Milford Sound: Guide to New Zealand’s 8th Wonder of the World
One Planet Journey’s adventure traveller, Louise Plank, visits the 8th wonder of the world, Milford Sound in New Zealand. Enjoy your guide to a deep and meaningful experience in Milford Sound. Where is it? How do you get there? What to see? How to experience it, as well as practical advice on when to go, and where to hike.
It’s not every day that you experience the feeling of being transported to another universe. One swarming with pesky sandflies and notorious for being one of the wettest places on earth. Still, some people argue it’s the eighth wonder of the world and I’m inclined to agree. Welcome to Milford Sound in New Zealand and my guide on how to maximise your visit.
Where is Milford Sound?
Hidden within the Fiordland National Park, in the southwest part of the South Island, Milford Sound remains an untouched paradise. Contrary to its name, it isn’t actually a sound. It’s a fiord formed by the erosive nature of a glacier which carves a deep, U-shaped valley as opposed to a sound which is shaped by the flooding of a river valley. The Maori people discovered this corner of the earth over 1000 years ago, a brilliant spot for hunting and fishing. According to Maori legend, Tu-te-raki-whanoa, a godly figure responsible for shaping the Fiordland coast, created the Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi as they called it.
As the first European, John Grono visited in 1823 and named it after Milford Haven, an estuary on the Welsh Coast and among the deepest natural harbours in the world. Milford Sound is so secluded that even the famous Captain Cook missed the entrance to the fiord twice.
Getting to Milford Sound
There is only one long road in and out of Milford Sound and it’s probably one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever experience. It is about 120km from Te Anau where bus tours constitute an option if you don’t have your own transport. They also run from Queenstown and Wanaka. If you prefer flexibility and your own schedule, drive and stop off at various hikes along the way. The Milford Track and Routeburn Track (2 of New Zealand’s Great Walks) start/end on this road. These are point-to-point trails and many people hitch-hike back, so you might pass a few exhausted hikers as you return.
As soon as you’re through the 1.2 kilometre Homer tunnel, you’ll understand my earlier comment about another universe. The fiord is so breathtaking it looks like a scene from a movie. The towering cliffs rise high into the thick blanket of clouds overhead, always ready to release a relentless downpour. Hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the jagged edges where they connect with the lush green forest.
The iconic, nocturnal kiwi bird, the majestic kea, a large alpine parrot and even a few rare crested Fiordland penguins all call this magical place home. I find it amazing how all these different environments co-exist together. The sheer vastness of it all is almost overwhelming but, on the other hand, you feel refreshed and humble since it gives us a chance to pause and appreciate the beauty Mother Nature (or Tu-te-raki-whanoa) created.
Whilst driving along the road, be careful and pay extra attention as a lot of tourists marvel at the surrounding scenery, which increases the risk of accidents.
What to expect at Milford Sound?
As a Brit, I never thought I’d be ecstatic to see rain, but when visiting Milford Sound, you want to time it so that it’s raining or has been the day before. This is especially important if on a cruise, so you can witness more powerful waterfalls.
Once you checked in and boarded the cruise, the first jaw-dropping waterfall is on your right just as you leave the harbour. Lady Bowen Falls plunges 162 metres from the valley, the highest waterfall in Milford. As you continue through the fiord, you’ll pass hundreds of small waterfalls trickling down the face of the cliff. We passed Seal Rock where two seals posed for all passengers eager to take photos. It’s also not unheard of to see dolphins in this area, so keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready.
Eventually, you come to the mighty Stirling Falls crashing down from 155 metres with a force so immense the spray drenches everything (and everyone) nearby. As our captain got closer, he warned us that if we wanted to avoid getting wet, head inside. Turns out he didn’t exaggerate one bit!
After this, we headed out into the Tasman Sea where you could feel the strong swell of the open ocean. Then the boat turned around for us to take in the opposite side of the fiord.
