Is Early Morning Kayaking in Milford Sound Worth the 3 AM Wake-Up Call?

The most anticipated destination in the South Island of New Zealand is undoubtedly Milford. While many posts on Xiaohongshu highlight day cruises, our group opted for a unique 5-hour Milford kayak adventure [Cute R] to ensure we could also visit the enchanting Te Anau glowworm caves later in the afternoon.

Our day began at 3 AM in Queenstown, as we embarked on a thrilling drive to Milford. Navigating through rugged gravel roads and countless hairpin turns, we finally reached the meeting point in the fjord by 8 AM.

The entire kayak trip costs around 600 RMB per person and involves about 3 hours of intense paddling‼️ With strong currents and wind resistance, it’s far from a leisurely float [Stiff R]. By the end, both my companion and I agreed that we wouldn’t be kayaking again anytime soon!

However, those 3 hours were nothing short of magical. We witnessed the mystical and serene fjord under a gentle rain, followed by a breathtaking rainbow arching over the water. Up close, we marveled at cascading waterfalls and the diverse flora and fauna along the mountain ridges. The experience was incredibly rich and unforgettable [Doge].

I highly recommend this adventure to those looking to fill their afternoon with other activities or to anyone with good stamina who wants to explore the fjord in a truly unique and immersive way!!!