All about Milford Sound’s tallest mountain: Mitre Peak

Mitre Peak (Rahotu) rises 5,560 feet (1,695 m) almost straight from the waters of Milford Sound. Its sharp summit, shaped like a bishop’s mitre, makes it one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural landmarks. Reflections on the fjord are especially striking on calm days, and its history is deeply tied to Māori culture.

You can admire Mitre Peak year-round, by water, air, or from the shore, with each angle offering a different perspective on Fiordland’s most photographed peak.

Mitre Peak in a Nutshell

Cruise at Milford Sound
  • Official name: Mitre Peak (Rahotu)
  • Location: Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park
  • Height: 5,560 ft (1,695 m)
  • UNESCO status: Part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site (since 1990)
  • When to visit: Year-round; reflections are clearest in the morning
  • Getting there: Plan your journey with this map of routes to Milford Sound
Book Milford Sound tours

Why see Mitre Peak?

Mitre Peak
  • New Zealand’s icon: Its jagged peak and sheer granite face make it the defining image of Milford Sound.
  • World heritage value: As part of Te Wahipounamu, Mitre Peak holds global recognition for its natural beauty and biodiversity.
  • Unforgettable views: Whether on a cruise or scenic flight, the reflections and waterfalls nearby create a scene found nowhere else.
  • Cultural significance: Māori legends tied to the mountain give depth to its dramatic presence.
  • Part of the journey: Even before you arrive, planning with this map of routes to Milford Sound builds anticipation for seeing the peak up close.

Plan your visit to Mitre Peak

Milford sound cruise
  • Cruises: 8:50am, 11:10am, 1:30pm, 3:55pm (daily)
  • Guided walks: 8:30am & 8:45am

From Te Anau or Queenstown, combine a 5.5 km guided walk on the Milford Track with a cruise.

  • Walk through rainforest and alpine scenery
  • Tea break at Giant Gate Waterfall
  • Cruise past Mitre Peak and spot wildlife
  • Small groups, transfers, and commentary included
Book a Milford Sound cruise
Milford Sound scenic flight
  • Flights: Multiple departures (daily)

Fly from Queenstown for:

  • Window-seat views of Mitre Peak
  • Aerial sights of Earnslaw Burn Glacier, Mt. Aspiring & Lake Wakatipu
  • Pilot commentary during the flight
  • Milford Sound cruise with complimentary tea & coffee
Book a scenic flyover to Milford Sound
Tour of Routeburn Track at Fiordland National Park

Address: Southland 9679, New Zealand | Find on Maps

Nestled near the shoreline of Milford Sound within the Fiordland National Park, Mitre Peak graces the southwestern region of New Zealand's South Island.

Getting to Milford Sound

What can I see on a Mitre Peak cruise or flight?

Mitre Peak

Mitre Peak

Towering 1,692 meters above Milford Sound, Mitre Peak's sheer granite cliffs, formed by glacial erosion, dominate the fiord's breathtaking landscape. A landmark for millennia, Mitre Peak serves as a navigational aid for sailors and continues to inspire artists and adventurers with its unique shape and geological wonder.

Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand
Lake Quill, Sutherland Falls on the scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, Fiordland, New Zealand
View of Tasman sea with Olivine Ice Plateau, Mt. Tutoko, and the Tutoko Glacier
Earnslaw Burn Glacier Track

History of Mitre Peak

Mitre Peak's history is deeply rooted in the ancient geology of New Zealand's Fiordland region. Carved by glacial forces over thousands of years, the peak stands as a testament to the Earth's transformative powers. Indigenous Maori people, the earliest inhabitants, called the Peak Rahotu and revered these landscapes, contributing their rich cultural history to the region. European exploration in the 19th century marked a new chapter, with Captain John Lort Stokes of HMS Acheron naming the peak so due to its resemblance to a bishop's mitre. Since then, Mitre Peak has become an iconic symbol, featuring prominently in the establishment of Fiordland National Park in 1952. Its allure continues to draw visitors, connecting them to both geological epochs and human histories.

Learn more about Fiordland National Park

Additional information about Mitre Peak

Mitre Peak is not a solitary point but rather a cluster of five peaks, though it presents itself as a singular entity from most vantage points. Situated in Milford Sound, a UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site within Te Wahipounamu, the peak's commanding presence has made it a sought-after subject for painters. Among them, Charles Decimus Barraud's masterpiece, housed at the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui, captures the imposing allure of this iconic New Zealand landmark.

Plan your visit to Mitre Peak in Milford Sound

Frequently asked questions about Mitre Peak at Milford Sound

What is Mitre Peak?

Mitre Peak is a famous mountain in New Zealand’s South Island, located within the Fiordland National Park near the Milford Sound shores.

Where can I buy Mitre Peak tickets?

You can see the majestic Mitre Peak by purchasing a Milford Sound cruise tour or scenic flight ticket.

Can I visit Mitre Peak with Milford Sound cruise or tour tickets?

Yes, you can see Mitre Peak with Milford Sound cruise or tours. You can opt for a scenic flyover and cruise tour or go on a guided walk along Milford Track and Milford Sound cruise.

Are Mitre Peak Cruises guided?

Yes, Mitre Peak cruises and flights come with expert local guides. You’ll leave knowing the spot like the back of your hand.

What else can I see on my Mitre Peak cruise or flight tour?

You can see other natural wonders of the region, such as Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls, Seal Point, Milford Sound, Southern Alps, Lake Quill, Sutherland Falls, and other native natural wonders.

Where is Mitre Peak located?

Mitre Peak is located in Milford Sound, nestled within the Fiordland National Park in New Zealand.

Can I photograph Mitre Peak?

Yes, you can take photos of Mitre Peak. Make sure to keep all your photography essentials handy and carry protective gear to protect your device from the elements, like mist or rain.

How tall is Mitre Peak?

Mitre Peak is 1,683 m or 5,560 feet tall, making it the highest peak in Milford Sound.

Are Mitre Peak Cruises accessibility-friendly?

Yes both Mitre Peak cruises and flights are accessibility-friendly.

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