Title: Milford Sound Travel Guide: Best of Milford Sound, Southland Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk

[Hotels in Milford Sound](https://expedia.co.uk/Milford-Sound-Hotels.d2274.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Milford Sound](https://expedia.co.uk/Milford-Sound-Holiday-Rentals.d2274.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Milford Sound](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Milford-Sound.d2274.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Milford Sound](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Milford-Sound.d2274.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Milford Sound Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Milford-Sound.d2274.Car-Hire-Guide)[Milford Sound Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Milford-Sound.d2274.Holidays-City-Breaks)

# Milford Sound Travel Guide

## Tourist Guide

![Milford Sound](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2274/42edfe73-e3df-41ae-bdb4-c980968ca477.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Milford Sound](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2274/42edfe73-e3df-41ae-bdb4-c980968ca477.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Milford Sound showing mountains and a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2274/ad615f44-76ab-465c-bc36-80d78bf09124.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Milford Sound showing boating, a river or creek and a cascade](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2274/e6722f77-1536-4b29-bc78-e91e3b69a9ec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Milford Sound featuring mountains, boating and a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2274/a21a3268-140b-4818-ae5d-598f067ab8c2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Milford Sound

Things to do

#### Majestic sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls and abundant marine life make this beautiful sound one of New Zealand’s most prized destinations.

Marvel at snow-capped peaks and cliffs that rise straight out of the water, get close enough to feel the spray of thundering waterfalls and look out for dolphins and sea birds at awe-inspiring Milford Sound. Experience the rugged natural surroundings with a kayak or enjoy the scenery from the comfort of a boat.

Milford Sound is a year-round destination. On clear days, take in pristine views of the symmetrical Mitre Peak reflected in the still water. When it rains, the waterfalls are thunderous and the clouds that hug the cliffs create a mystical atmosphere.

Without doubt, the best way to explore the sound is from the water. Several operators run boat tours, which vary in length from a couple of hours to overnight cruises. For a more intimate experience with nature, join a kayak tour. Catch a glimpse of dolphins, penguins, fur seals and an array of sea birds as you paddle.

During boat and kayak tours, your guide will take you past the sound’s major highlights, including some spectacular waterfalls and the iconic Mitre Peak. This perfectly shaped cone is the tallest of the mountains in Milford Sound and stands at 5,551 feet (1,692 metres).

Be sure to check out the Milford Sound Discovery Centre. The underwater observatory plunges 33 feet (10 metres) into the fiord and you can spy a variety of fish, as well as rare tube anemones and deep-water corals through the glass. On the upper floor, interactive videos and displays investigate the history and ecosystems of Milford Sound. A small café is located near the parking area.

The closest town to Milford Sound is Te Anau, which can be reached in just over 2-hours’ drive down a scenic road. Regular buses also run from Queenstown, although this is a 6-hour journey. Accommodation in Milford Sound ranges from luxury chalets to tent sites. It’s a good idea to book your trip in advance during summer.

![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-uk-fr-de.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh)

## 

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- Top hotels in Milford Sound
- Top Holiday Rentals in Milford Sound

![Fiordland Discovery](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/21000000/20610000/20608400/20608311/5f2f922b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Fiordland Discovery

Berth 5, Milford Wharf Milford Sound 

£1,161

26 Mar - 27 Mar

includes taxes & fees

Stay at this cruise ship in Milford Sound. Enjoy free breakfast, a rooftop terrace and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Milford Sound and Milford Discovery ...

9.8/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)

we really enjoyed this trip, jack and his crew were absolutely fantastic and the food was so so good (thank you Chris!). we saw penguins and seals and the hot tub was brilliant at night listening to the owls and birds. due to the rainfall during the night the waterfalls were absolutely epic the best ...

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=26%2F03%2F2026&endDate=27%2F03%2F2026&selected=20608311&PinnedHotelID=20608311&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=2274)

[See all properties in Milford Sound](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=27%2F02%2F2026&endDate=28%2F02%2F2026&regionId=2274)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

![Colonial Motel Invercargill](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/120000/115600/115565/3e291787_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Colonial Motel Invercargill

143 Mary Street Invercargill Southland

Stay at this aparthotel in Invercargill. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...

8.8/10 Excellent! (394 reviews)

Nice kitchen

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Invercargill-Hotels-Colonial-Motel-Invercargill.h115565.Hotel-Information)

![Modern Bach with a Rural view](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/44000000/43640000/43633700/43633603/403d8ebb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Modern Bach with a Rural view

 Riverton NZ

Stay at this cottage in Riverton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios.

9.8/10 Exceptional! (335 reviews)

Very welcoming host and holiday home.

