Milford Sound from Queenstown, South Island of New Zealand

Milford Sound from Queenstown, South Island of New Zealand

A quick but useful guide for those planning a trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. How to get here, what to expect and inspiring photography of one of the most beautiful fjords in the world.

The seductive Milford Sound. Imagine driving through misty fjords while endless waterfalls cascade down the Jurassic cliffs on either side. What if I told you that you could witness these scenes by jumping on a fast bus from Queenstown to Milford Sound?

In this guide I want to help you plan your trip to Milford Sound by showing you the best options for getting here from Queenstown.

How to get to Milford Sound?

Those with a van or vehicle can drive directly to the sound. However, you have to drive around Lake Te Anau and through national parks. The drive is almost 250 km long and you'll definitely want to stop for several photo opportunities.

You'll pass glaciers, waterfalls, viewpoints and epic hiking opportunities. This part of New Zealand feels like it came straight from the silver screen. It takes approximately 4 hours by car to reach Milford Sound from Queenstown. So if you want to see it on a day trip, you'd better leave early.

Once you arrive at the Milford Sound Visitor Centre, you can take the chance to grab a spot on the busy boats or simply book your ticket online in advance.

Best price for a cruise ticket: Check price

Alternatively, book a full-day bus and cruise combo with Get Your Guide, the cheapest and best-rated Milford Sound tour from Queenstown.

Best price for a day trip by bus and cruise: Check price

Also: Don't miss my Queenstown travel guide for the best things to do and my accommodation guide for where to stay!

Best organized day trips to Milford Sound from Queenstown by bus

Those who don't have the luxury of their own transport can purchase a Milford Sound package from Queenstown. There is no shortage of tour operators, most offering similar packages, often taking the same boat ferry on the fjord (Milford Sound is actually a fjord, not a sound).

The main difference will be the bus that takes you around the national park. However, the stops along the Fjordlands also vary.

But to save you from doubling down by booking the same trip through a more expensive middleman, I'm linking to the best ones with the best prices below.
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Cheapest bus and cruise combo: $179

This is the tour I booked when I first organized my trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound (I have since returned independently several times). The trip is operated by Real Journeys, the most popular and affordable option for those based in Queenstown without a vehicle.

To this day, I would recommend this option to most travelers as the trip is much cheaper than most. Additionally, the bus stops at some scenic spots in Fiordland National Park to stretch your legs and see the region's epic sights.

Small Group Van & Cruise: $212

For those who want to experience the beauty of the fjord on a day trip from Queenstown without feeling like a tourist, this is a great option. These small group tours are becoming more popular every year and offer a more personalized experience.

The most epic option: Half-Day Helicopter Flight: Price varies depending on the season, click to check.

For those of you who want to see Milford Sound in style and don't want to waste a day on a bus, this could be your ticket. This option is an epic half-day adventure from Queenstown that takes you by helicopter over the Fiordland Mountains. It also includes a cruise and helicopter to Queenstown.
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A boat trip through Milford Sound

Undoubtedly, visitors get the best views of Milford Sound from the deck of one of the many cruise ships. If you do the above day trips this is included. However, if you have your own transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, check out the options for the best boat trips below.

Premium cruise on a glass roof catamaran: $76

This is currently discounted and very popular as it is only slightly more expensive than the larger tourist boats. If you're looking for a premium experience on Milford Sound at a great price, this is your best choice.

Nature cruise: $69

This cruise is offered by Real Journeys, arguably the most popular boat option on Milford Sound. This price is for the boat trip only, so you have to drive yourself here.

As you cruise down the fjord, you'll witness some epic roaring waterfalls, wild seals sunning themselves on the rocks, and the famous Miter Peak poking through the cloud cover.
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RELATED POST: 36 Best Things to Do in Queenstown, New Zealand

When is the best time to travel to the Fjordlands?

Milford Sound is usually on the list of most visited South Islands in New Zealand. But is there really a best time to visit Milford Sound? With an average annual rainfall of almost 6500 mm (252 in), it is considered the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand. It is also one of the wettest in the world!

Most people who visit Milford Sound from Queenstown experience at least a bit of rain. In saying that, a few showers on your cruise down the Sound will delight those who want to witness the endless stream of temporary waterfalls.
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While it is fairly wet all year round, the hottest months are in the summer from January to February. During this time temperatures can reach up to 27 degrees Celsius. The cooler winter months drop to up to 15 degrees Celsius.

Due to the consistent rainfall and moderate heat, there is no best time to visit Milford Sound. It really depends on what you want to see. Personally, I prefer the spring months for better hiking opportunities in the South Island.
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alt="Glaciers in the Westfjords">

More New Zealand travel guides and adventure inspiration

I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to experiencing Milford Sound from Queenstown. If you are traveling in New Zealand and would like to find more travel and adventure inspiration, please check out some of my other blog posts below.

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