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All About Milford Sound: A Fiordland Gem Nicknamed the "8th Wonder of the Natural World

What is Milford Sound?

Milford Sound Cruise

Imagine a place where mountains rise straight from the sea and waterfalls plunge hundreds of metres into dark, still waters. That’s Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, carved by glaciers in the last Ice Age and often called the “eighth wonder of the world.”

Located in Fiordland National Park, this 15 km fiord is one of New Zealand’s most visited destinations. Here you’ll find towering peaks, lush rainforests, and rare wildlife — from fur seals and dolphins to Fiordland crested penguins. With over a million visitors a year, it’s also the only fiord in New Zealand you can reach by road.

You can explore Milford by cruise, scenic flight, kayak, or even on foot via the famous Milford Track.

Quick Facts about Milford Sound

Milford Sound, New Zealand
  • Official name: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
  • Location: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
  • Topography: Glacial fiord
  • Signature peak: Mitre Peak (1,692 m)
  • Tallest waterfall: Stirling Falls (155 m)
  • Wildlife: Fur seals, dolphins, penguins, whales
  • Activities: Cruising, hiking, kayaking, heli-touring, and more things to do
  • Size: 15 km long, up to 291 m deep
  • Age: Over 2 million years
  • UNESCO status: Part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area since 1990
  • Visitors per year: Over 1 million

Plan your visit to Milford Sound

Timings

  • Cruises: Multiple cruises daily
  • Guided walks: 8:30am & 8:45am
  • Day trips: From Queenstown (7:30am onwards) and Te Anau (8–8:30am, seasonal)
  • Scenic flights: Multiple departures from Queenstown daily

Best Time to Visit

Open year-round. Summer (Dec–Feb) offers long days but more crowds and rainfall. Winter (Jun–Aug) has clearer skies, snow-dusted peaks, and calmer seas.

Best time to visit Milford Sound

Location

Milford Sound sits in Fiordland National Park, on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The fiord runs 12 km inland from the Tasman Sea.

  • From Queenstown: ~288 km, about 4 hrs 15 mins by road
  • From Te Anau: ~121 km, about 2 hrs 15 mins by road

You can drive yourself, but many travelers opt for a coach + cruise package or fly in for a faster, scenic option. Check route maps to Milford Sound.

Getting to Milford Sound

Things to see At Milford Sound

Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord

Mitre Peak

Soaring 1,692 meters above sea level, Mitre Peak stands as the proud symbol of Milford Sound. Its jagged peaks, piercing the clouds, create a dramatic silhouette against the ever-changing canvas of the fiord.

Cruise ship approaching a waterfall in Milford Sound
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Milford Discovery Centre
Harrison's Cove

Adventure activities in Milford Sound

Tourists enjoying a guided tour at Milford Sound with scenic fjord backdrop.

From soaring above the peaks to diving into its inky waters, Milford Sound is a playground for adventurers. Explore these top activities, and see our full list in Things to Do in Milford Sound.

  • Scenic flights: Take a helicopter or small plane for a bird’s-eye view of Mitre Peak, glaciers, and waterfalls. Pair with a cruise for the ultimate fjord experience.
  • Kayaking:** Paddle beneath sheer cliffs and alongside seals, penguins, and dolphins. A serene way to connect with Milford’s wildlife.
  • Hiking the Milford Track:** Tackle New Zealand’s most famous Great Walk — 53.5 km through valleys, passes, and waterfalls like Sutherland Falls.
  • Scuba diving & snorkeling: Discover kelp forests, reef fish, and Milford’s rare black coral in one of the world’s wettest, most dramatic marine environments.
  • Rock climbing: Scale Fiordland’s granite cliffs with routes for all skill levels.

History of Milford Sound

Milford Sound’s story is as rich as its landscapes.

  • Geological origins: Carved by colossal glaciers during the last Ice Age, the fiord stretches 15 km inland from the Tasman Sea.
  • Māori legends: According to tradition, the demi-god Tuterakiwhanoa carved the fiord, shaping its cliffs and valleys. Learn more about the cultural landscape in our Fiordland National Park guide.
  • European discovery: In 1812, Captain John Grono became the first European to chart the area, naming it Milford Haven after his Welsh homeland.
  • Settlement & tourism: By 1888, settler Donald Sutherland had built Milford’s first accommodation, laying the groundwork for today’s thriving tours and experiences.
  • Conservation & wildlife: Now part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site, Milford is a sanctuary for wildlife, including endangered Fiordland crested penguins and Hector’s dolphins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Milford Sound

Milford Sound, also known as Piopiotahi, is a breathtaking fiord located in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. Carved by glaciers during the last ice age, it is often hailed as the 'eighth wonder of the world.' The fiord features towering mountains, and lush rainforests, and is renowned for its diverse wildlife.