How to get to Milford Sound – Your transport solutions to the 8th World Wonder

Learn how to get to Milford Sound by road (self-driving or on a tour) or by air from Queenstown.

Milford Sound is one of the most visually stunning parts of Aotearoa New Zealand.

In fact, it often comes up as a ‘must-visit’ in our Facebook group and when I talk with our consultation clients… and it’s really no wonder!

Getting there isn’t as straightforward as many people think, but it’s worth coming up with a transport plan to reach this remote beauty.

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How to get to Milford Sound

By road or air, there are transport options to suit every kind of traveller.

Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of each mode of transport, helping you decide the best option for you.

Drive yourself to Milford Sound

Pro tip: We recommend sailing around midday so you can allow time before/after to enjoy the stops on the way into Milford Sound.

Others prefer to book their cruise early, before the tours arrive. Cruise Milford [discounted to NZTT readers] undersells its boats though, so it’s never full.

Self-drive from Queenstown in one day

Queenstown is the closest city to Milford Sound and where most people choose to depart.

It’s a long drive though (at 3 hours and 45 minutes, one way, without any stops). And you’ll want to make a lot of stops along Milford Road (State Highway 94)!

That’s 7 and a half hours of driving in one day, plus sightseeing and your scenic cruise [Cruise Milford | Mitre Peak Cruises].

Because of this, it isn’t advisable to self-drive in and out of Milford Sound from Queenstown in one day.

If you’re keen to make this trip in one day, we suggest joining a road tour or flight from Queenstown.

Or, if you have more time, why not stay a night or two in Te Anau and reduce your drive time?

Self-drive from Te Anau

Te Anau is a great base for people who want to drive themselves into Milford.

By road, this quiet little town is about:

• 2 hours and 10 minutes from Queenstown
• 3 hours from Wānaka
• 3 hours and 30 minutes from Dunedin.

Then, from Te Anau, it’s only a 1 hour and 45-minute drive into Milford Sound (plus time for stops)… that’s 3 and a half hours’ total drive time (which is quite reasonable) if going in and out of Milford on one day.

If visiting Milford from Te Anau, we recommend spending a minimum of two nights’ accommodation – one before your day trip and another after.

Let someone else drive you to Milford

Join a tour by road from Queenstown

Milford Road is spectacular so we understand why many people want to see it, however, it’s really too far to drive yourself in and out from Queenstown.

Joining a guided tour from Queenstown allows you to experience this road, while also knocking Milford out in one day.

Sure, it’s a long day on the road (approximately 12 hours), but it can be the best option for:

• people who are short on time
• don’t have the budget to fly in
• still want to see Milford Road.

Join a tour by road from Te Anau

Many people who choose to stay in Te Anau opt to drive themselves to Milford Sound to save money – but you can still join a great guided tour if you’d like.

Departing on a tour from Te Anau means a shorter day on the road and the possibility of more stops.

Plus, the best scenery is between Te Anau Downs and Milford, so you’re not missing much in that sense.

Fly to Milford

Pro tip: We recommend booking scenic flights as early as possible in your itinerary. This allows you to rebook in the following days if your departure is delayed due to weather.

Flyover from Queenstown

If you’re particularly short on time but can’t stand the idea of leaving Queenstown without seeing Milford Sound, a flyover is just what you need.

Departing from Queenstown on a small plane, you’ll enjoy incredible views of Lake Whakatipu, Mount Madeline and Mount Tutoko, and of course, Milford Sound – our most famous fiord.

Then you’ll turn around in the air and fly back to Queenstown, ready to continue your travels.

Fly/cruise/fly from Queenstown

A fly/cruise/fly tour is our favourite flight option into Milford Sound.

Taking off from Queenstown, you’ll enjoy the spectacular scenic flight over towering mountains and through the fiord itself, before landing at Milford Sound Airport.

Then it’s a short private bus ride over to the cruise terminal to sail Milford Sound, before flying back to Queenstown.

What’s more, you’ll be back again in time for lunch or an afternoon activity which is perfect for those keen to maximise their time in Queenstown.

Choose from a more affordable fixed-wing experience with Air Milford or Milford Sound Scenic Flights, or a more expensive (but amazing) heli flight with The Helicopter Line.

All of which come with your NZTT discounts!

Fly from Te Anau

Though Te Anau is much closer to Milford Sound by road, it’s actually further than Queenstown by air (and more expensive).

Hence, we only recommend flying from Te Anau to Milford Sound if you want to enjoy a scenic flight and you don’t plan to visit Queenstown or won’t have enough time while you’re there.

Pro tip: It’s better to fly from Te Anau to Doubtful Sound or the even more remote Dusky Sound. These flights are amazing, they’re closer to Te Anau and you’ll visit locations that fewer people get to visit.

Coach/cruise/fly

If you’re struggling to choose between flying or seeing Milford by road, there is an awesome combo option.

You’ll be taken into Queenstown by coach or van, then you’ll enjoy a scenic cruise before being flown back to Queenstown.

This really is the best of both worlds in terms of scenery, but as stated above, it’s not without its downfalls too.

Once you start travelling to Milford by road, you may find the weather isn’t good enough for your flight to return (in which case you’ll have to take the long trip back by road).

Surprisingly, it’s also more expensive to join a small group van/cruise/fly than it is to fly/cruise/fly.

Cruiseship

Finally, it is also possible to visit Milford Sound (and the surrounding fiords) by cruise ship.

If you’re sailing on a cruiseliner, it’s unlikely that you’ll get off the ship – instead, you’ll enjoy the views while onboard.

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And there you have it, our tried-and-tested transport options for Milford Sound.

Do you have a favourite way to get to this spectacular part of Fiordland?

If so, we’d love to hear from you in NZTT!