Discover Milford Sound

A roughly two-hour cruise passes steep rock walls rising straight from the water, thundering waterfalls, and often playful dolphins and seals, out into the open Tasman Sea — the most impressive natural spectacle of Fiordland National Park.

The distinctive, mitre-shaped peak rises directly from the fjord to over 1,600 meters and ranks among New Zealand's most photographed natural landmarks, especially striking on clear mornings when its silhouette reflects in the mirror-smooth water.

The permanent waterfalls Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls plunge from over 150 and 160 meters respectively directly into the fjord, while heavy rain adds hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down the steep rock walls — an especially dramatic sight.

The fjord is surrounded by temperate rainforest, where the cheeky, highly intelligent kea — the world's only alpine parrot species — is frequently encountered and occasionally nibbles curiously at visitors' car mirrors or backpacks.

From Queenstown, Milford Sound can be reached by bus or rental car in about 4.5 hours along one of New Zealand's most scenic roads. Several operators also offer combined bus-and-boat day trips directly from Queenstown.

A roughly two-hour cruise passes steep rock walls rising straight from the water, thundering waterfalls, and often playful dolphins and seals, out into the open Tasman Sea — the most impressive natural spectacle of Fiordland National Park.

The distinctive, mitre-shaped peak rises directly from the fjord to over 1,600 meters and ranks among New Zealand's most photographed natural landmarks, especially striking on clear mornings when its silhouette reflects in the mirror-smooth water.

The permanent waterfalls Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls plunge from over 150 and 160 meters respectively directly into the fjord, while heavy rain adds hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down the steep rock walls — an especially dramatic sight.