The Best & Easiest Ways to Get From Queenstown to Milford Sound

 

Travelling from Queenstown to Milford Sound takes you through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Milford Sound is known for its towering cliffs, dark waters, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a place that truly showcases New Zealand’s natural beauty. This journey offers scenic routes that will have you letting out some audible ‘wow’s. Many ask can you do Milford Sound in a day from Queenstown, or if staying overnight is a better option. This blog will guide you through the best and easiest ways to get from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Let’s answer your top questions and making your trip planning easier.

Is Milford Sound Really Worth It?

Milford Sound’s water is also unusual because of its two-layer mix of freshwater and saltwater. Wildlife such as fur seals and dolphins call this area home, and you can usually spot them on the boat tours. There are a range of activities including boat tours, kayaking, and hiking. Milford Sound blends natural beauty and wildlife, making the Queenstown to Milford Sound journey totally worth IMO.

Can You Do Milford Sound in a Day From Queenstown?

Yes, you can definitely do Milford Sound in a day from Queenstown, though it requires an early start and will be a long day.

The adventure would begin early in the morning, around 7:00 AM, whether you’re catching a coach, driving yourself, or opting for a tour package that includes transportation. The journey itself, regardless of your mode of transport, will be a showcase of New Zealand’s natural beauty, featuring mountains, lakes, and alpine peaks with scheduled stops for photo opportunities. Make sure to give yourself enough time for photo stops – the road from Queenstown to Milford Sound puts on a show!

Upon reaching Milford Sound by lunchtime, you have the option to embark on a cruise. This cruise is a total highlight, offering up-close views of the fiord’s waterfalls, glaciers, and possibly its resident wildlife. After the cruise, there’s time to explore the area, soak in the sights, or simply reflect on the beauty around you.

For the return to Queenstown from Milford Sound, consider the various options available. A coach trip back will have you arriving in the early evening, around 7:00 or 8:00 PM. For those who drove, the journey back offers more flexibility with stops. Alternatively, for a unique return trip and to save time, a scenic flight back to Queenstown offers breathtaking aerial views of the landscape you just explored on the ground.

When planning your day trip, remember:

• Costs for day tours from Queenstown to Milford Sound range from NZ$300-NZ$500 per person.
• Weather in Milford Sound is unpredictable, so pack accordingly.
• Comfort is key for the long day ahead.
• Scenic flights back to Queenstown are an excellent way to cap off the experience, offering a different perspective of the landscape.

Driving From Queenstown to Milford Sound

Is it worth the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound? Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound offers a journey through one of the most scenic routes globally. So, yes it’s totally worth the drive. Here’s what you need to know:

Car Rental: Expect to pay around NZ$100 per day. In summer, book in advance to ensure availability. There are a few car rental agencies in Queenstown, or you can book a car online using Kayak. Remember you’ll need a credit card to ensure a deposit.

Road Conditions: The route via State Highway 6 and 94 is single-lane, with a lot of curves and switchbacks. It’s well-maintained but quite narrow in places, challenging during oncoming traffic (Kiwi’s can be notoriously erratic drivers). Winter travellers note: snow may close Milford Road from June to August. Always check the New Zealand Transport Agency website for current conditions.

Duration and Stops: Covering about 288 kilometers (179 miles), the drive takes roughly 4-5 hours without stops. However, dedicating a day allows for meal breaks and enjoying the scenic views. There are numerous beautiful spots to pause along the way.

Fuel: Gas is available in Queenstown and Te Anau. Fill up in Te Anau, as there are no stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

Entry Fee: Fiordland National Park charges a NZ$25 vehicle fee.

Parking: Car parks at Milford Sound fill up quickly, so arrive early. More parking info below.

Tips to keep in mind

• Enjoy the drive and the views. The route is dotted with scenic viewpoints perfect for photos.
• Watch for wildlife, including keas and deer.
• If driving mountainous roads isn’t for you, consider a day tour from Queenstown for a relaxed experience.

Despite the preparation and the drive’s length, driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound is immensely rewarding, combining the thrill of the drive with the beauty of one of New Zealand’s iconic destinations. So the answer is: Yes is is worth it to drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

Where to Park in Milford Sound?

There are two parking options when driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound. The Main Milford Sound Car Park is closest, a quick 5-10 minute walk through native bush. It costs NZ$20 for five hours. Spaces fill up fast, especially in summer. Payment is easy with credit card or EFTPOS at the car park machines.

The Deepwater Basin car park offers free parking. It’s a bit further, about a 20-30 minute scenic walk away. There used to be a free shuttle running to the terminal every 15-30 minutes – but I’d check if this is still running. Both car parks are off State Highway 94 and well-signed. Remember, there are parking time limits. Check your parking duration to avoid issues. Choose the best option for you and enjoy Milford Sound without parking hassles.

