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Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi in Maori, is a fiord carved by glaciers on the southwest coast of New Zealand's South Island, within Fiordland National Park. Sheer cliffs rise almost straight out of dark water, and the area receives so much rain that waterfalls appear across the rock faces after a downpour, making a wet day here as dramatic as a clear one.
The pointed summit of Mitre Peak dominates the view from the small terminal and foreshore. A fiord cruise heads out toward the Tasman Sea, passing seals on rocks and drawing close enough to Stirling Falls to feel the spray, while Lady Bowen Falls drops near the wharf. Kayaking offers a quieter way to take in the scale, and an underwater observatory reveals black coral growing at unusually shallow depths. The drive itself is half the experience: Mirror Lakes reflect the mountains on calm mornings, the track to Key Summit begins at The Divide, and the steep path to Lake Marian leads to an alpine basin. The road passes through the rough-hewn Homer Tunnel before descending past The Chasm, where water has sculpted the rock into curves.
The trip suits nature lovers and photographers. Weather can close the road, so allow flexibility. Te Anau is the nearest town, and the Milford Track ends at the sound.
WiserMap travel guideMilford Sound New Zealand Mitre Peak and WaterfallsPlan a trip to Milford Sound with this guide to Mitre Peak, the fiord's waterfalls, Milford Road stops, Te Anau, the Milford Track and the best time to go.Read the guide
The sharp 1,692-meter peak rising almost vertically from the water of Milford Sound, the most famous view in Fiordland. It is best seen from the foreshore near the cruise terminal and from boats on the fiord. Come early morning or after heavy rain, when reflections and waterfalls are at their best.
Boat cruises of about two hours sail the length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea, passing sheer cliffs, waterfalls, fur seals on Seal Rock and sometimes dolphins and penguins. Overnight cruises are also offered. Book ahead, and go on a rainy day if you can, when hundreds of temporary waterfalls appear.
Guided sea kayak trips paddle along the fiord's shoreline beneath steep forested cliffs, with a quieter and closer view than the big boats, and seals or dolphins sometimes alongside. No experience is needed for the guided trips. Book in advance, dress in layers, and expect sandflies on shore.
A 151-meter waterfall dropping from a hanging valley straight into the fiord between the Elephant and the Lion peaks. Cruise boats often nose right under the spray, a soaking believed by some to make you look younger. Bring a waterproof jacket and protect cameras if standing on the bow.
The tallest waterfall at Milford Sound at about 162 meters, near the cruise terminal, also used to supply the village with water and power. It flows all year and can be seen from the foreshore and from every boat. The best close view is from the water as cruises leave the terminal.
Small lakes beside the Milford Road in the Eglinton Valley, where on calm mornings the Earl Mountains reflect perfectly in the water, including an upside-down sign. A short boardwalk of about five minutes leads along the shore. Stop on the early drive from Te Anau before the wind ripples the surface.
A side trip from the Routeburn Track starting at The Divide car park, climbing about an hour to an alpine plateau with tarns, a nature trail and views over the Hollyford Valley and the Darran Mountains. Allow three hours return. Weather changes fast, so carry a warm layer and rain jacket.
A steep track through beech forest from the Hollyford Road, passing cascades on a swing bridge before reaching an alpine lake in a hanging valley ringed by peaks. The upper track is rough, rooty and often muddy. Allow three hours return, and check for avalanche warnings in winter and spring.
A famous four-day Great Walk of about 53 km from Lake Te Anau over the Mackinnon Pass to Sandfly Point in Milford Sound, passing Sutherland Falls on a side trip. Huts must be booked months ahead for the season from late October to April, and walkers must follow the one-way direction.
An easy short walk of about 20 minutes from the cruise terminal car park along the shore, with the classic view of Mitre Peak, a waterfall and interpretive signs about the fiord. It is free and suits everyone. Come at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the peaks, and bring insect repellent for sandflies.
A 1.2 km single-lane tunnel cut through solid granite under the Darran Mountains, completed in 1953 and the only road access to Milford Sound. Traffic lights control the flow, and keas often wait for cars at the entrance. Do not feed the keas, and check the road for avalanche closures in winter.
A short forest walk near the end of the Milford Road leading to footbridges over the Cleddau River, which has carved smooth sculpted holes and basins in the rock as it thunders through a narrow gorge. The loop takes about 15 minutes. Check that the track is open, as storm damage has closed it at times.
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