound was so special and no doubt Milford Sound will be just as good.
We know several people who were on the Milford Track with us that did the sunrise kayaking trip and they absolutely loved it.
We kayaked at Doubtful Sound with Real Journeys and would highly recommend them, they also run kayak trips on Milford Sound.
11. Take in the view from the old suspension bridge
Built in 1940, the Tutoko Suspension Bridge was part of the original Milford Highway. It’s now open to pedestrians to walk over and enjoy the views over the mountains, including Mount Tūtoko (Fiordlands highest) and the raging Tutoko river below.
You can literally park right beside it and then it’s just a few steps to get those beautiful vistas. Just be careful if you’re visiting in winter when it can get very icy.
There is only room for a couple of cars to park in the lay by, but people tend to move on quickly if it’s full when you arrive.
12. Hike “the finest walk in the world”
Hiking the world famous Milford Track had been on my bucket list for a very long time and to say it didn’t disappoint would be the understatement of the year. This walk is magical, even in a monsoon!
The four day tramp takes you through some of the most breathtaking forests in the whole country, over a mountain pass with unforgettable views, to the highest waterfall in the country (plus several others) and through a landscape so exceptional that people book up the whole year’s hut tickets in an hour each season.
It’s not a walk in the park, but it’s also not overly difficult and the track is very well maintained. The huts (which are compulsory to stay in) are fabulous and in locations that have to be seen to be believed. Birdlife abounds and there are even glow worms in the bushes by night.
If you can get a reservation on this walk it will likely be the highlight of your whole trip, and perhaps even your year! Here’s everything you need to know about the Milford Track booking logistics.
13. Stay inside the World Heritage Site
Spending a night at Milford Sound itself is an experience to remember. Not only does it allow you to get the most out of all the daylight hours, but also enjoy Milford Sound when all the crowds have gone home.
Watch the sunset, stargaze and check out the glow worms in perfect serenity before retiring to your room (or campervan spot) at the lodge.
We stayed in one of the chalets and though it was a big splurge it was a wonderful experience. The rooms are really comfy and cosy and the views even from the cheapest chalets are fantastic.
We were delighted to see a kea from our bedroom window!
The Milford Sound Lodge is the only place you can stay inside Milford Sound unless you are doing a guided Milford Track walk when you get to spend the night at Mitre Peak Lodge.
Rooms sell out very quickly in peak season so if it’s on your bucket list book well ahead of time.
14. Drive one of the most beautiful roads in New Zealand
The Milford Road is one of the most spectacular in New Zealand and there are many, many worthwhile stops along the way.
How often you stop will be down to what time you have and the strength of your own willpower when you see yet another amazing view! It’s just under 120km from Te Anau to Milford Sound and the first stop along the road comes about 30km into that journey.
On a clear still day it’s very much worth stopping at Mirror Lake (in other conditions you won’t get the reflections) which is a two minute walk, Lake Gunn also has wonderful reflections in the right conditions, as well as exceptional beech forest which is dripping in moss (20 minute circuit, I think the sign said more but it’s flat, easy and takes no time at all).
There are also plenty of short photo stops and longer walking trails, including Key Summit (2-3 hours), Lake Marian (3-4 hours) and Gertrude Saddle (allow a half day).
These are longer endeavours, with Key Summit being by far the easiest and Gertrude Saddle the hardest and not possible (well not advisable) in winter or spring. Those who dare might even like to take on the nail biting three wire bridge which is just a 600m walk off the Milford Road.
The road can get busy and is windy in places so drive slowly and carefully as some drivers are not as adept as you would like.
Where to stay in Milford Sound
Milford Sound Lodge
The only place to stay in Milford Sound itself is at the Milford Lodge. You don’t have to take one of the expensive private chalets though, you can also book a powered site for your campervan.
There is a shared kitchen which guests of both the chalets and powered sites can use if you don’t want to eat at the restaurant.
The lodge tends to sell out very quickly (especially in peak season).
Along the Milford Road
There are various basic campsites along the Milford Road and two cabin options. One is Gunns Camp (currently closed due to flooding) and the other Knobs Flat. We are planning a return trip to explore more of the Milford Road in summer so we’ll no doubt try one of these out and can give more detail then.
You can also stay at Fiordland National Park Lodge but it’s much closer to Te Anau (30km) than Milford Sound (it’s still 90km away). You can check out reviews and more details on:
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