Pondering a visit to Milford Sound? Wondering about the best way to experience it? During our South Island road trip in New Zealand, we had the same questions. Read on for a detailed account of our experiences and insights.
Milford Sound, crafted by ancient glaciers, stands tall with magnificent peaks and flowing waterfalls. It’s no wonder Rudyard Kipling famously dubbed it “The 8th Wonder of the World.”
Navigating to Milford Sound:
Reaching Milford Sound demands thorough planning. Based on our interactions with locals, here’s what we gathered:
- Drenched Delight: Milford Sound is among the rainiest spots globally, seeing rain for over half the year. This often translates to treacherous driving conditions due to landslides, flooding, and fallen trees. A particular flood in 2020 left many tourists stranded.
- State Highway 94: This is the sole route to Milford Sound. With over 250 km of twisty, mountainous terrain and ongoing construction, it can get perilous, especially after dark. The highway sees heavy traffic during peak seasons, causing delays.
- Connectivity Concerns: Milford Sound’s remote location means sporadic cell reception and internet access. Although efforts are underway to improve connectivity, for now, it remains a challenge. Local advice: consider a satellite phone.
Planning the Milford Sound Tour:
Given the challenges, we opted for an organized ‘Coach and Cruise’ Tour to truly enjoy the experience. We were then left with the decision of starting from either Queenstown or Te Anau. We chose the latter, driving two hours from Queenstown, staying a night at the lakefront Radfords On The Lake in Te Anau. This also gave us a chance to marvel at the Glowworm caves.
Delving Deep into Milford Sound:
Our journey with Southern Discoveries, booked via Klook, commenced from Te Anau on a glass-roofed coach. With complimentary Wi-Fi and charging ports, it was both comfortable and convenient.
Cruise Insights:
- Come Prepared for a Splash: The cruise sails close to waterfalls, so waterproof attire and accessories are essential.
- Brace for the Breeze: The open deck offers unparalleled views, but be wary of the strong winds that can send loose items flying.
- Seasickness Alert: Calm as the fjord waters may seem, the vessel can still rock. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication.
- Eat and Enjoy: Free beverages are provided, and a reasonably priced lunchbox is available for purchase – a lifesaver since the journey is long and devoid of snack stops.
- Relishing the Ride: The coach journey includes stops at picturesque locations, allowing us to stretch and capture memories. With its glass roof and informative commentary, the trip was immersive and insightful.
A Glimpse from Dana:
Dana shares her memorable moments: “The stops at Mirror Lake and Monkey Creek were exceptional. Drinking the alpine water from the creek was invigorating. The cruise itself was an adventure, especially when the boat neared a waterfall, showering me with sprays that, as per local lore, make one look a decade younger! Making a new friend, Grace from Auckland, was an added bonus. She shared more travel recommendations for our NZ list. Milford Sound is an experience you shouldn’t miss.”
Our family ranks Milford Sound as one of our top travel destinations. The Coach and Cruise Tour by Southern Discoveries showcased New Zealand’s beauty in an unmatched way. It comes highly recommended from us!