The Cruise Tour through Milford Sound
There’s truly no place more extraordinary than Milford Sound, nestled deep within New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. Formed over millions of years by repeated landslides and movements along the Alpine Fault, Milford Sound is a natural wonder shaped by time.
I joined a cruise tour in Milford sound this time in April. We were surrounded by sheer grandeur of the fiord. Fortunately, when the tour just began, the rain stopped and the weather started to clear, which is perfect timing. I snapped hundreds of photos, took a sip of coffee, enjoyed a breathtaking and invaluable moment I’ve ever had. Absolutely superb.
No matter the weather, Milford Sound never disappoints you. it offers a different kind of beauty that you can be astonished. With rain, it adds mist, mystery, some hidden waterfalls and something moody. Some travellers hope for rain during the tour as some of the waterfalls appear only when it’s wet. So, luckily I got to catch a glimpse of those hidden waterfalls.
The Road to Milford Sound
Another highlight is the drive itself. You follow the winding road along towering mountain walls, with thousands of waterfalls pouring down their sides. It’s a view that surely makes you want to pull over and soak it up for a while. The drive to Milford Sound is often described as one of the most stunning drives in the world. That beauty will truly exceed your expectation.
I was left speechless by the sheer scale of it. I was able to completely soak in the stunning nature world created over thousands of years. This is a place you must visit and take in the views.
How to get to Milford Sound
By car, there’s a car park that you need to pay, right before the Milford Sound Information Centre. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the cruise terminal. The lot fills up quickly during peak hours. There is another free parking area about 30 minutes away on foot. So go early to secure a spot near the terminal.
・From Te Anau, It’s about a half and an hour by car.
How to get tickets
You can purchase tickets online in advance. I highly recommend choosing the earliest departure ,not only to ensure you can park, but also to avoid crowds. You’ll have more space to walk around, take photos and sip coffee in peace, surrounded by the stunning fiord scenery.
Duration
The cruise lasts about 2 hours. During the tour, you’ll glide through Fiordland, passing countless waterfalls and dynamic mountains sculpted by time, even spotting some dolphins if you are lucky. You never get bored during the tour.
