Milford Sound day cruises also range in length, but they usually last between 1 hour 45 minutes and 3 hours. During a standard 1 hour 45 minute cruise your ship will travel the full length of the fiord, at times skirting the cliffs so you can see the native forest and cascading waterfalls up close.
What is the best time to cruise Milford Sound?
The best time to visit Milford Sound, regarding the crowds and plenty of daylight, is on a morning cruise tour around 10 am. The best seasons are spring and autumn.
How long should you spend in Milford Sound?
A one day Milford Sound trip is the most popular way to visit this must-see New Zealand attraction. You’ll be surprised at just how much sightseeing you can fit into twelve hours of sunlight.
Do you need to cruise to see Milford Sound?
Out of all of the ways to explore Milford Sound, a boat cruise is the most popular. It allows you to see the most of Milford Sound all while still being affordable and fun! You can combine a boat cruise with a walk, flight, or kayak as well which makes it very convenient.
How long is the Milford Sound boat trip? – Related Questions
Is it worth to go Milford Sound?
Milford Sound is worth it! Even as international visitors come back to NZ, Milford Sound is still quiet. And that means it’s going to be as raw as it’s ever going to be going forward (unless something crazy happens).
Can you do Milford Sound in a day?
While you can spend more than one day in Milford Sound, a one-day itinerary is enough to see all the beautiful views along the way, take a scenic cruise around the fiord, and get back to Queenstown or Te Anau in time for dinner. There is a wide range of Milford Sound day tours on offer through many local companies.
Can you do the Milford Track on your own?
If you’re keen to tackle the full four-day Milford Track adventure, you have two options: Walk it independently and stay in huts provided by the Department of Conservation. Or join a guided group and stay in private huts.
Can you drive into Milford Sound?
Driving to Milford Sound? Climbing through the Southern Alps, State Highway 94 is one of the highest and most scenic state highways in New Zealand. The Milford Road, part of SH94, takes you from Te Anau through Fiordland National Park to the major tourist gateway – Milford Sound.
Is it worth driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound?
Milford Sound is known (unofficially) as the 8th wonder of the world! So, it’s no wonder that the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is considered one of the most popular road trips to undertake in New Zealand.
Can I do a day walk on the Milford Track?
The Milford Track Day Walk
Take a water taxi transfer from Milford Sound to Sandfly Point and step onto the Milford Track for an unforgettable short day walk. Easily accessible from Milford Sound Lodge, the Milford Track Day Walk combines a return boat journey with a gentle, yet inspiring half-day hike.
How much does it cost to do the Milford Track?
Great Walk huts
Great Walk huts |
Summer prices |
(incl GST) |
Adult |
Adult |
Milford Track |
|
$110 |
$78 |
Is there cell phone coverage on the Milford Track?
There is no cellular or internet service on the tracks. All of our guides and the lodges are in touch with each other and the Queenstown base by radio. Communications are possible but must come through the Queenstown office.
Are there toilets on Milford Track?
Staying in Huts
Sure, you’ll have to go without hot showers and you do have to bring your own bedding, food and cooking utensils, but on the Milford Track the huts have flushing toilets, drinkable water, gas cookers and mattresses to sleep on so the basics are most certainly provided.
Are there dolphins in Milford Sound?
Playful dolphins dive and leap in the waters of Milford Sound. There are more than 60 bottlenose dolphins living in the area, so it’s not uncommon to see them riding the bow wave of cruise ships or visiting groups of kayakers. Bottlenose dolphins can grow up to 3 metres long and weigh up to 300 kilograms.
Can you sleep at Milford Sound?
Because of its location within a national park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, freedom camping at Milford Sound is strictly forbidden. There is only one public accommodation provider in Milford Sound, called Milford Sound Lodge. The lodge has a range of options to suit all budgets.
How difficult is Milford Track?
The Milford Track is a moderately difficult hike, requiring a fair level of fitness as long distances are hiked each day. There is a challenging pass on Day 3, but the rest of the walk is suitable for most levels of ability. Track conditions: The track is well marked and signposted.
Which is harder Milford or Routeburn?
The Routeburn Track is considered one of the easier tracks compared to some of the more renowned and difficult ones such as Kepler Track and Milford Track as observed above. It is relatively short and can be completed in two or three days depending on your pace.
Which is better Milford or Routeburn?
For me, it’s definitely the Routeburn for the views and variety. Plus, an added bonus is that you can also hike the Routeburn Track in both directions. Whereas, the Milford Track can only be hiked one way only, albeit through the heart of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound.
How fit do you have to be to do the Milford Track?
It is classed as a moderately difficult hike that requires a fair level of fitness. We suggest starting your training at least 8 weeks before your departure. The key to being prepared for your Great Walk is all in the preparation, a decent level of fitness, and practice carrying your backpack weight.
Are there showers on the Milford Track?
Huts will have gas cooking stoves, flush toilets and resident wardens to help guide your experience. During the Great Walks season, the facilities you can expect at each hut include: Dorm-style bunks with mattresses. Flushing toilets, running water, washing basins (no showers)