Attractions Nearby Milford Sound, Day Trips and Excursions

(Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand)

Milford Sound serves as a popular excursion from Queenstown, Te Anau or Wanaka, although each of these places are worth checking out if you hadn't planned to. If you bus it here from Queenstown, as most do, you will go through Te Anau, where there are one or two popular attractions worth seeing.

Te Anau is also the main gateway to the Milford Track at Glade Wharf. The township of Milford is not much to look at, while Wanaka and Queenstown are both top-drawer attractions, deserving dedicated trips.

Milford Track

Address: Milford Sound, New Zealand, NZ
Tel: +64 03 249 7924
Also a part of Milford Sound, in that it ends there, is the Milford Track. This sublime hike is one of the world's finest, taking in over 50 km / 31 miles of the most delectable Fiordland scenery over four days. The track is one direction only in season - Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound - so you never have to pass oncoming walkers. In the off season it is open in both directions, although this time of year is only good for experienced trekkers. October to April is the summer season and tickets must be booked in advance.

Although camping is not permitted along the track, cosy huts are available. Hikers will be expected to follow a strict itinerary, starting at Glade House, on the northern side of Lake Te Anau, and following the Clinton River to the Mintaro Hut, before reaching the Mackinnon Pass, Quinton, the Arthur River Valley and finally Milford Sound. Along the way, expect attractions such as lush rainforest, mountains and dramatic water falls, including New Zealand's highest - the Sutherland Falls (580 metres / 1,900 feet).
Open hours: October to April - one direction; May to September - both directions
Admission: charge

Te Anau

This small town resides at the southern end of Lake Te Anau and is en-route to Milford Sound from Queenstown by road. Although perhaps not worth a visit on its own accord, Te Anau has some unique attractions to see before or after you arrive. There is a cute town centre with a handful of stores, restaurants and bars, while across the lake are the Te Anau Caves. Other highlights include the very beautiful Lake Marian, and the Astronomy Fiordland, which offers 'Night Sky Safaris'.

Queenstown

Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, is the main gateway by air to Milford Sound and is just the coolest place to spend time. Although having a party / backpacker-centric persona, this town is also the domain of the moneyed, looking for beauty and excitement. Queenstown lies on Lake Wakatipu, some 286 km / 178 miles to the south-east, and is flanked by stunning mountains, has many side attractions, and boasts shopping, nightlife and superb seasonal skiing.

Glenorchy

The sleepy town of Glenorchy is the closest as the crow flies of the top popular destinations within reach of Milford Sound. Located due south-east, it is best accessed from Queenstown, lying as it does at the head of the northern arm of Lake Wakatipu. Trips on the lake, horseback riding, and flight-seeing are the main attractions, together with an extensive network of tramping trails. Camping is permitted around Glenorchy in a number of designated areas.

Wanaka

Wanaka is directly accessible from Milford Sound by air - the flight time is about the same as flying to Queenstown. This lively resort town is the gateway to the Mount Aspiring National Park and lies on the south shore of the expansive Lake Wanaka. Many of the attractions around Wanaka are based outside, such as jet-boating, kayaking, river sledging and aerial sightseeing. There are also a host of vineyards to explore, while Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World is fun for families.