Milford Sound / Piopiotahi — Attraction in Southland

This is a must see for any traveller to NZ. The shear beauty of this place is just amazing and out of this world. Just driving into Milford Sound got me excited especially the long tunnel through a large mountain. I was probably more excited than the kids on driving through that tunnel.

We stayed one night in Milford Sound at the Milford Sound Lodge which is also amazing and certainly captures the essence of nature. You can view my review on the lodge and photos.

A 2 min drive from the lodge brings you to the large parking lot where travellers park their cars or caravans for the Milford Sound cruises. The terminal is about a 10 min walk ( stroller friendly) from the parking lot. There is no parking for cars at the terminal however if you are travelling with seniors a drop off or pick up zone is available next to the terminal. A lot of buses and vans come through this terminal during peak times so be careful and quick. The terminal is large and staff are friendly.

Back to nature now so like I said Milford Sound is just beautiful. Next to the parking lot are information boards pointing to two small walking tracks - the foreshore walk and the lookout point. The foreshore walk is about 20 to 30mins easy walking loop giving an awesome view of the Fiordland and Bowen falls. One can easily walk into the foreshore to get a better view of the Fiordland and Bowen falls. Please keep in mind that the walk on foreshore is over stones of varying sizes and slippery so sturdy closed shoes are a must if deviating from the boardwalk onto the open foreshore.

The lookout walk is about 10 mins and starts next to the petrol station. The lookout walk is not stroller friendly and has a combination of gravel walk and some steep stairs.

Make sure before visiting Milford Sound your tank is fuel as Te Anau is only town with petrol stations. Don't depend on the Milford Sound petrol station as they may not have stock. There are no grocery stores in Milford Sound so again buy all your supplies before leaving Te Anau.

The Milford Sound information centre was open from 9am to 4pm. The times may vary in Summers. They have a cafe and souvenir shop.

The public toilets next to the parking lot are also clean and...

We all know this place is amazing. Here are a few things that we should know while visiting this place...

Please arrive a bit early based on weather and roadworks etc. When we visited in Oct 23, Southern Discoveries sent us an email asking to allow for 5.5 hours from Queenstown and 2.5 from Te Anau, however, we did not face any roadworks and delays all the way from Queenstown and google was spot on... still arriving early is safer.

Plenty of Paid Parking is available at $10 per hour before 3 pm and $5 per hour after 3pm. Alternatively, if you want to walk an extra 15 minutes you can park at the deepwater basin park for free (limited space). Its a 10 minute walk from the car park to the cruise terminal. You can drive down all the way to the terminal if you have kids or elderly people but you can't park there.. only buses are allowed. Drop off others right outside the terminal and drive back to the car park and you do the walk yourself.

We booked with mitre peak cruise in Feb 23 and Southern Discoveries in Oct 23, with the latter being the larger of the two and both had complimentary coffee on board. No snacks on the mitre peak cruise... your only option for food/ snacks is at the Cafe near the car park/ information center. The southern Discoveries cruise had a bar serving beer and other drinks as well as some snacks and a lunch buffet for those who booked the lunch package. There are restrooms available both inside and outside the cafe/information center as well as in the cruise terminal. There is a petrol pump/ servo for petrol and diesel near the car park (pictures are from my visit in Feb 23, unleaded 91 was around 3.10 in Oct 23). The cheapest fuel available is either Te Anau or just before Te Anau.

This is one of those places where you would actually want it to rain before you visit... thousands of waterfalls come alive when it does! Get your hat, sunscreen and even a rain coat if you wish to get drenched under the waterfall when the cruise takes you...

Milford Sound, nestled within the majestic Fiordland National Park on the southwest coast of New Zealand's South Island, is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its sheer beauty and tranquility. As one of the most iconic destinations in New Zealand, Milford Sound offers a mesmerizing landscape of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding mountains like a mirror.

The sheer scale of Milford Sound's landscape is awe-inspiring, with towering cliffs rising thousands of feet from the water's edge, creating a sense of grandeur and majesty that is unparalleled. The most famous of these cliffs is Mitre Peak, a distinctive triangular peak that stands sentinel over the sound, dominating the skyline and providing a stunning backdrop for photographs.

Exploring Milford Sound by boat is an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to cruise along the tranquil waters while taking in the spectacular scenery. The sound is home to an abundance of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and sometimes even penguins, providing ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, diving, and even scenic flights over the sound, offering a unique perspective on its dramatic landscape. Additionally, the surrounding Fiordland National Park offers a network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to multi-day treks, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed area.

In conclusion, Milford Sound is a destination that truly epitomizes the natural beauty of New Zealand. Whether you're cruising its tranquil waters, hiking its scenic trails, or simply soaking in the awe-inspiring views, a visit to Milford Sound is an experience that will stay with you long after you've...