Getting Around, Milford Sound Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand)

Travel and transport options to Milford Sound are limited to road and air. There is a small air strip with daily flights from towns in the Fiordland area, with buses being the most common option for getting in. Frequent buses run from Queenstown and Te Anau.

You can also rent a car and drive in via Highway 94 (the Milford Sound Highway) from either destination. Public transportation in Milford Sound is a non-issue as it is so small that you simply walk, or are shuttled between the air strip and the cruise terminal.

Milford Sound Airport (MFN) / Arriving by Air

Address: Milford Sound, Southland, 9679, New Zealand, NZ
Milford Sound Airport is served by small aircraft and helicopters from Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau. This historic facility dates back to the early 1950s and is used almost exclusively for sightseeing from these centres, with flight times of around 45 minutes. Glenorchy Air serves Queenstown while Aspiring Air connects Wanaka. The airport is just a five-minute walk from the cruise terminal.

Car Rental

Cars can be rented from Queenstown, Te Anau, and Wanaka. The drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown takes about four hours, or two hours from Te Anau. It should be noted that these travel times are approximate and are easiest to achieve during good weather. The journey from Te Anau is spectacular, going by way of stunning scenery and the long, steep Homer Tunnel. Highway 94 terminates at Milford Sound.

Those travelling on the highway during New Zealand's winter season / early spring (June to November) should take particular care, since the road can become icy. You will be required by law to carry snow chains when driving along the State Highway 94 at this time, in case of avalanches.

Book your Queenstown Car Rental here.

Buses and Coaches

Many coach operators run daily sightseeing trips to this area from Queenstown, via Te Anau. A popular option is to book a bus / boat cruise package via the likes of Real Journeys. Better still is to bus it in and then fly out.

Trains

There is no rail option anywhere near Fiordland. Services only run down the east coast, connecting destinations such as Christchurch and Invercargill.

Boats and Ferries

There is no ferry access here, with boats only serving the start of the Milford Track at the north of Lake Te Anau, at Glade Wharf. Cruises take in Milford Sound from the Tasman Sea.

Taxis

Surprisingly, taxis don't run to this popular tourist destination. Instead, the best bet is really either self-drive car rental or an organised coach tour.