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The Milford Sound is known for many things; lush rainforests, waterfalls, the Milford Track Great Walk, and the stunning (but sometimes challenging) Milford Road. Keep reading to discover transport options to get to Milford Sound including benefits and disadvantages of each, as well as things to do in Milford Sound and facts about the township.
Milford Sound is a fiord (not a sound) which was created by the erosion of ancient glaciers over 600 million years ago. The township has a very small number of shops, which are gas stations, a café (inside of the information centre), and other offerings for visitors in the area such as scuba diving tours and an observatory. There are plenty of walks around this area, as it is located in the Fiordland National Park.
RealNZ Boat cruise in Milford Sound
Being one of New Zealand’s top visitor attractions, the Milford Sound has plenty of activities and things to do- from scenic cruises to fishing and hiking. Here’s some of the best activities to do in Milford Sound:
Kayaking in Milford Sound with Real Journeys
There are limited options for ways to transport into the Milford Sound; these include booking a bus or coach, self-driving or by air if you’re leaving from Queenstown. Below we’ll discuss how to travel to Milford Sound, along with the perks and disadvantages associated with these.
Self-driving to the Milford Sound is a very popular option for transport to get there. The Milford Road is the only access road into the Milford Sound, which starts in Te Anau. This route is roughly 120km, but don’t be fooled to think this is a quick drive! State Highway 94 is known for it’s steep incline at points, as well as winding corners which makes this drive take approximately 4 hours 15 minutes (288km) in total from Queenstown or 121km from Te Anau, which works out at roughly 2 hours (depending on weather conditions). It’s packed full of beautiful scenery to stop and enjoy during the drive, so make the most and stop for a few breaks! This road is known to be mentally demanding for drivers, so rest breaks are a must.
Taking a coach or a bus to Milford Sound is great because you can take in the amazing scenery without having to focus on driving too. There are many companies which run bus tours and coaches to Milford Sound, with many making at least one stop for you to get the perfect photo opportunity. Some coach tours also talk about areas when passing, making a more interesting and insightful journey to your destination. Due to the steep road and stops for photo opportunities, busses tend to take at least 30 minutes longer compared to travelling in a car.
Bus coach transport on the Milford Road, NZ
Travelling to Milford Sound by air from Queenstown is another transport option. This will take considerably less time, totalling roughly 40 minutes in the air when departing from Queenstown. This mode of transport is another great way to take in the beautiful scenery from a different perspective, however, will be pricier.
Alt Tag: Scenic flight tour in Milford Sound, NZ
Milford Sound has to be one of the best places to visit in New Zealand for so many reasons- if you’re wanting more inspiration check out 8 reasons why Milford Sound is a ‘Must Do’ in New Zealand, or browse our list of experiences in Milford Sound.
The Milford Sound is known for many things; lush rainforests, waterfalls, the Milford Track Great Walk, and the stunning (but sometimes challenging) Milford Road. Keep reading to discover transport options to get to Milford Sound including benefits and disadvantages of each, as well as things to do in Milford Sound and facts about the township.
Milford Sound is a fiord (not a sound) which was created by the erosion of ancient glaciers over 600 million years ago. The township has a very small number of shops, which are gas stations, a café (inside of the information centre) and other offerings for visitors in the area such as scuba diving tours and an observatory. There are plenty of walks around this area, as it is located in the Fiordland National Park.
Being one of New Zealand’s top visitor attractions, the Milford Sound has plenty of activities and things to do- from scenic cruises to fishing and hiking. Here’s some of the best activities to do in Milford Sound:
There are limited options for ways to transport into the Milford Sound; these include booking a bus or coach, self-driving or by air if you’re leaving from Queenstown. Below we’ll discuss how to travel to Milford Sound, along with the perks and disadvantages associated with these.
Self-driving to the Milford Sound is a very popular option for transport to get there. The Milford Road is the only access road into the Milford Sound, which starts in Te Anau. This route is roughly 120km, but don’t be fooled to think this is a quick drive! State Highway 94 is known for its steep incline at points, as well as winding corners which makes this drive take approximately 4 hours 15 minutes (288km) in total from Queenstown or 121km from Te Anau, which works out at roughly 2 hours (depending on weather conditions). It’s packed full of beautiful scenery to stop and enjoy during the drive, so make the most and stop for a few breaks! This road is known to be mentally demanding for drivers, so rest breaks are a must.
Taking a coach or a bus to Milford Sound is great because you can take in the amazing scenery without having to focus on driving too. There are many companies which run bus tours and coaches to Milford Sound, with many making at least one stop for you to get the perfect photo opportunity. Some coach tours also talk about areas when passing, making a more interesting and insightful journey to your destination. Due to the steep road and stops for photo opportunities, busses tend to take at least 30 minutes longer compared to travelling in a car.
Alt Tag: Bus coach transport on the Milford Road, NZ
Travelling to Milford Sound by air from Queenstown is another transport option. This will take considerably less time, totalling roughly 40 minutes in the air when departing from Queenstown. This mode of transport is another great way to take in the beautiful scenery from a different perspective, however, will be pricier.
Alt Tag: Scenic flight tour in Milford Sound, NZ
Milford Sound has to be one of the best places to visit in New Zealand for so many reasons- if you’re wanting more inspiration check out 8 reasons why Milford Sound is a ‘Must Do’ in New Zealand, or browse our list of experiences in Milford Sound.