Best Milford Sound Tours & Holidays 2023/24

Milford Sound was dubbed the 'eighth wonder of the world' by Rudyard Kipling and is beautiful come rain, hail or shine.

Natural beauty abounds at this stunning New Zealand destination. Lovers of the great outdoors come here to hike the Milford Track, but you don’t need to be a super-fit adventurer to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Marvel at snow-capped mountains, enjoy one of the many walks or get a different view of the fiord from a kayak. You could also take a Milford Sound tour to see the mighty Mitre Peak, visit nearby Dusky Sound or watch fur seals playing in the water. Don’t worry if it’s raining, as this will make the waterfalls even more spectacular. For a very special experience, you can take a Milford Sound overnight cruise and go to sleep surrounded by incredible scenery.

Our Milford Sound tours

Queenstown Southern Loop

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Explore the rugged reaches of the South Island on this six-day trip with Intrepid from...

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New Zealand South Island Adventure

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Explore the rugged reaches of the South Island on a 12-day adventure through the West...

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Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

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Highlights of Milford Sound

Milford Sound overnight cruise

Spend the night on the water, surrounded by spectacular beauty on an overnight cruise at Milford Sound. Sit down to a delicious three course dinner before settling down for the night in your cosy cabin.

Enjoy a Milford Sound walk

The Milford Track has been dazzling hikers with its beauty for more than 100 years but there are other easier Milford Sound walks such as the 11 kilometre round trip trail to Giant Gate Falls.

Marvel at Mitre Peak

Named after the mitre headwear of Christian bishops, Mitre Peak towers almost 1700m above Milford Sound. Its cliffs can be shrouded in cloud or look like they’re piercing the sky depending on the weather.

Milford Sound waterfalls

Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls tumble into Milford Sound throughout the year but you’ll probably see hundreds of other waterfalls cascading down the cliffs if it’s raining when you visit Milford Sound.

Kayak at Milford Sound

One of the best ways to truly surround yourself in the beauty of this special place is to kayak around Milford Sound. If you join an overnight cruise, a kayak tour is included in the cost of the trip.

Visit Queenstown on the way

If you travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound, you can fit in two of the country’s most famous highlights in the one trip. Both offer spectacular scenery and towering mountains.

Milford Sound tour reviews

Milford Sound FAQs

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip in Milford Sound?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

How to get to Milford Sound

The easiest ways to travel to Milford Sound are either by bus, in a private car or using a campervan. The most popular jumping off points for the trip are the towns of Te Anau or Queenstown, although the trip from Queenstown takes twice as long. Allow around 2.5 hours to drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound, or a little longer if the weather is particularly wet or you would like to stop and take photos along the way.

Learn more about how to get to Milford Sound

Getting around at Milford Sound

Getting around at Milford Sound either involves hiking or taking a boat cruise.

When should I visit Milford Sound?

It rains around 200 days a year at Milford Sound and the weather is notoriously changeable so deciding when to visit essentially comes down to luck. Rain, hail or shine, Milford Sound is stunning so it doesn't really matter what the weather is like provided you have brought the right clothes along. If you are visiting in winter, it is worth noting the road into Milford Sound can be closed occassionally due to harsh weather.

Learn more about the best time to visit Milford Sound

What should I pack for Milford Sound?

Milford Sound is all about enjoying the great outdoors. Gear which can be layered is the best option as the weather can be very changeable. For example, it can be chilly when you set off from Te Anau in the early morning but the weather at Milford Sound could be sunny and warm (or vice versa). Either way, you should definitely pack some warm clothes and a waterproof jacket. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must as the sun reflects off the water. Bring all the essentials with you as there are no shops at Milford Sound.

What should I wear at Milford Sound?

Milford Sound is all about enjoying the great outdoors so layered active or hiking clothes are the best things to wear.

Is there internet access at Milford Sound?

There is no internet access at Milford Sound or for much of the drive to and from Te Anau.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone at Milford Sound?

There is no mobile phone coverage at Milford Sound or for much of the drive to and from Te Anau.

Is Milford Sound accessible for people with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid