Located in the South Island within Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a dramatic fjord and Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site that’s a popular attraction for visitors. Renowned as one of the wonders of the world, the Milford Sound draws many adventurers looking for water sports, challenging hikes and diving excursions. The fjord offers plenty for families as well, such as relaxing boat tours for families with young children and easy hiking trails that are perfect for little legs or pushchairs. Whether you want thrills in the outdoors or an unforgettable experience with the kids, take a look at the best things to do in Milford Sound and find out the Milford Sound accommodation options to plan your retreat.
Milford Sound accommodation options
From family holiday homes in the city to practical cabins close to the fjord, Milford Sound offers a variety of accommodation options to help you make the most of your stay. Find out more about the different holiday homes, cabins, cottages and lodges you can book near Milford Sound.
Family accommodation in Queenstown
If you’re planning to visit Milford Sound with family, a family holiday home in Queenstown is the best option. You can book holiday homes throughout the city that keep you close to attractions like the Coronet Peak Ski Resort and the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge. Family holiday homes come in a variety of sizes and styles, whether you want luxury or you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip. Places like Cartref offer space for 12 people, an outdoor grill area, a balcony, bunk beds, board games and television for the kids, all within reach of the city centre.
Accommodation in Te Anau
Te Anau is a popular option for staying near Milford Sound. The town offers an array of accommodation near restaurants, cafes and attractions. You could find holiday homes, cabins, lodges and cottages in Te Anau with space for the whole family and an abundance of convenient amenities. One of the best options is a holiday home that offers multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and child-friendly amenities, such as pushbikes, a sandpit and a trampoline.
Lodging in Milford Sound
Milford Sound is remote, but you could stay at a lodge or one of the few cabins nearby if you want to be close to the hiking and adventure. You could book private chalets for a luxurious stay with wilderness views, underfloor heating and other amenities, or you can opt for a stripped-down stay in a roadside cabin or campsite.
Things to do in Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a bucket-list attraction for outdoor adventure. From water sports to wilderness hikes to family boat tours, you can explore the remote and beautiful environment a number of ways. Take a look at the best things to do in Milford Sound.
Family activities
If you’re travelling with the kids, you’ll find an array of family activities in Milford Sound for a memorable trip. A boat tour of the fjord is one of the best ways to see the landscape and marine life with young children. During a boat tour, you’ll have an opportunity to see the incredible marine animals that call the sound home, such as bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales and southern right whales. Another highlight is seeing the Fiordland penguin, which uses the sound as a breeding site. Many Milford Sound hikes are easy enough for younger children, including the Lookout Track and the Milford Foreshore Walk.
Outdoor adventure
No matter your skill level or interest, the biggest draw of Milford Sound is the opportunity for adventure. Milford Sound hikes are among the most popular ways to explore the remote wilderness and see the waterfalls and spectacular landscapes, especially the Tutoko Valley Route and the Lake Gunn Nature Walk. Water sports are also popular, particularly canoeing and tramping, but many families and tourists prefer to take boat tours around the fjord to soak up the views. If you’re a little more daring, you can take a dive with the Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory in Harrisons Cove. Located within the Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, an underwater observatory, the dive showcases the unique marine environment surrounding the fjord so you can see rare marine creatures like black coral.