Milford Sound is one of the most popular—and undoubtedly one of the most spectacular—places to visit in New Zealand. Located in Fiordland National Park, it’s the most easily accessible fiord on the South Island.

Just to clarify, it is a fiord, not a sound!

With around 200 days of rainfall each year, Milford Sound is one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving an average of about 7,000 mm (275 inches) of rain annually. To put that into perspective, the Amazon rainforest gets only around 3,000 mm on average.

Getting to Milford Sound

When we got word of potential good weather, we did the great pivot, drove the length of the South Island in a day, and began our adventure along the spectacular State Highway 94 from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

This drive alone is worth the trip—with dramatic valleys, mirror-like lakes, and countless photo stops. If you’re planning a road trip in New Zealand, the Milford Road is a must.

Booking a Milford Sound Cruise

We had pre-booked a cruise with Cruise Milford, known for their smaller, more intimate boats that allow you to get closer to the waterfalls and wildlife. Booking in advance is essential, especially during summer.

We parked at the public car park in Milford Sound, took the short five-minute walk to the terminal, checked in at the counter, and waited to board our boat.

Perfect Weather and Breathtaking Views

We couldn’t have been luckier with the weather—clear blue skies and crisp mountain air. Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed landmarks in New Zealand, rose from the depths of the fiord like a sentinel straight out of The Lord of the Rings.

The boat was the perfect size, with plenty of space to move around and take in the views from every angle. Even though we’re from Norway, also famous for its fjords, we were completely awestruck by the towering cliffs rising directly from the water.

The Cruise Experience

Our Milford Sound cruise lasted about two hours, taking us all the way to where the fiord meets the Tasman Sea—next stop, Australia! We passed sheer rock walls, cascading waterfalls, seals sunbathing on rocks, and endless panoramic views.

The combination of towering peaks, glacial waters, and lush rainforest makes Milford Sound feel almost otherworldly.

A Day To Remember

It was truly one of the most spectacular days of our lives—driving to Milford Sound, stopping for epic photos along the way, and cruising through one of the most stunning natural landscapes on Earth.

The Milford Sound cruise was a highlight of our entire New Zealand trip. Even though we only dipped our toes into what Fiordland National Park has to offer, it was a toe dip we’ll remember forever.

Milford Sound Travel Tips

✅ Best time to visit: Summer (December–February) for mild weather, though rainy days often create even more waterfalls. We visited mid-March.

✅ Book ahead: Cruises and accommodations fill up fast.

✅ Drive carefully: The Milford Road can be slippery after rain or snow—check conditions before you go.

✅ Pack layers: Weather can change quickly, even on sunny days.

✅ Bring a camera: Every corner is postcard-worthy.