Title: Visit Milford Sound: 2026 Travel Guide for Milford Sound, Southland | Expedia.com [Hotels in Milford Sound](https://expedia.com/Milford-Sound-Hotels.d2274.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Milford Sound](https://expedia.com/Milford-Sound-Vacation-Rentals.d2274.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Milford Sound](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Milford-Sound.d2274.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Milford Sound](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Milford-Sound.d2274.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in Milford Sound](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Milford-Sound.d2274.Car-Rental-Guide)[Milford Sound Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Milford-Sound.d2274.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Milford Sound ## Travel 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 featuring a river or creek, boating 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 which includes 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 meters). Be sure to check out the Milford Sound Discovery Centre. The underwater observatory plunges 33 feet (10 meters) 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. - Milford Sound Hotel Deals - Vacation 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 Stay at this cruise ship in Milford Sound. Enjoy free breakfast, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Milford Sound and Milford Discovery ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews) The wonderful experience of overnight cruise on Milford Sound. The whole crew was very attentive and helpful to our needs. Our vegetarian food was well catered and delicious. Same thing for breakfast. Our kayaking and swimming in the sound experience was very well and we will remember this for a ... Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026 [Get rates](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F22%2F2026&endDate=2%2F23%2F2026&selected=20608311&PinnedHotelID=20608311&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=2274) [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F22%2F2026&endDate=2%2F23%2F2026&selected=20608311&PinnedHotelID=20608311&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=2274) [See all properties in Milford Sound](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=2%2F9%2F2026&endDate=2%2F10%2F2026®ionId=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 WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (392 reviews) Very handy to Queens Park where I was taking part in a sporting event. Cooking facilities were very good. Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Invercargill-Hotels-Colonial-Motel-Invercargill.h115565.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 WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Fiordland Cinema and Luxmore Jet are located nearby. [](https://expedia.com/Te-Anau-Hotels-Milford-Road-Apartments.h118705590.Hotel-Information) ![La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/60000000/59200000/59194900/59194834/069a4291_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown 16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive Queenstown Stay at this aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,432 reviews) Top notch, brand new hotel, right by the airport. My room included a basic kitchen and washer/dryer(!). Very impressed all around. Parking is limited/competitive so try to arrive earlier if you have to park a car. Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Queenstown-Hotels-LQ-Queenstown.h59194834.Hotel-Information) [See all 2,121 properties in Southland](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=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 ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2274&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[Feb 8 - Feb 9](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2274&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2274&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[Feb 9 - Feb 10](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2274&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2274&startDate=2%2F13%2F2026&endDate=2%2F15%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2274&startDate=2%2F13%2F2026&endDate=2%2F15%2F2026) ### 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.com/Milford-Discovery-Centre-Underwater-Observatory-Milford-Sound.d553248621526966873.Vacation-Attraction) ### Things to do ![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 $198 per adult **94%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/milford-sound-full-day-experience-with-nature-cruise-lunch-ex-queenstown.a486153.activity-details) ![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 $103 per adult **98%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/cruise-milford-nz-small-boutique-cruise-experience.a1300174.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 $428 per adult **90%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/milford-sound-fly-cruise-fly-tour-from-queenstown.a1277627.activity-details) ![Milford Sound Fly-Nature Cruise-Fly Half Day Tour ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/259198/77f2713b-a641-4512-841c-ad41feb95328.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Milford Sound Fly-Nature Cruise-Fly Half Day Tour $442 per adult **96%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/milford-sound-fly-nature-cruise-fly-half-day-tour.a259198.activity-details) ![Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/171800/9b083fa0-4f35-41df-a90d-fac5e7e47605.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly $430 per adult **86%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/milford-sound-fly-cruise-fly.a171800.activity-details) ![Guided Private Milford Sound Day Tour from Te Ana](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4040712/cee46cb5-109c-4c27-bd14-fbdc25cd2f9d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Guided Private Milford Sound Day Tour from Te Anau(Cruise Included) $301 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/guided-private-milford-sound-day-tour-from-te-anaucruise-included.a4040712.activity-details) [See all activities in Milford Sound](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Milford-Sound.d2274.