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Riverton-Hotels-Modern-Bach-With-A-Rural-View.h43633603.Hotel-Information)

![Milford Road Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/119000000/118710000/118705600/118705590/4c0e71b8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Milford Road Apartments

194 Milford Road Te Anau Southland

Stay at this aparthotel in Te Anau. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Fiordland Cinema and Luxmore Jet are located nearby.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Te-Anau-Hotels-Milford-Road-Apartments.h118705590.Hotel-Information)

[See all 2,086 properties in Southland](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=6047987&sort=VACATION_RENTAL)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

## Check Milford Sound hotel availability

[Tonight

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[Tomorrow night

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[This weekend

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[Next weekend

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### Popular places to visit

#### Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory

Make time to visit the sea animals who live in Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory during your trip to Milford Sound. Discover the area's waterfalls and mountain views. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Milford-Discovery-Centre-Underwater-Observatory-Milford-Sound.d553248621526966873.Attraction)

### Things to do

![The Milford Adventurer](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1300174/697d5f80-b13a-4cb7-9557-664a724992e4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

£79

per adult

**98%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/cruise-milford-nz-small-boutique-cruise-experience.a1300174.activity-details)

![Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/259336/3ff14164-8877-4fe8-ae32-37d04ab341e9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise

£112

per adult

**98%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/milford-sound-wilderness-cruise.a259336.activity-details)

![Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with Lunch](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/486153/aed7e45b-094b-45df-9054-177047f29e7b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Milford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown

£152

per adult

**94%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/milford-sound-full-day-experience-with-nature-cruise-lunch-ex-queenstown.a486153.activity-details)

![Milford Sound: Boutique Small-Boat Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4749395/8485b0aa-a20a-4d28-ad47-5bfcbe729d10.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Milford Sound: Boutique Small-Boat Cruise

£163

per adult

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/milford-sound-boutique-small-boat-cruise.a4749395.activity-details)

![Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1277627/b6f37260-e54c-4170-809e-23828d9a9582.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

£329

per adult

**90%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/milford-sound-fly-cruise-fly-tour-from-queenstown.a1277627.activity-details)

![Milford Sound Nature Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/261851/d9e0e712-67bf-4b3e-b0fa-bb17784fda69.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Milford Sound Nature Cruise

£73

per adult

**88%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/milford-sound-nature-cruise.a261851.activity-details)

[See all activities in Milford Sound](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Milford-Sound.d2274.Travel-Guide-Activities)

## Cities near Milford Sound

![Milford Sound featuring mountains, a pebble beach and forest scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2274/01d0d3fa-591f-48be-a782-3ade10774c97.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Fiordland National Park

## Explore a world of travel with Expedia

- Accommodation
- Flights
- Packages
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- [Hotels near Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Milford-Sound-Hotels.0-l6110756-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Hotels near Mitre Peak ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Mitre-Peak-Hotels.0-l6110754-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Cheap Hotels in Te Anau Downs ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Te-Anau-Downs-Hotels-Budget-Hotels.0-0-d6048064-tBudgetHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)
- [Te Anau Downs Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Te-Anau-Downs-Hotels.d6048064.Travel-Guide-Hotels)
- [Te Anau Hill Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Te-Anau-Hill-Hotels.d6048068.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

- [Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/akl/mfn/auckland-to-milford-sound)
- [Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/chc/mfn/christchurch-to-milford-sound)
- [Flights from London (LHR) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/lhr/mfn/london-to-milford-sound)
- [Flights from Wellington (WLG) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/wlg/mfn/wellington-to-milford-sound)
- [Flights from Queenstown (ZQN) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/zqn/mfn/queenstown-to-milford-sound)

- [Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Milford-Sound-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110756.Attraction)
- [Mirror Lake ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Mirror-Lake-Fiordland-National-Park.d553248635919972088.Attraction)
- [Mitre Peak ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Mitre-Peak-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110754.Attraction)
- [Visit Te Anau Downs ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Te-Anau-Downs.dx6048064)

- [Car hire near Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Milford-Sound.d6110756.Car-Hire-Guide)
- [Pickup Car Hire near Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Pickup-Car-Rentals-In-Milford-Sound.d6110756-tPickup.Car-Rental-Guide-Class)
- [Premium Car Hire near Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Premium-Car-Rentals-In-Milford-Sound.d6110756-tPremium.Car-Rental-Guide-Class)
- [People Carrier Car Hire near Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Van-Car-Rentals-In-Milford-Sound.d6110756-tVan.Car-Rental-Guide-Class)

- Cities near Milford Sound
- Places of interest

[Fiordland National Park](https://expedia.co.uk/Fiordland-National-Park.dx6353314)

- [Milford Sound ](https://expedia.co.uk/Milford-Sound-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110756.Attraction)
- [Mitre Peak ](https://expedia.co.uk/Mitre-Peak-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110754.Attraction)
- [Mirror Lake ](https://expedia.co.uk/Mirror-Lake-Fiordland-National-Park.d553248635919972088.Attraction)

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