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Fjord · Te Anau, Southland
Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)
A roughly 15 km fiord in Fiordland National Park, with Mitre Peak and the Lady Bowen and Stirling waterfalls, reached via the 119 km road from Te Anau. Boat tours depart from the terminal at the end of the road.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)
Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is a roughly 15 km fiord that opens into the Tasman Sea at the northern end of Fiordland. Rock walls rise almost vertically from the water, covered in forest, and Mitre Peak reaches 1,692 meters. Two waterfalls run year-round, Lady Bowen and Stirling, and after heavy rain hundreds more appear on the cliffs. Average rainfall exceeds 6,000 mm per year.
The road there is part of the experience. The Milford Road leaves Te Anau and runs 119 km along the lake shore, through the Eglinton Valley with the Mirror Lakes, which reflect the mountains on calm mornings, past Lake Gunn and The Divide, where the Routeburn Track ends. After that comes the Homer Tunnel, about 1.2 km long, cut through rock, and the winding descent to the fiord, with a stop at The Chasm where the river has carved holes in the stone. There are no fuel stations along the way.
Boat cruises depart from the terminal at the end of the road and take one to two hours, to the mouth of the fiord and back, passing close to the waterfalls. Seals commonly rest on the rocks, and sometimes bottlenose dolphins and Fiordland penguins— which breed in the region—appear. There are also kayaking trips, scenic flights from Te Anau and Queenstown, and overnight boats that stay in the fiord.
The road closes on average a few days a year, especially in winter, due to avalanche risk, and at any time because of slips. In long sections stopping is prohibited for that reason. In winter it is mandatory to carry chains for tyres in snowy conditions.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day from Te Anau: about 2 hours driving each way, plus stops and 1 to 2 hours by boat.
Best time
Early morning, before the Queenstown buses arrive, or late afternoon. On rainy days the waterfalls are fuller; on clear days the mountains appear. In winter, check road conditions.
How to get there
Via the Milford Road (State Highway 94) from Te Anau, 119 km. There are buses and tours from Te Anau and Queenstown, and scenic flights that land at Milford aerodrome.
Tip
Refuel in Te Anau and respect areas where stopping is prohibited. Book the boat in advance in summer. Bring insect repellent: the midges are numerous at the terminal.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)
How long is the boat trip in Milford Sound?
One to two hours, to the mouth of the fiord and back. There are also overnight boats.
Is it worth going to Milford Sound in the rain?
Yes. Rain fills the waterfalls and creates hundreds of falls on the cliffs. The downside is that clouds can hide Mitre Peak.
Do you need tyre chains to go to Milford Sound?
In winter, yes, in snowy conditions: carrying chains is mandatory and there are checks. Check road conditions before you set out.
Is there a petrol station on the road to Milford?
No. Fill up in Te Anau with enough fuel for the return trip.
What does Piopiotahi mean?
It is the Māori name for Milford Sound and refers to the piopio, a bird now extinct, and the word tahi, meaning "one."