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Milford Sound ![Milford Sound featuring mountains, forests and a pebble beach](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 - Lodging - Flights - Packages - Cars - [Hotels near Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.com/Milford-Sound-Airport-Hotels.0-aMFN-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Mitre Peak ](https://www.expedia.com/Mitre-Peak-Hotels.0-l6110754-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.com/Milford-Sound-Hotels.0-l6110756-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Hotels near Mirror Lake ](https://www.expedia.com/Mirror-Lake-Hotels.0-l553248635919972088-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/akl/mfn/auckland-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Queenstown (ZQN) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/zqn/mfn/queenstown-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/chc/mfn/christchurch-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/syd/mfn/sydney-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Wellington (WLG) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/wlg/mfn/wellington-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Invercargill (IVC) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/ivc/mfn/invercargill-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Nelson (NSN) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/nsn/mfn/nelson-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/lax/mfn/los-angeles-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Dunedin (DUD) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/dud/mfn/dunedin-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Hokitika (HKK) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/hkk/mfn/hokitika-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/mel/mfn/melbourne-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Boston (BOS) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/bos/mfn/boston-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Dallas (DFW) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/dfw/mfn/dallas-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Tampa (TPA) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/tpa/mfn/tampa-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Honolulu (HNL) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/hnl/mfn/honolulu-to-milford-sound) - [Flights to Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Milford-Sound.d6030023.Travel-Guide-Flights) - [Flights from Denver (DEN) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/den/mfn/denver-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Toronto (YYZ) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/yyz/mfn/toronto-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Gold Coast (OOL) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/ool/mfn/gold-coast-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Dublin (DUB) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/dub/mfn/dublin-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from London (LHR) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/lhr/mfn/london-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Bangkok (BKK) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/bkk/mfn/bangkok-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Amsterdam (AMS) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/ams/mfn/amsterdam-to-milford-sound) - [Flights from Mexico City (MEX) to Milford Sound (MFN) ](https://www.expedia.com/lp/flights/mex/mfn/mexico-city-to-milford-sound) - [Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory ](https://www.expedia.com/Milford-Discovery-Centre-Underwater-Observatory-Milford-Sound.d553248621526966873.Vacation-Attraction) - [Mitre Peak ](https://www.expedia.com/Mitre-Peak-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110754.Vacation-Attraction) - [Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.com/Milford-Sound-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110756.Vacation-Attraction) - [Lake Marian ](https://www.expedia.com/Lake-Marian-Fiordland-National-Park.d637936034136809472.Vacation-Attraction) - [Key Summit Trail ](https://www.expedia.com/Key-Summit-Trail-Fiordland-National-Park.d553248635974498408.Vacation-Attraction) - [Mirror Lake ](https://www.expedia.com/Mirror-Lake-Fiordland-National-Park.d553248635919972088.Vacation-Attraction) - [National Car Rental Rental Cars in Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.com/National-Car-Rental-Car-Rentals-In-Milford-Sound.d6030023-c42.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers) - [Car rentals near Mitre Peak ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Mitre-Peak.d6110754.Car-Rental-Guide) - [Car rentals near Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Milford-Sound.d6110756.Car-Rental-Guide) - [Car rentals near Mirror Lake ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Mirror-Lake.d553248635919972088.Car-Rental-Guide) - [Mini Car Rentals near Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.com/Mini-Car-Rentals-In-Milford-Sound.d6110756-tMini.Car-Rental-Guide-Class) - [Pickup Car Rentals near Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.com/Pickup-Car-Rentals-In-Milford-Sound.d6110756-tPickup.Car-Rental-Guide-Class) - [Van Car Rentals near Milford Sound ](https://www.expedia.com/Van-Car-Rentals-In-Milford-Sound.d6110756-tVan.Car-Rental-Guide-Class) - [Car rentals near Greenstone Track ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Greenstone-Track.d553248621532610184.Car-Rental-Guide) - Cities near Milford Sound - Places of interest [Fiordland National Park](https://expedia.com/Fiordland-National-Park.dx6353314) - [Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory ](https://expedia.com/Milford-Discovery-Centre-Underwater-Observatory-Milford-Sound.d553248621526966873.Vacation-Attraction) - [Milford Sound ](https://expedia.com/Milford-Sound-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110756.Vacation-Attraction) - [Lake Te Anau ](https://expedia.com/Lake-Te-Anau-Southland.d6110752.Vacation-Attraction) - [Mitre Peak ](https://expedia.com/Mitre-Peak-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110754.Vacation-Attraction) - [Lake Marian ](https://expedia.com/Lake-Marian-Fiordland-National-Park.d637936034136809472.Vacation-Attraction) - [Routeburn Shelter ](https://expedia.com/Routeburn-Shelter-Mount-Aspiring-National-Park.d6214792.Vacation-Attraction) - [Bowen Falls ](https://expedia.com/Bowen-Falls-Fiordland-National-Park.d553248621565360797.Vacation-Attraction) - [Mirror Lake ](https://expedia.com/Mirror-Lake-Fiordland-National-Park.d553248635919972088.Vacation-Attraction) - [Humboldt Mountains ](https://expedia.com/Humboldt-Mountains-Kinloch.d553248635998002096.Vacation-Attraction) - [Key Summit Trail ](https://expedia.com/Key-Summit-Trail-Fiordland-National-Park.d553248635974498408.Vacation-Attraction)