21 FUN THINGS TO DO AT MILFORD SOUND ON YOUR FIRST VISIT

Discover a comprehensive list of awesome and fun things to do at Milford Sound, on the South Island of New Zealand.

Milford Sound, also known as Piopiotahi, in Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu), is one of the most serene natural attractions in New Zealand. It is a strong contender for one of my favorite places on earth.

I’ve made my way to this UNESCO World Heritage Site more than three times since my first visit in 2018 and over the years have gathered this list of 21 must-do activities that I recommend to other travelers visiting this incredible Kiwi Fjord for the first time.

From cruising the Tasman Sea to taking a scenic flight over the Southern Alps, standing beneath Stirling Falls to kayaking to hidden coves, this travel guide will help you plan your visit to what Rudyard Kipling called the eighth wonder of the world. I’ve included photos I’ve taken from my trips that I hope will inspire you to make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime visit to Milford Sound.TABLE OF CONTENTS

I’m Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. I visit every destination I write about & handpick all recommendations.

Things To Do In Milford Sound

Let’s dive into the list! Remember, there are many different ways to get to Milford Sound. Read my comprehensive guide for tips and advice.

1. The Milford Sound Boat Cruise To The Tasman Sea

Booking the famous return boat cruise from Milford Sound terminal to the Tasman Sea is by far the most popular way to experience the beauty of the Fjord.

In fact, almost every bus tour company going to the Fiordlands will include the Milford Sound cruise on their itinerary.

There are many boat trips to choose from, and each company usually offers three departures daily. However, as this is one of the most popular experiences at Milford Sound, I recommend booking your tickets at least a few days in advance.

The journey involves a 1-2 hour cruise through the Fiordland’s spectacular waters to the mouth of the fiord at the Tasman Sea (weather-dependent). Along the way, you’ll witness the grandeur of the steep cliffs, and endless waterfalls– and possibly spot bottlenose dolphins and fur seals.

I’ve tried a couple of boat cruises on Milford and my favorite “cruise only” option was the Wilderness Cruise with RealNZ.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown, I recommend the coach and boat cruise option with Pure Milford.

2. Take A Scenic Flight Over Milford Sound

Don’t have time to drive the long road to Milford Sound? Perhaps you’re looking for the most spectacular way to witness the beauty of the Fiordlands?

For a bird’s-eye view of Fiordland National Park, a scenic flight is unparalleled. There are plenty of options to choose from departing Queenstown, Wanaka, or even the West Coast.

I recommend booking a morning scenic flight tour since this provides the best chance for clear weather and stable flying conditions. On a typical 20-minute to one-hour flight, you’ll fly over the Southern Alps followed by a low flyover of the fjord for a panoramic view of landmarks such as Mitre Peak, Bowen, and Stirling Falls, and the glacier-carved cliffs that Milford Sound is renowned for.

Most scenic flights will also land at Milford Sound Airport so that you can explore and even go on a boat cruise.

3. Stirling Falls

Whether you take the famous boat trip, a small boat, or a kayaking trip down the fjord, a huge highlight is the epic Stirling Falls, one of Milford Sound’s two permanent waterfalls which is truly impressive at 151 meters high!

My best experience at this waterfall was onboard the deck of a smaller vessel on my first visit. This allowed us to drive much closer to the waterfall and we got absolutely soaked from the spray!

4. Spot Fur Seals & Bottlenose Dolphins

Milford Sound is a sanctuary for fur seals and bottlenose dolphins, and spotting them was one of my fondest memories on the fjord.

I’ve usually seen the seals lounging on the rocks, especially around Seal Rock, which is located deep within the fjord, close to the Tasman Sea on the eastern banks. I’ve only managed to spot dolphins once on a clear day and they were riding on the bow of the boat.

In my opinion, smaller boat tours offer a more personal wildlife viewing experience, as they can navigate closer to the seals’ resting places and move smoothly, which can increase the chances of a dolphin encounter.

I spoke to our tour guide Ben from Pure Milford and he said that there are over 60 bottlenose dolphins that live in the fjord! He told me that it doesn’t matter so much about the weather, it’s just a matter of luck to spot them!

5. See The Underwater Observatory

The Underwater Observatory in Milford Sound offers a unique glimpse into the fjord’s marine life. On a rainy day, or if the cruises are all booked out, this becomes the best option to see what’s beneath the surface!

Located at Harrison Cove, within Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, Milford Sound’s awesome Underwater Observatory offers a really cool view of the fjord’s underwater ecosystem. You can also book a visit as part of a combo ticket with a boat cruise by booking with Southern Discoveries.

