Milford Sound Museums and Art Galleries

(Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand)

Being an attraction because of the elements and having a remote location, Milford Sound is thin on museums and art galleries. If you really want to learn about the area, you will need to check out the nearby towns of Te Anau, Queenstown or Wanaka.

Te Anau is home to the useful Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and Museum, which has a wealth of information for walkers. There is also a decent, albeit private, art gallery in Te Anau, with many lush paintings of the Milford Sound landscape.

Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and Museum (Te Anau)

Address: Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, 9600, New Zealand
Tel: +64 03 249 7924
The Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre is an important resource on the national park. It is here that you will need to book the great walks and also check on weather updates and equipment needed. As well as a booking office, it also offers insight into the region and has a museum and audio-visual show.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 16:30
Admission: free

Milford Galleries (Queenstown)

Address: 9A Earl Street, Queenstown, 9300, New Zealand
Tel: +64 03 442 6896
One of two Milford Galleries in the south - the other in Dunedin - displays various media by known Kiwi contemporary artists. It also features traditional New Zealand works and colonial art, and staff are on hand to advise on art investments and export possibilities. Milford Galleries Queenstown resides in the centre of town and has wonderful views over Lake Wakatipu.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Gordon Kane's Art Gallery (Te Anau)

Address: 9 Duncan Street, Te Anau, New Zealand
Tel: +64 027 475 5995
This lakefront gallery in Te Anau is the baby of resident Gordon Kane. Having previously worked as a pilot in the area, Gordon has a vast knowledge of landscapes and has churned out a veritable feast of artwork. He hasn't taken to any one style, rather going with the flow and be damned if anybody should remark on the merits of doing it another way.
Open hours: varied
Admission: free

Warbirds Museum (Wanaka)

Address: Skyshow Centre (State Highway 6), Wanaka, New Zealand
Tel: +64 03 443 7010
Also known as the NZ Fighter Pilots Museum, this interesting attraction is located in Wanaka, where it tells all about New Zealand's fighter pilots in both world wars. There are impressive photographic exhibits and coverage on the pilots and their raids in WWII. Other exhibits on display include a number of fighter aircraft, weapons, and medals.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, families and seniors