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Experience the Stunning Fjords and Dramatic Landscapes of Milford Sound

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on January 22, 2025

Attracting nearly one million visitors annually, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations. Situated within the Fiordland National Park on South Island, this awe-inspiring natural wonder is more accurately a fjord than a sound because it was formed by melting glaciers.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Surrounded on both sides by steep, imposing cliffs and lush rainforest, the Sound features several majestic peaks named for animals and objects that they resemble such as Mitre Peak, The Elephant and The Lion.

Approaching a waterfall in Milford Sound, New Zealand

WaterfallJo Munday / Flickr

The frequent rains in Milford Sound enhance the beauty of the place by creating hundreds of waterfalls that cascade down the steep cliffs and remain even days after the rains stops. Two permanent cascades, Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, are also among the Sound’s popular attractions.

Seals

A visit to the Sound offer views of spectacular scenery and wildlife such as dolphins, penguins, seals and New Zealand glow worms. The Sound is home to the largest population of black coral trees in the world, and an underwater observatory allows tourists to see the black coral.

Waterfall in Milford Sound

Most scenic tours of Milford Sound involve bus rides through the breathtaking landscape and boat cruises into the Sound. Tourists also have the option of flight tours to admire the majestic mountains, alpine lakes and rugged coastline from the air.

Kayaking in Milford SoundJocelyn Kinghorn / Flickr

Other ways of exploring the Sound and nearby area are by canoeing and walking the Milford Track, an old Aboriginal trail that offers amazing scenery. Milford Sound is in a remote location, and most tours depart from either Queenstown or Te Anau with the latter being much closer.

SEE ALSO
7 Incredible Day Trips from Queenstown You'll Never Forget

Mitre Peak in Milford Sound Neuseeland

ColorsJocelyn Kinghorn / Flickr
Mitre PeakJocelyn Kinghorn / Flickr

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