Regardless of the weather, it’s a fantastic opportunity to dive into the marine life without getting wet. Here, amidst the unique freshwater layer, you’ll discover rare black corals, which are usually found in much deeper waters. I also noticed that these were actually white, despite their name– weird!

The observatory is accessible at the Milford Sound Discover Center by a short boat ride from the main terminal.

6. Take An Overnight Cruise

Okay, I’m going to be honest. I haven’t done an overnight cruise in Milford Sound but based on the reviews and great wrap from other travelers online, this looks like one of the most remarkable ways to experience the fjord (and what a unique way to tick off number 19!).

One of the pitfalls of a Milford Cruise is that it is quite busy due to its popularity. However, I’m recommending this activity because this looks like the perfect way to experience the fjord in the early morning serenity before day-trippers arrive.

You can book these cruises through several providers, but after comparing reviews online it looks like the one from Southern Discoveries offers the best value and overall experience.

7. Lady Bowen Falls

Lady Bowen Falls, standing at an impressive 162 meters, is the tallest waterfall in Milford Sound and a primary source of hydroelectric power and water for the area.

The first time I saw it, I was really surprised by just how close it is from the main jetty– it’s literally around the corner, so make sure you go up on the deck as soon as the cruise departs, or you’ll miss it!

Although you can view the falls from a distance on most boat tours, I recommend taking a dedicated trip for a closer look during the summer months. Southern Discoveries offers a boat service that takes you near the base of the falls, where the thunderous roar and spray make for an epic, up-close experience.

The cost is just $10 NZD for adults and $5 for kids and you can even get off near the falls to walk up the Bowen Nature Walk up to an epic viewing platform overlooking the waterfall.

8. Marvel At Mitre Peak

Speaking of Mitre Peak, this epic 1,692 m mountain is perhaps the most impressive peak in the Southern Alps. No, it’s not the tallest mountain in New Zealand, nor is it quite as well-known as that title-holder, Mount Cook.

However, This isn’t due to its height, but for its beautiful, steep conical shape that I think looks a lot like Mount Crumpit from The Grinch (anyone?).

While it’s visible from many points along the fjord, the best views are from the water. The boat tours provide the best perspective but you can also get a great reflection shot from the Milford Sound foreshore walk, especially at dawn or dusk– if the peak isn’t shrouded in mist.

9. Milford Sound Lookout Track

If you’re looking for a short, easy hike close to the visitor center then I highly recommend checking out the Milford Sound Lookout Track.

This short 400 m return walk takes you to an elevated viewpoint for better views of Milford Sound. The track starts just a few hundred meters before you get to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal. From the café parking lot in Milford Sound, head south past the brown buildings to find the trailhead near Donald Sutherland’s grave, just beyond the hedge to the left you’ll find the trail.

It’s well-marked, winding through lush native bushland before opening out to the lookout.

From the top, you can see Mitre Peak, the Pembroke Glacier, and great views of Milford Sound.

10. Go Kayaking On The Fjord

Want a bit more adventure than a boat tour? Kayaking in Milford Sound is one of the best ways to soak up the scenery at eye level, from the towering cliffs to the lazy seals.

While I couldn’t find any kayak rental companies, there are several tour operators located at the sound that offer guided tours, suitable for all skill levels, and provide all the necessary equipment.

Below is a list of the best kayak tours I could find in Milford Sound to help you choose.

11. Hike The Milford Track

When it comes to New Zealand’s famous ‘Great Walks’, Milford Track is by far one of the most famous, and is widely regarded as ‘The Finest Walk in the World’.

In fact, the Milford Track earned this title as far back as 1908 when Blanche Baughan coined the term in her London Spectator piece.

The Milford Track stretches over 53 kilometers, starting at Lake Te Anau and finishing in Milford Sound at Sandfly Point. Along the way, hikers are treated to stunning views of Sutherland Falls, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, and the serene beauty of Clinton and Arthur Valleys.

While it requires preparation and booking in advance, especially during the Great Walks season (March to October), the Milford Track offers undeniably the best way to immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness surrounding Milford Sound.

12. Take The Milford Foreshore Walk

Visiting Milford Sound and looking for a short walk after the scenic drive down Milford Road? The Milford Foreshore Walk is well regarded as one of the best things to do once you actually arrive at Milford Sound.

This leisurely, easily accessible stroll offers stunning views of Milford Sound and Mitre Peak. This short track starts near the Milford Sound Visitor Centre and wraps around the water’s edge for a short, 30-minute walk.

I’ll admit I’ve taken this walk every time I’ve visited Milford Sound as it’s the perfect easy activity while waiting for the fjord cruise boats to depart.