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9 Stunning Milford Sound Tourist Attractions for Your Instagram

Date: 19 August 2019

With Milford Sound being described as one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand by tourists and locals alike, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Milford Sound for outdoor enthusiasts or budding (or experienced) photographers. Located in Fiordland National Park, there’s no question why Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. With stunning waterfalls, summits, and rugged terrain, it’s not hard to see why Milford Sound is a must-do for anyone visiting New Zealand.

These most popular spots shared on Instagram will help you plan your trip to the most picturesque Milford Sound tourist attractions fit for your profile!

To see our favourite Insta-worthy spots, follow @real.newzealand on Instagram!

Mirror Lakes

When traveling to Milford Sound, make sure to allow extra time to stop on the way! Eglinton Valley holds many charming spots, such as Mirror Lakes. This must-see spot earned its name through reflecting engrossing views of the Earl mountain range, Mirror Lakes is a great spot to stop for a snap. The short 400m walk from the carpark just off Milford Road about 56 km north from Te Anau brings you to a viewing platform perfect to soak up the surroundings. 

Stirling Falls

Stirling Falls is a whopping 151m (495 feet) tall, making it triple the height of Niagara Falls. Yet somehow, it’s only the second tallest waterfall in Milford Sound. This natural tourist attraction is best viewed by kayak or cruise, and it’s also well-known for being one of the filming locations for the movie Wolverine, where Hugh Jackman ‘jumps’ off this cliff. This waterfall is situated running off a steep cliff from a 1300m mountain, making this spot the perfect place to have on your to-do list for amazing backdrops you can use for your Instagram photoshoot.

Key Summit

This walking track starts off following the Routeburn track, a popular walking track located in Fiordland National Forest. Follow the native beech forest 3.4km upwards before reaching alpine shrub to discover 360-degree panoramic views looking over multiple attractions at once, such as Hollyford Valley, Mount Christina Lake Marian, the Darrans, Mt. Crosscut, and Eglington Valley. This makes it perfect for anyone’s to-do list when visiting Milford Sound.

Sutherland Falls

Just off the Milford Track, this majestic waterfall is hard not to be impressed by; after all, it’s the tallest waterfall in New Zealand. Sutherland Falls is a total of 580m (1900 feet) high, so it’s not for the faint hearted. This must-see waterfall can be accessed by a multi-day hike or a scenic flight, guaranteeing amazing photo opportunities along the way.

Gertrude Saddle

Gertrude Saddle can be found on a 7km track, which ascends to breathtaking views of the valley and part of Milford Sound. This challenging track is only recommended to try in the summer due to its steep and sometimes slippery ascent. If you’re not afraid of heights, a six-hour hike, and have some quality tramping boots, this track is one of the most special views you can find! However, if you want something a little easier to reach, Key Summit is a great option to do while in Milford Sound. 

Lake Marian

Found also by following the Hollyford Road, Lake Marian is an alpine lake formed by glacial action which takes approximately one and a half hours to reach. This location has surreal views both at the destination and walking to it; the track crosses a swing bridge and has many waterfalls that can be seen from the walk. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker but be prepared for an uphill climb! Lake Marian is one of the best things to do in Milford Sound.

Mitre Peak

Being one of the most iconic places to visit in Milford Sound, there are many options for how you choose to visit Mitre Peak. Whether you’re planning to hike to the top, book a day cruise, or try a kayak tour, this stunning mountain is a spot you can’t miss on your itinerary. Once you’re there, you’ll see why Mitre Peak is a top tourist attraction in Milford Sound.

Lake Gunn

This reasonably flat 45-minute loop track is perfect for a group of people with a range of fitness abilities, making it a popular spot to snap a photo for your Instagram feed. Found in Eglinton Valley, this track takes you through native bush, surrounding you with an abundance of native birds. Along the way you’ll find rare, threatened, and endangered birds, as well as our only land mammal, the bat (pekapeka). The Eglinton Mountains are so renowned for their beauty that they were the filming location for the Misty Mountains in the Fellowship of the Ring in the Lord of the Rings trilogy - and it’s not hard to see why!

Monkey Creek

This slice of beautiful scenery is on the road to Milford Sound coming into or out of the area. It’s on the way and is a common stop for coach trips to stop, meaning you’ll be able to get a great snap before you’ve even stepped foot off the bus! This spot is in the Hollyford Valley and is a glacier-fed spring, which is so clean it can be drank without filtration. Take the opportunity to photograph some of New Zealand’s native wildlife such as the Rare whio (blue duck) and Kea (the world’s only alpine parrot).

What are your favourite photo spots in Milford Sound? Tag us in your Instagram posts with #realnz for a chance to be featured!

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