Loading map...
faq.title
faq.subtitle Milford Sound
December-March for best weather. August-November for fewer crowds and snowy views. Rain creates stunning waterfalls, so rainy days are beautiful too.
From Te Anau: 2.5-hour drive/bus. From Queenstown: 4 hours. Scenic flights available. No petrol stations on the road - fill up in Te Anau.
Yes, especially December-February. Book 2-4 weeks ahead in peak season. Overnight cruises require 6-12 months advance booking.
Layers! Waterproof jacket is essential. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Weather changes quickly - expect rain even in summer.
Very limited. Milford Lodge is the only option (from NZD 400/night). Overnight cruises available. Most visitors stay in Te Anau or Queenstown.
Guided kayaking tours available (2-4 hours). Swimming is possible but water is very cold (10-14°C). Wetsuits available for hire.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Milford Sound
Book cruises 2-4 weeks ahead in peak season (December-February). Overnight cruises need 6-12 months.
No petrol stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound. Fill up completely before departing!
Bring waterproof jacket even in summer. Milford Sound is one of the wettest places on Earth (7m rain/year).
Don't be discouraged by rainy days - rain creates hundreds of temporary waterfalls on the cliffs!
Parking is expensive (NZD 10/hour). Overstay fee NZD 75. Plan your time well.
Bring your own food - dining options are very limited and expensive at Milford Sound.
May-November: snow chains mandatory for cars. Consider renting a car with chains or book a bus tour.
No mobile phone coverage on Milford Road. Tell someone your plans and expected return.
Bring insect repellent for sandflies - they can be very annoying, especially near waterfalls.
Start your trip early morning to avoid crowds and get the best light for photography.
Reviews
Questions & Answers
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
17°
17°85%7 м/с
Today
17°12°
17°12°Tomorrow20°13°
20°13°Sat19°14°
19°14°Sun17°13°
17°13°Mon18°12°
18°12°Tue18°12°
18°12°Wed19°13°
19°13°19°
11°Jan
19°
11°Feb
17°
9°Mar
14°
6°Apr
11°
4°May
9°
2°Jun
9°
2°Jul
10°
3°Aug
12°
4°Sep
14°
6°Oct
16°
8°Nov
18°
10°Dec
location.transport.title
location.transport.subtitle
Loading...
location.transport.bus
40 $~23.4 $
Bus from Te Anau to Milford Sound: from 40 NZD (transport only, InterCity). Journey ~3 hours. From Queenstown more expensive — from 65 NZD. Most tourists book bus+cruise packages from 243 NZD
location.transport.ferry
99 $~57.9 $
Milford Sound fjord cruise: from 99 NZD (basic) to 179 NZD (adult, Cruise Milford), children 5-14 — 89 NZD. Duration ~1h 45min. Cruises run daily from 08:45 to 14:45. Fares valid until September 2026
| location.transport.title | location.transport.price | location.transport.app | location.transport.note |
|---|---|---|---|
location.transport.bus | 40 $ ~23.4 $ | — | Bus from Te Anau to Milford Sound: from 40 NZD (transport only, InterCity). Journey ~3 hours. From Queenstown more expensive — from 65 NZD. Most tourists book bus+cruise packages from 243 NZD |
location.transport.ferry | 99 $ ~57.9 $ | — | Milford Sound fjord cruise: from 99 NZD (basic) to 179 NZD (adult, Cruise Milford), children 5-14 — 89 NZD. Duration ~1h 45min. Cruises run daily from 08:45 to 14:45. Fares valid until September 2026 |
Daily Budget
Prices
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Cafes & Restaurants
Lunch
20 - 35 NZ$
~27.5 $
Restaurant dinner
80 - 120 NZ$
~100 $
Breakfast
18 - 25 NZ$
~21.5 $
Street Food
Local dish
12 - 15 NZ$
~13.5 $
Drinks
Coffee
5 - 6 NZ$
~5.5 $
Beer in bar
10 - 14 NZ$
~12.0 $
Local beer
8 - 10 NZ$
~9.0 $
Imported beer
12 - 16 NZ$
~14.0 $
Wine bottle
25 - 45 NZ$
~35.0 $
Fast Food
Big Mac
10 - 12 NZ$
~11.0 $
Groceries
Water 1.5L
3 - 5 NZ$
~4.0 $
Cigarettes
35 - 45 NZ$
~40.0 $
Weekly groceries
150 - 200 NZ$
~175 $
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Accommodation
Hotels and rental prices
Hostel dorm
35 - 50 NZ$ / night
~42.5 $
Hostel private room
80 - 120 NZ$ / night
~100 $
Guesthouse
150 - 220 NZ$ / night
~185 $
Hotel 2★
120 - 180 NZ$ / night
~150 $
Hotel 3★
180 - 280 NZ$ / night
~230 $
Hotel 4★
300 - 450 NZ$ / night
~375 $
Hotel 5★
500 - 800 NZ$ / night
~650 $
Boutique hotel
400 - 670 NZ$ / night
~535 $
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.title
location.payment.subtitle
location.payment.accepted_cards
VisaMastercardEFTPOS
location.payment.contactless_available
location.payment.atms
rare
location.payment.mobile_payments
Apple PayGoogle Pay
location.payment.cash
Cards accepted at cruise tours and lodge. No ATM at Milford Sound - bring cash or use card.
location.payment.currency_exchange
New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Exchange money in Te Anau or Queenstown. No exchange services at Milford Sound.
location.payment.tipping
0%
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand. Appreciated for exceptional service but not obligatory.
What to see
Attractions and points of interest
