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Getting to Milford Sound: Driving down, commute options, and views along the way

Where is Milford Sound located?

Address:  Fiordland National Park, New Zealand | ​Find on Map.

Milford Sound is a fjord located on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand, within the Fiordland National Park.

Closest landmark: ​Milford Sound Airport.

Plan your visit

Getting to Milford Sound using paid transport

Best for: Budget travel, scenic views

Travel time: 6 hours from the pickup point on Gorge Road

Closest stop: Milford Sound

Timings: Two buses leave Queenstown every morning at 7:20am and 7:40am

Hop onto an Intercity bus from Queenstown every morning and reach Milford Sound by lunchtime. The bus arrival time aligns with the Milford Sound Cruise departure. You can book a one-way or return ticket as per your convenience.

Day tours from Queenstown

Best for: Budget travel, scenic views

Travel time: 3 hours from the pickup point at Kiwi Country

Closest stop: Milford Sound

Timings: Two buses leave Te Anau every morning at 10:15am and 10:35am

Hop onto an Intercity bus from Te Anau every morning and reach Milford Sound around 1:30pm.The bus arrival time aligns with the Milford Sound Cruise departure. You can book a one-way or return ticket as per your convenience.

Day tours from Te Anau
Milford Sound Location

Best for: Scenic views, limited time

Travel time: 2 - 4 hours

Closest stop: Milford Sound

Timings: Usually between 10am - 2pm

Board a light aircraft or helicopter at Queenstown and fly over the famous Southern Alps and Fiordland National Park. Depending on your inclusions, you can either land on a glacier, deboard the flight for a cruise, or return to Queenstown without landing. The air ride is a great addition to a short-trip itinerary.

Flights from Queenstown

Getting to Milford Sound by car

Best for: Scenic routes, leisure travel

Travel time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Distance: 288 kms

The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound takes you via State Highway 6 then State Highway 94, passing the scenic Lake Wakatipu on the way. This route is longer than the route from Te Anau.

Queenstown to Milford Sound

Best for: Scenic routes, leisure travel

Travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Distance: 121 kms

The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound takes you via Milford Road, also known as State Highway 94. This road cuts through Fiordland National Park and therefore has no petrol bunks or shops along the way. It is advisable to drive down this road prepared with food and a full tank of gas. The route also has limited cellphone network service.

Te Anau to Milford Sound
Milford Sound Location
  • Milford Sound has vast spaces for paid parking, where the rate ranges from $5-$10 per hour if you enter after or before 3pm respectively. 
  • Deepwater Basin has free parking. 
  • Milford Sound also has a special parking ground for camper vans or large vehicles. 
  • Overnight parking is available for $30 till 11am the next day.
  • The visitor terminal has paid mobility parking.

Views en route to Milford Sound

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake

As the name suggests, this crystal clear lake provides stunning reflections of the Earl mountain range.

Eglinton Valley
The Chasm Fall
Monkey Creek
Cleddau Valley

Frequently asked questions about getting to Milford Sound

Where is Milford Sound located?

The ​Milford Sound is a fjord located within Fiordland National Park, New Zealand.

How do I get to Milford Sound?

The best way to reach Milford Sound is by bus or coach instead of self-drive. The road to Milford Sound is tricky, prone to avalanches and other adverse conditions. Public transport is safer since you will be accompanied by experienced drivers.

What is the fastest way to get to Milford Sound?

The fastest way to get to Milford Sound is also the most expensive way, by helicopter or by plane, costing NZ$645. These ​Milford Sound tours can last anywhere between 5-13 hours, depending on your ticket inclusions.

Which is the most budget-friendly way to get to Milford Sound?

The most budget-friendly way to get to ​Milford Sound is by public transport - either bus or coach which takes 6 hours from Queenstown and 3 hours from Te Anau and costs around NZ$165. These transfers are convenient for travellers who are looking to spend the day at the fjord, or taking a cruise, as the arrival times are in sync with the cruise departure times.

Which is the closest bus stop to Milford Sound?

Buses to Milford Sound will drop you right at the fjord, no additional travel needed.

Can I park at the Milford Sound?

Yes, Milford Sound has paid parking areas for all vehicle types starting at NZ$5 per hour. Overnight parking is available for NZ$30.

Can I walk to the Milford Sound?

No, the Milford Sound is almost 121 kms away from Te Anau and almost 300 kms away from Queenstown, therefore walking to the fjord is impossible. Instead, opt for public transport or a private vehicle to Milford Sound.

Which is the closest town to Milford Sound?

Te Anau is the closest town to Milford Sound, where you can consider staying overnight in case of a long journey.

What kinds of lodging are available in Milford Sound?

Being within a protected National Park, your ​accommodation choices in Milford Sound are limited to Milford Lodge which provides private rooms, as well as space for campervans. You could alternately opt for an overnight cruise on the fjord or stay at Te Anau.

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Information

All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.

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