A Deep Travel Guide to Milford Sound
It’s incredible how these giant mountains rise deep from the water and high into the clouds above. On the journey back through the glassy waters, I couldn’t help feeling insignificant compared to this grand mountain range. It made me appreciate the raw, natural wonders of this beautiful world. And the weight of time.
There’s something about Milford Sound that takes you beyond the breathtaking scenery. The entire experience immerses you right into nature, and with it comes this desire to slow down, observe, and truly connect. The Māori legends, the authenticity of the wilderness, and the towering peaks shrouded in mist, make for a powerful combination. They whisper of stories from the ancient world that somehow still exist here, untouched and unhurried.
During genuine moments of wonder, like watching a kea soar overhead, or when I felt the spray of Stirling Falls on my face, I realised Milford Sound transcends the idea of a tourist attraction. This place demands more. It lulls you into its own rhythm, its unpredictable weather, and sacredness.
By the time I left, I had more than memories. I sensed a deeper, more meaningful awareness of nature, and what it truly means to experience a destination rather than simply visit it. Deep travel comes into its own here at Milford Sound.
A Practical Guide to Milford Sound
Parking
Once you make it into the village, you’ll have a few options. To save money, I parked on the outskirts at Deepwater Basin Road, a 20-minute walk from the visitor centre. Or in my case, a 10 minute run due to torrential rain! If you don’t mind paying for parking, there is a clearly marked spot which is only a 5-10-minute walk from the ferry terminal. The hourly rate is $10. There is also overnight parking by the terminal for $30 from 3:30pm-11am the following day. Always allow at least 20 minutes before departure to check in and board.
Additionally, there is only one petrol station in Milford Sound which is deadly expensive, so if possible, make sure to fill up with fuel in Te Anau.
Hiking
There are many hikes in the Milford area that range in duration and difficulty. All provide you with breathtaking views, without question.
Gertrude Saddle – A popular hike, which rewards you with views of the valley, lakes and waterfalls. It is a difficult climb, with over 600 metres of elevation, slippery rocks to manoeuvre and unpredictable weather at the summit.
The Chasm Walk – If you only have 30 minutes to spare, this route takes you through lush forests, unique rock formations, and waterfalls.
The Routeburn Track – For those looking to tick off one of the Great Walks, this would be an incredible choice. Usually completed in 3 days, this steep, rocky, alpine track is beautiful with an optional side quest to Conical Hill taking you 1500 metres above sea level. Unforgettable panoramic views, but don’t underestimate the avalanche risks.
I always look on the app All Trails before I visit a place to research the hiking trails nearby. It provides you with an accurate, in-depth description of the hike as well as reviews from people that have completed it.
More Sights in Milford Sound
Milford Sound comes packed with breathtaking natural wonders. Here are a few more you should check out.
Mitre Peak – An iconic landmark almost 1700 metres high. Picturesque but very challenging route to ascent. For experienced adventurers only.
Harrison Cove – A serene bay where you can find the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. Only accessible by boat. Pre-book to secure entry.
Pembroke Glacier – A stunning glacier perched above the fiord, best viewed from a scenic flight. It’s actually a million years old.
Best season to visit
To be honest, Milford Sound sees a lot of tourists all year round, but the low season is June, July, August since fewer people visit New Zealand in the winter. With that said, if you visit in the summer (December, January) you should be prepared for a lot of rain. Perfect for those impressive waterfalls, but you may not want to plan your holiday for the two wettest and most popular months of the year.
My recommendation is February because even though it’s still summer, on average this is one of the driest months. Perfect if you’re going to do hikes. Here, or for example Roy’s Peak.
Alternative Experiences in Milford Sound
If cruise and hikes don’t sound like your thing, there are other ways to experience Milford Sound’s amazing environment. For those seeking adventure and an opportunity to get away from the crowds, kayaking and scuba diving allow for total immersion in the landscape.
If your budget stretches a little further, I would recommend the scenic plane or helicopter flight through this glacial masterpiece. Fly over the Southern Alps and discover views best appreciated from above.
Have you visited Milford Sound and the places in this guide? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.
