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10 Things to Do in Milford Sound That You Shouldn't Miss
Hailed by Rudyard Kipling as "the eighth wonder of the world," the breathtaking Milford Sound is the star of glacier-carved Fjordland National Park, providing an emerald-green and waterfall-rich backdrop for hiking, biking and kayaking. Frequent downpours only enhance this South Island beauty, sending numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. Passionate nature lovers book in advance to hike the 33-mile Milford Track, a legendary route through alpine passes and temperate rainforest.
1. Cruise Milford
Overall Ratings
5 based on 766 reviews
With more than 40 years of working and living in the Fiordland area, operating smaller boats means that we can get you up close and personal and offer a more personal experience. Cruise Milford can guarantee you a truly memorable and informative visit. It would be our pleasure to show you these incredible sights so come join us and let our team show you "our" Milford Sound.
Reviewed By cassieoscar - Glasgow
Early start for the long drive to Milford, but what a drive, the scenery is out of this world. Our Driver was a little on the road rage side but he knew how to handle the roads & beat the crowds which made the world of difference.....he could have raised a little smile though lol.
Its such an incredible journey you could take all day just stopping for pics before you even get to Milford Sound, a little highlight for me was meeting a wild Kea Parrot he was adorable!! Try the Pies at Te anau ( especially the Nacho Pie!)
Milford Sound itself is jaw dropping, we had such a beautiful day not a cloud in the sky, the Waterfalls, the colour of the water, the Mountains - WOW WOW WOW. The crew were very friendly even the captain came out for a chat. Smaller boat meant it wasn't crowded & could go close to the Waterfalls.
it is a long day but so worth it!!
2. Descend Scuba Diving - Milford Sound
Overall Ratings
5 based on 143 reviews
Milford Sound diving trips. We supply everything: boat, gear, guides, food and fun! A scuba experience like no other you can see the famous deep water black coral trees, red corals, dog sharks, octopus, crayfish, seals, penguins, dolphins and over 150 species of fish in a world heritage area marine reserve. We operate with a general maximum of six divers guided and hosted by experienced PADI instructors Lance and Simone whom are the owners/operators of the company. Our passion is dedicated to expanding marine ecology awareness, diving and sharing the local area with you, which makes for a truly personal experience. Includes 4 hours cruising all of Milford Sound. First time divers are welcome to experience diving with us and will be well taken care of. Descend !
Reviewed By travel4eva2015 - Dunedin, New Zealand
This company is professional yet very user-friendly. Our group ranged from people who had never dived before to an instructor, and everybody had a good time. The rental equipment looks very well cared for, and the wetsuit and vest/booties kept me much warmer than usual in the water. The snacks and lunch were great, (nice touch having the hot drinks in insulated cups with lids) and the team made sure that we saw the attractions above water as well as below. They were unfailingly cheerful and helpful. We were in the newer boat, which was comfortable and offered both enclosed, covered and uncovered Seating, with space for the tanks and other dive gear we all brought on board. They are the only dive company operating in the Sound, but I'd dive with them again even if there was a choice.
3. Milford Foreshore Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By PaulSiow - Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
After parking our car, we had some time before our cruise, so we decided to walk along the foreshore. There was a directional sign at the car park entrance showing the way. It was an easy walk on a cool morning. We spent about 30-40 mins return on this walk and it gave us another view of the terminal and Milford Sound. Later we had to walk about 10mins from the car park to the ferry terminal. The foreshore is to the left while we had to walk towards the right for the terminal. For those not in a hurry, we recommend this walk.
4. Milford Sound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Barry T - Knutsford, United Kingdom
Booked through Mitre Peak organisation in Te Anua. Small bus with Sasha and her daughter as guides. Really good and would highly recommend. Lots of local land stories from an excellent host
5. Rosco's Milford Kayaks
Overall Ratings
5 based on 642 reviews
Want to kayak Milford Sound? Roscos Milford Kayaks is the longest owner operated sea kayaking business in New Zealand and great value too! First time paddler or pro, we’ve got a Milford Sound kayaking experience to suit just about anyone! Try 'Rosco's Original' Milford Sound Kayak Trip - Sunriser Classic - paddling the loop of Milford Sound, right through to, the 'Kayak Kombo', Rosco’s ultimate experience where you kayak and you get a Milford Track walk adventure included. The choice is yours and your trip will most certainly be one you will remember!
Reviewed By rafa2510 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
What an amazing way to spend a few hours. We did the Sterling Sunriser which involves a boat ride past Sterling Falls and a approx 13km kayak back to base.
Our guide Olive was very helpful and informative and we all had a great time on the water under beautiful Sunshine.
Must come back and do it under the magical Fiordland rain.
6. Mitre Peak Cruises
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 634 reviews
Mitre Peak Cruises offer fantastic 2 hour cruises of stunning Milford Sound on its small purpose built boats (maximum capacity 75). Mitre Peak Cruises takes you where the big boats can't go, taking you closer to the Waterfalls, wildlife and spectacular scenery of Milford Sound. Coach, fly and helicopter options are available from Queenstown and Te Anau.
