Hostel · Milford Sound
YHA Te Anau
8.7
177 reviewsWell-run hostel in the main base town, 2 hours from Milford Sound.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$30–45
- Wi-Fi
Milford Sound
South Island · New Zealand
Legendary stamp · 25 km circle
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- A day
- ~NZ$220
- Best
- Oct–Apr
- Dorms from
- NZ$30
Adventure base
Why Milford Sound
- One of New Zealand's must-see natural wonders, consistently rated among the world's top scenic destinations
- Dramatic fiord scenery: 1,200m cliffs, waterfalls, rainforest, and marine wildlife
- Accessible via one of the world's most scenic drives (Milford Road from Te Anau)
Milford Sound (Piopiotahi in Maori) is a fiord carved by glaciers over millions of years, flanked by sheer cliffs rising up to 1,200 metres from dark water. Rudyard Kipling called it the "eighth wonder of the world," and it remains New Zealand's most famous natural attraction. Waterfalls cascade hundreds of metres down the cliff faces (especially dramatic after rain), dolphins and seals frequent the fiord, and the scenery is genuinely humbling in scale. Most backpackers visit on a day trip from Queenstown or Te Anau.
A day in Milford Sound
- Hostel dorm
- NZ$83
- Food
- NZ$44
- Transport
- NZ$121
- About a day
- NZ$220
Where to stay in Milford Sound
Tap a hostel for the details, or + Plan to save it for the planner.
- YHA Te Anau
8.7 · NZ$30–45 dorm · well-run hostel in the main base town, 2 hours from Milford Sound
- Milford Sound Lodge
8.2 · NZ$30–45 dorm · the only accommodation at Milford Sound itself; riverside chalets (pricier, but you get the fiord to yourself after day-trippers leave)
- Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
8.1 · NZ$30–45 dorm · some budget room options in off-season
- Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park
8.0 · NZ$30–45 dorm · budget cabins and backpacker rooms with lake views
- Rosie's Backpackers Te Anau
7.5 · NZ$30–45 dorm · small, friendly, good kitchen
Hostel · Milford Sound
Milford Sound Lodge
8.2
79 reviewsThe only accommodation at Milford Sound itself; riverside chalets (pricier, but you get the fiord to yourself after day-trippers leave).
- Dorm bed
- NZ$30–45
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Milford Sound
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
8.1
424 reviewsSome budget room options in off-season.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$30–45
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Milford Sound
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park
8.0
182 reviewsBudget cabins and backpacker rooms with lake views.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$30–45
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Milford Sound
Rosie's Backpackers Te Anau
7.5
132 reviewsSmall, friendly, good kitchen.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$30–45
- Wi-Fi
- Kitchen
Things to do in Milford Sound
Tap one to see it, or + Plan to add it to your trip.
Water · Milford Sound
Kayak in the fiord for an intimate, water-level experience of the cliffs and waterfalls
Nightlife · Milford Sound
Overnight cruise to experience the fiord at dawn when day-trippers have gone
Tours · Milford Sound
Stop at the Chasm, Mirror Lakes, and Homer Tunnel on the drive in
Stop at the Chasm, Mirror Lakes, and Homer Tunnel on the drive in (all free)
Tours · Milford Sound
Take a scenic cruise through the full length of the fiord
Take a scenic cruise through the full length of the fiord (1.75 hours, from $70 NZD for standard; look for fur seals, dolphins, and penguins)
- Price
- NZ$70
Water · Milford Sound
Take a scenic flight over the fiord for aerial views of the waterfalls and surrounding peaks
Water · Milford Sound
Visit the underwater observatory at Harrison Cove to see black coral and fish
Food · Milford Sound
Walk the Milford Track
Walk the Milford Track (4 days, 53.5 km, one of NZ's Great Walks; DOC hut bookings required, from $130 NZD total)
- Price
- NZ$130
Getting to Milford Sound
- Bus from QueenstownUS$95–150
Coming soon · The Milford Sound wall
Stamp selfies from travellers who were really here
Stamp Milford Sound, then frame a selfie with your stamp and share it here or on your socials. Only stamped travellers can post. Month only, never the day, and the location is stripped from every photo.
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