New Zealand | 3 Day Milford Sound Itinerary

New Zealand | 3 Day Milford Sound Itinerary

Hannah Whittaker
Milford Sound, known as the unofficial 8th Wonder of the World, is one of my favourite places in New Zealand and one of the countries most stunning natural attractions. Located in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is home to rugged landscapes, mountain peaks, fiords, waterfalls, and some of the best hiking tracks in the world. I’m a big, max-out-your-24-hours kind of traveler, so it’s not often I leave a place feeling as though my time there is unfinished. But I remember driving away from Fiordland, unable to take my eyes away from the tops of her mountains, feeling lucky to live in New Zealand and knowing I’d be back for more. However, most people only get the chance to visit Milford Sound once in their lifetime. So, I want to help you make the most of it! I am a lover of hiking and this guide reflects it! You'll find two walks included that take 3 hours each. If you don't enjoy the outdoors, that's okay too! Feel free to omit them and choose another activity from my list at the end. This itinerary is designed to be done in a campervan and does include driving. I HIGHLY recommend travelling New Zealand by campervan to stay in some of the most incredible places. BUT I'll also give you hotel recommendations too, just in case you're not into van-life. In this guide, you'll find: • An overview of Milford Sound • Typical costs and how much I spent on my trip • The best road trip stops on your drive from Queenstown • Top rated accomodation and my favourite campsites • Custom interactive maps full of all the important locations like campsites, supermarkets, airports and viewpoints on top of your full itinerary • Local tips and inspiration, must-visit spots, hiking tracks, bucket list activities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  • Much, much more. This guide is your one-stop shop for everything you need to plan the ultimate New Zealand adventure! You can follow this guide exactly for an amazing itinerary or combine it with your own research to create the trip of your dreams. Please tag me in the photos and videos you take! I'd love to see your adventures: @notes2home
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An overview of Milford Sound

Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is one of the most beautiful corners of New Zealand - and the world, for that matter!

Once called the "Unofficial 8th Wonder of the World," Milford Sound is touted as "New Zealand's most stunning natural attraction." When we visited, I felt dwarfed by the sheer sight of the iconic Fiordland mountains. No matter how often I relive our trip, I am constantly overwhelmed by how spectacular it was. 

Milford Sound is an outdoor lovers' dream, full of lush rainforests, towering glacier peaks, waterfalls and alpine lakes everywhere you look. But it's not all hiking. You'll also find luxury experiences galore, boutique accommodations and world-class dining. 

I think everyone should visit here once in their lifetime. But, only a few people come for more than a day trip. I'm here to tell you that you MUST stay overnight. There's so much to do; when you're unsure if you'll be back here again, you don't want to rush a second of your time here.

You can visit Milford Sound at any time throughout the year. But the best time to visit is in August-October. This way, you've got a higher chance of seeing the breathtaking waterfalls that come alive when it rains, snow on the peaks of the mountains, lower costs and fewer tourists. 

How to get to Milford Sound

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hannah Whittaker
Kia Ora Ko Hannah tōku ingoa. Hello, my name is Hannah! I’m a Kiwi, an outdoor lover, and the girl behind Notes to Home. I love to travel. I have permanently itchy feet and have spent years exploring New Zealand. I’ve been on countless hikes, road trips, and luxury experiences and have visited almost every corner of the country. I guess you could say I’ve come to know Aotearoa like the back of my hand! Now, I want to help you make the most of your time travelling and have an experience you’ll never forget.  My guides are the culmination of years exploring New Zealand. You’ll find everything you need to know, from bucket list activities and NZ must-dos to visa requirements and accommodation recommendations, rental cars vs camper vans, the best time to travel in New Zealand and even budgeting advice. I am so pleased to share everything I’ve learnt with you.  Happy travels and mā te wā!
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
53 places
53 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
8 photos
Beautiful, hi-res photos from the creator
FOCUSES AND THEMES
Couples
Backpacker
Family
50+
Digital Nomads
Luxury
Outdoors
Camping
Adventure
Slow Travel
Van Life
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Itinerary
Itineraries typically include day-by-day plans, with food, lodging and activity recommendations for each day.
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