Reviewed By Chris P - Shanghai, China
Thoroughly enjoyed the service from this company, from booking online, to the cruise and service provided. It was easy to book online, but not entirely necessary, as the cruise was not full, even though it was peak season, but we did choose a 4:30 pm cruise on purpose, because of that. If you purchase there, you can get discounts, which are not available online,especially look in the travel magazines or car hire company brochure.
Our captain was very knowledgeable and took us really close to the different points of interest, like mineral deposits, seals, waterfall and dolphins.
There is a self service tea and coffee on board.
It was very windy in places on our cruise and this prevented us from going further out to sea, but still most enjoyable. Enjoyed the smaller boat, as it got closer and could turn quicker.
As a keen photographer, it was awesome. We chose late afternoon for this purpose, but I really don’t think it matters what time of the day you go. It will just be different.
I do suggest you avoid the middle of the day, when it is extremely busy with tour buses.
We left Te Anau at 8 Amanda took 6 hours to drive there, stopping at many places and exploring.
It is beautiful and we had a dolphin show of note as we neared the end of the cruise.
7. Milford sound Hwy
Overall Ratings
5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By julie B - Devizes, United Kingdom
From Te Anau to the Milford Sounds , you travel along the Milford road, taking in beutiful scenery along the way. Waterfalls suddenly appearing from the cliff sides as you drive along. Take in Mirror Lake along the way and take some stunning pictures.
8. Go Orange
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 482 reviews
Reviewed By markalinora - Worthing, United Kingdom
Friendly crew; just right length ..full length of Fiord to see and back taking in all little bays along the way. Stopped to look at seal colonies and Sterling Falls., Not too crowded and nice fish n chips. Good value too.
9. Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 841 reviews
Spectacular Milford Sound is an amazing experience. Southern Discoveries has a wide range of cruises to suit every interest and budget. They also operate the New Milford Discovery Centre & Milford Deep underwater Observatory and relaxing 1 hour Kayaking tours in serene Harrisons Cove. Let us show you our Milford Sound.
Reviewed By SuzieLee71 - Brisbane, Australia
We went on the Encounter Nature Cruise which was part of a bed & boat package that we booked with the Milford Sound Lodge. We were really lucky because it was a very sunny day so the scenery was beautiful. We saw plenty of Waterfalls and a group of seals. Our cruise also included a visit to the Underwater Observatory which was quite interesting. The lunch that was included in our package was ok - but it's not worth $20 so you'd be better off bringing your own lunch.
10. Real Journeys
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Choose a Real Journeys Milford Sound Scenic Cruise and experience the fiord's majestic scenery from the comfort of our spacious modern vessels. Exceptional viewing opportunities, spacious decks and comfortable lounges. Look out for seals, dolphins and penguins en route, cruise close to Waterfalls and enjoy the magnificent vistas. Informative commentaries in several languages. Delicious lunches available. Departs Milford Sound (all year). Coach connections also available from Te Anau and Queenstown. Fly back option to Queenstown available (extra cost).
Reviewed By laura714 - Greenville, South Carolina
We took the overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner, including the coach drive up from Queenstown, and the flight back. I was somewhat dreading the long bus ride, but the bus driver/tour guide Chris was excellent and informative—-somehow it wasn’t too long, and we had just the right number of stops to stretch our legs, take photos, use the restroom etc. The Mariner was a very nice vessel, and did not seem too crowded even with 60plus people on board. Next time I would
Try to request an upper level cabin, as they had bigger windows, and some even entry from the deck, so no doubt would seem larger and less claustrophobic.
The food was very good— quite a nice buffet dinner and breakfast. In general the crew was professional.
Most of the guests took part in either the kayaking or going out on a tender to get a closer look. There was some misunderstanding as it seemed that we were told there would be another opportunity in the morning before disembarking to do some of these things again, but that was not the case.
Of course the scenery was spectacular. We were fortunate with the weather that we could go all the way out to the end of the sound (fiord).
One disappointing aspect, that a number of us on the cruise expressed to each other, was that the whole time we felt we were being rushed. Hurry and get ready for the water activities (which didn’t last long), as soon as you get back time for a quick drink then dinner served; finish up and listen to nature talk....then the evening was over—-very little
Time to just relax and enjoy the sense of being out there in the fiord. The worst was in the morning, when we were told breakfast was available from 645 to 7:15, at which point it would be taken up! No latecomers! And also, while we were eating our breakfast, the crew wanted to go in our cabins and strip the beds . I understand they were trying to get us off and clean the ship so they could squeeze in an afternoon group, before shooing them off for the next group of overnighters. It just felt very rushed, considering the money we were paying—-there was hardly time to relax and take it all
In. This took away some from the “magic” of the experience.
If Real Journeys could figure that part out, it would definitely be money well spent. Still,
It was unforgettable, as was the 40 minute flight back to Queenstown on the small airplane!
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