CityBuddy
Milford Sound
Best time to visit
Spring and fall offer fewer crowds. Rainy days reveal hundreds of temporary waterfalls, a spectacular phenomenon.
Budget tips
The standard cruise costs between NZ$ 75 and NZ$ 100 per adult. Book online in advance to avoid lines and consider the combined package with transportation from Queenstown.
Recommended for
Adventurers, Nature photographers, Romantic couples, Wildlife lovers
Plan your visit
4-6 hours
About
Quick facts: With an impressive 1.2 million visitors per year, this fjord was carved by glaciers during the Ice Age. Its rock walls rise more than 1,200 meters high, and Stirling Falls plunges 155 meters straight into the sea.
Highlights: When it rains, hundreds of temporary waterfalls spring from the rock walls, creating a spectacle that lasts only a few hours. On sunny days, seals bask on the rocks while dolphins play in the dark green waters of the fjord.
Insider tips
- Arrive early, before 9am, to get an empty parking lot and avoid the large tourist groups.
- Bring a rain jacket even on sunny days: the waterfalls create mist that soaks everything on the boat deck.
- The left side of the boat on the way out and the right side on the way back offer the best mountain views.
- Try the kayak tour for a quiet and intimate experience away from the large boats.
Practical info
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in QueenstownPowered by agoda
