How to Get Around Milford Sound
Every trip to New Zealand is made complete with a visit to Milford Sound. Here Rico Pena explains all you need to know to make your trip to the sound successful.
Milford Sound is rightly one of the most popular spots in New Zealand. With stunning mountain vistas, more waterfalls than you can count, and a 16km long reflection pool, it’s also one of the most beautiful. So your New Zealand itinerary will probably have you stopping by, if only for a few hours. Whether you get to Milford Sound on foot, by car, by bus or by plane, it’s good to know that getting around is relatively easy.
It is worth noting that most people will arrive at Milford Sound by bus, either from Queenstown or Te Anau. Due to the distance and tour times, 11am to 3pm is peak time, when the head of the fjord is bustling with day-trippers. From Te Anau, there is only one road into Milford Sound, which will take approximately 2 hours.
Map on how to get around Milford Sound as seen in visitor's centre
How to Get Around Milford Sound Visitor Area
The visitor area is where you will most likely end up. This area includes paid parking ($25 flat rate for 5 hours), a cafe and gift shop, a short coastal walk (20-minute return) and a short walk to the Visitor Terminal (Boat Terminal). If arriving by bus, the bus will drive directly to the boat dock, where you will likely already be checked in. If arriving by private car, in all instances, you will not be able to drive back to the boat terminal. Instead, you will need to park in either the paid or free parking lots and walk to the Visitor Terminal (please refer to the map above). The paid parking area is clearly marked with maps and meters. While the road continues on to the Visitor Terminal, the road clearly indicates that it is only for buses.
Signs around the main paid car park showing how to get around Milford Sound car park
How to Get Around Milford Sound Visitor Terminal (Boat Terminal)
From the visitor centre and paid car park, there is a short 10-15 minute coastal walk to the visitor terminal (boat terminal). While it is partly sheltered by trees and a walkway cover, it might be wise to carry an umbrella. The Visitor Terminal is similar to an airport in that once inside, there will be desks for each boat company to which you can check in. From there, the boat company will tell you where to find your boat and usually provide you with a token/ticket. This will be handed back to the employee who is boarding the passengers.
Visitor Terminal (Boat Terminal) main entrance view from walkway
Visitor Terminal (Boat Terminal) view of docks with the boat companies
Walk to Visitor Terminal (Boat Terminal)
How to get around Milford Sound includes walking such as this walk to the Visitor Terminal (Boat Terminal)
Staying in Milford Sound: Milford Lodge
Milford Lodge is the only public hotel accommodation in Milford Sound, and it is pretty expensive. However, with its prime location and hosting the only restaurant in Milford Sound, the Milford Lodge is one you shouldn’t miss. It will allow you to extend your time in Milford Sound and soak it all in after the day-trippers have left. Milford Lodge also has a small shuttle that can pick you up or drop you off from the Milford Track or the main boat terminal.
How to Get Around Milford Sound Airport Area
This area includes the only Free Parking in Milford Sound, an excellent option if you are alright with walking. The boat from Sandfly Point (where Milford Track ends) arrives here. The Milford Sound kayaking and scuba diving trips also depart from here, in addition to the Milford Sound Airport (charter flights only). It is worth noting the Milford Lodge has a shuttle and can pick patrons up and drop them off for activities in this area if scheduled ahead of time.
How to get around Milford Sound can be challenging, but will often include some sort of walking. Because this beautiful place is known for its rain, carrying an umbrella or a rain jacket is recommended as you walk to and from your selected activity.