Driving to Milford Sound from Queenstown: Where To Stop?

If you’ve decided that driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound is your go-to, make sure to factor in some stops along the route. The journey really gives the wow-factor and you’re going to want to stop to drink it all in.

Devil’s Staircase Lookout

Kickstart the drive with views of Lake Wakatipu and Otago’s mountains at Devil’s Staircase Lookout. A short walk leads you to this spectacular vantage point, making it a perfect introduction for the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

Te Anau 

As the halfway mark between Queenstown and Milford Sound, Te Anau is a classic pit stop. Sandfly Cafe in Te Anau is known for its hearty breakfasts and lunches, while Fat Duck presents modern New Zealand cuisine. If you’re in the mood for some pub vibes, Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub offers both refreshing pints and classic pub fare to fuel you up for the day ahead.

Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

New Zealand’s South Island has some amazing avian diversity. Here, you’ll encounter endemic species such as kiwi birds, kakapo parrots, and takahe birds, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s natural heritage.

Mirror Lakes

Don’t miss the Mirror Lakes, where the still waters mirror the towering mountains above, providing stunning photographic opportunities. A brief walk leads to the lakeside, ensuring an up-close experience with this natural wonder.

Knobs Flat 

For a mid-journey refuel, Knobs Flat offers cafes and a general store for snacks or a light lunch, nestled amidst the scenic route to Milford Sound. It’s also a beautiful photo spot to make sure you’re camera ready.

Lake Gunn 

Lake Gunn, known for its distinctive green hue, is another photogenic stop. The colour results from minerals and organic matter dissolving from the surrounding vegetation. A short track leads to a lakeside jetty, perfect for soaking in the serene environment.

To ensure you have enough time for exploration, fill up on gas in Te Anau, and remember the NZ$25 vehicle fee for entering Fiordland National Park.

The Best Milford Sound Day Trips

Don’t feel like driving? The good news is there are loads day trips to Milford Sound that pick up in Queenstown and fit various interests and budgets. Here’s a rundown of the top day trips from the simple tours to the once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour: The go-to choice for many, this budget-friendly option includes a day-long coach trip with photo stops en route to Milford Sound, followed by a fiord cruise. Perfect for those seeking an easy trip, these usually stop along the way in Te Anau and for photo opportunities. We actually did a day trip with Jucy Cruise (now Pure Milford) when doing Milford Sound from Queenstown. We did the Coach-Cruise-Coach option that picked us up nice and early in Queenstown and costs around $300 NZD per person.

If you want more of a private, small group tour then book a small group drive and cruise tour on GetYourGuide to skip the lines (these are likely to sell out closer to set off!).

Milford Sound Helicopter Tour: For speed and luxury, a helicopter tour offers breathtaking aerial views and a cruise in Milford Sound, all within about 1.5 hours of flight. This premium choice ranges from NZ$700-NZ$1500 per person, with variations based on helicopter comfort and included activities. You can book helicopter tours on Get Your Guide, or in Queenstown from one of the travel shops.

Day Trip With Overnight Stay: This trip starts with an overnight stay in Te Anau, followed by cruising on Doubtful and Milford Sounds. It’s a premium multi-day experience that offers a deeper exploration of Fiordland. This option is the most expensive and ranges from $300 to upwards of NZ$1000 per person depending on the type of trip and time of year you go. The overnight stay is not worth the additional fee in my opinion, the day trip’s cover so much and you see a lot in the 2 hours you’re on the cruise. If you still want the full experience, RealNZ do regular overnight boat tours.

Is There a Ferry From Queenstown to Milford Sound?

If you’re considering a ferry from Queenstown to Milford Sound for a direct route, it’s important to note that such a service doesn’t exist. The reason is geographical; Milford Sound lies across a mountain range from Queenstown, making direct water travel unfeasible. Sorry!

The alternative, a multi-day cruise circling the bottom of the South Island to reach Milford Sound, exists but isn’t common due to its high cost and lengthy duration. The majority of visitors to Milford Sound opt for land travel from Queenstown, either by coach or personal vehicle.

In Conclusion

Planning a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound is a must in New Zealand. Luckily, you have choices in terms of guided tours. If you’re driving, don’t miss stops like the Devil’s Staircase Lookout and Mirror Lakes. They make the journey worth it and offer a new view of New Zealands South Island. Yes, it requires an early start and a long drive, but the views of Milford Sound? Completely worth it.

In short, the trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound is unforgettable. It mixes adventure with awe-inspiring scenery you don’t get anywhere else. So, make sure you set your alarm and get ready for (probably) the most beautiful place you’ll ever visit.

Have you done the drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown? Let me know your stories in the comments!

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