NZD6 Travel Tip: Why Visiting Milford Sound is a Must-Do, Not to Avoid

Regarding Milford Sound, I was actually super conflicted before going because I read a lot of posts warning against it, and the thought of a nearly 10-hour round trip by car made me nervous, hahaha. But I was still swayed by phrases like “since you’re here already,” “canyons, waterfalls, lakes, and snow-capped mountains all in one place,” and “the only landscape not found in China”… so I decided to take the plunge [okR].

To summarize: If you have ample time, it’s definitely worth the adventure.

☁️ Weather (a critical factor)
I heard that “on a sunny day, it looks like the Guilin landscape, but on a rainy day, it feels like the end of the world.”
It rains more than 270 days a year, and when it rains, there are hundreds of waterfalls pouring down at the same time. On the day I went to the fjord, it was a clear, sunny day [disappointedR]!!

🏞️ Scenery:
Because it was sunny, there were no waterfalls in the fjord itself on the day I went (just a few thin ones), and the scenery was somewhat underwhelming. I didn’t see any seals or dolphins either. (P10-P17)
On the way to the fjord, however, the views were more spectacular. Since it was early spring, I could also see snow-capped mountains, and there were several breathtaking spots along the route. (P2-P9)

🚢🎫 Tips:
[oneR] I booked my tickets on GOFUN, which cost about 1100 RMB per person. I chose the Haven Bay ship, which has a more modern and youthful interior.
[twoR] Lunch is not included, so bring your own snacks to keep your energy up.
[threeR] I started from Queenstown, meeting at 88 Beach around 6:30 AM.

We stopped at several scenic points along the way for photos. When we reached Te Anau, we took a break for people to buy coffee and bread. We arrived at the fjord around noon, and the cruise lasted 120 minutes. We left to return to Queenstown between 2-3 PM and arrived back before 8 PM.
[fourR] The boat allows free viewing.

It will get close to the main waterfall area and the shore where seals often appear, giving everyone a chance to get a close look.
[fiveR] On rainy days, it’s highly recommended to wear waterproof jackets so you don’t get drenched while viewing the waterfalls up close.

🚌 Journey:
The round trip was in a panoramic bus, and the view was absolutely stunning. The driver, who also served as a guide, provided fascinating information throughout the journey.
I dozed off as soon as I got on the bus, woke up to admire the scenery outside, and listened to the driver’s commentary. The closer we got to the fjord, the more breathtaking the views became, so I never felt like the time was dragging [kissR].

So, is it worth going to Milford Sound?
If you have a flexible schedule and can set aside a full day, and you don’t get motion sickness, then it’s definitely worth going for a unique and unforgettable experience. If your overall schedule is very tight, then it might be okay to skip it.