Milford Sound
When you think of Milford Sound, you may think of gliding across the deep waters of the fiord on a cruise boat and gazing up at dramatic peaks and cascading waterfalls. But you don’t have to be on a boat to enjoy its breathtaking beauty! Several easy walks start right near the cruise terminal, plus the legendary Milford Track is just a short distance away.
Whether you’re after a stroll or keen for a more adventurous hike, there are Milford Sound walks to suit every pace and help you connect even more deeply with the awe-inspiring wilderness of Fiordland.
Easy walks for everyone at Milford Sound
Milford Sound Foreshore Walk
Perfect for families and or those looking for an easy stroll, this 400-metre loop track is wheelchair-friendly and offers stunning views of the fiord. Starting from the main car park, you’ll walk through native beech forest before emerging onto a sandy shoreline with spectacular views of the iconic Mitre Peak.
Tip: Follow the signs to discover the famous Milford Swing. From the foreshore car park, keep left toward the water, cross the small footbridge, and take the right-hand path at the fork. After about five minutes, you’ll find two lone trees framing a sandy peninsula—and there’s your perfect Instagram shot with Mitre Peak as the backdrop.
Milford Sound Lookout Track
If you’re after sweeping views of the fiord without a long hike, this easy 400-metre return walk is the perfect option. Beginning just beside the Milford Sound Café, the track ascends a series of steps to a lookout platform. While there’s a bit of a climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas over Milford Sound and the township—well worth the short effort.
Milford Track Day Walk: A taste of the world-famous hike
If you’re keen to experience the Milford Track but don’t have four days to spare, a Milford Track Day Walk is the perfect solution. In just half a day, you can sample the magic of this trail as part of our Milford Sound Cruise & Milford Sound Track experience.
This experience includes a boat transfer from Deepwater Basin to Sandfly Point. From there, you set off on a self-guided walk to experience “the finest walk in the world.” The track is well-maintained and winds through lush, temperate rainforest, leading you to the Giant Gate Falls, the perfect spot for a picnic lunch and your turnaround point.
This walk is designed to be accessible for everyone. The return journey covers 11 kilometres and typically takes about 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace. Available between October and June, the Milford Track Day Walk gives you a taste of one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and is combined with a Milford Sound cruise, so you get to experience two incredible Fiordland locations in one day.
The experience also includes the Southern Discoveries commentary app, providing in-depth and geo-targeted commentary in multiple languages—a wonderful way to learn about the scenery along the way.
And if you’re not keen to drive yourself to Milford Sound, there are options to include coach transfer from Te Anau, giving you an incredible way to soak in the scenery without having to keep your eyes on the road.
Other walks around Milford Sound
The Milford Sound road offers an incredible selection of walks that are well worth a stop on your journey. Find out more about walks on the road to Milford Sound here.
And if you’re looking to take on one of the multi-day hikes in Fiordland, you can find out more about Fiordland’s Great Walks here.
H2: Planning Your Perfect Milford Sound Experience
For the best Milford Sound experience, try a mix of activities: wander its scenic tracks, take a cruise to marvel at the dramatic peaks and waterfalls, and make time to simply pause and take it all in.
Start planning your Milford Sound experience today and discover why this corner of Fiordland continues to capture hearts and imaginations from around the world.
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