 The Maori were the first to attribute the creation of the fiords to a “titanic mason”, Tute Rakiwhanoa who hued out the steep sided valleys with keen edged adzes. No other explanation seems to fit, as it is impossible to comprehend the sheer breadth of geological events that created this seemingly perfect sculpture, as sheer cliffs rise vertically upward from the ocean.
Wet or fine Milford is incredibly grand. Mitre Peak magnetises photographers, and the fiord’s sheer cliffs excite both admiration and apprehension.
Milford is by far the best known of all of the fiords and the only one that can be accessed by road. It is approximately 16km from the head of the fiord to the open sea, which means visitors can comfortably travel the length of the fiord to open ocean and return on one of the many cruise options available in one and a half to two hours cruising time.
The Milford Road
One of the most incredible and frequently overlooked features of Milford Sound is the journey to get there!
The Milford Road is a stunning alpine drive. Visitors need to allow plenty of time to stop at the numerous viewing points or short walking opportunities en route, just to get out of the car and drink in the spectacular scenery and the sheer scale of the landscape. At 119km (approx. 74 miles) from Te Anau to Milford Sound the sealed road takes a minimum of 2 hours driving without allowing for stops.
Mystical Milford Sound
The grandeur of Milford Sound, once described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, can be appreciated from the air or water. Bowen and Stirling Falls hurtle down from towering cliffs and are truly spectacular after rain. Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins are resident in the fiord and can be viewed up close from launch cruises or kayak trips. A variety of launch cruises run daily on Milford Sound and overnight packages are also offered. Spectacular kayaking and diving trips are also very popular.
Choose a track and discover the wilderness
 The four-day Milford Track (53.9km) is often described as the finest walk in the world through glaciated valleys, an alpine pass and breathtaking scenery. Boat travel is required at both ends of the walk and both independent and guided options are available.
The Routeburn Track (39km) starts from the divide between the eastern and western sides of the Southern Alps and ends three-four days later in the beech forests about 80 km from Queenstown. Dramatic alpine views, lakes and changing forest types can be experienced over the summer season as you walk independently or take a guide.
The 80km Hollyford Track leads the walker from the sheer rock walls of the Darren Mountains down to the sand dunes of the Tasman Sea at Martins Bay. Both independent and guided walks are available on this track, while the Kepler Track at Lake Te Anau (67km) and Dusky Track (90km at Dusky Sound, Fiordland’s largest and most extensive fiord) are for independent walkers only.
Lovely and mysterious - Lake Manapouri
Twenty minutes from Te Anau is picturesque Lake Manapouri, a beautiful lake framed by the spectacular Cathedral Mountains. Pearl Harbour, adjacent to Manapouri township, is the gateway to the variety of excursions undertaken on Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound. Launch trips on Doubtful Sound begin with a launch trip across Lake Manapouri to West Arm, a visit to the West Arm underground power station, and a bus trip over the majestic Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove.
Doubtful Sound
 Doubtful Sound located in a World Heritage Area, is an overwhelming place. You can feel the power of nature here - the remoteness, the wildness and the peace. Known for its wilderness and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and it is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. In Maori legend, the godly figure Tu Te Raki Whanoa created this incredibly beautiful fiord with the assistance of four young sea gods who carved out its sheltered arms. Today Doubtful Sound remains an unspoilt wilderness of many moods; one minute clear blue and sun-drenched, the next mysterious and mist-cloaked.
Relaxing Journeys offers daytime and overnight cruises at Doubtful Sound in many of our self drive itineraries.
Milford & Doubtful Sounds Quick Facts
- Location: West Coast, South Island, New Zealand
- Known Locally For: Alpine Scenery, Fiordland Cruises, Waterfalls, Seals & Penguins
- Closest Town: Te Anau. Lake Manapouri and Manapouri township is a 20-minute drive from Te Anau and is the departure point for Doubtful Sound excursions.
Milford & Doubtful Sounds Touring
Travelling to and from the Fiordland region
These times are based on driving at 80 to 100 km per hour on open stretches of road, with a small allowance for traffic delays, petrol stops and refreshments.
- Milford Sound - Te Anau: 121 kms / 75 miles - 2h 30 mins
- Queenstown - Te Anau: 170 kms / 106 miles - 2h 30 mins
- Dunedin - Te Anau: 290 kms / 180 miles - 4h 15 mins
Below we have listed a small selection of tours that visit the Milford & Doubtful Sounds and that Relaxing Journeys recommend.
Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound Day Tours
A Selection of Escorted Coach Tours Visiting Milford & Doubtful Sounds
Small Group Tour Visiting Milford & Doubtful Sounds
Self Drive Tour Visiting Milford & Doubtful Sounds
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