Milford Sound Travel Guide With Kids: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
- rachnamone
- Jun 1, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2025
Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural wonders, and visiting it with kids can be just as magical with the right planning. This Milford Sound travel guide with kids will help you plan the perfect family trip, covering the best time to visit, how to get there, cruise options, weather tips, and what to expect when travelling with children. Whether you’re driving from Queenstown or Te Anau or joining a scenic fjord cruise, this guide is designed to make your Milford Sound experience smooth, memorable, and stress-free for the whole family.
Despite its name, Milford Sound is actually a fjord, not a sound. It was incorrectly named by early European settlers—while a sound is a river valley flooded by the sea, fjords are deep, dramatic valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Today, many Milford Sound cruises take visitors along this stunning 16-kilometre-long fjord, offering front-row views of towering overhanging cliffs, lush rainforests, and countless waterfalls cascading down the rock faces. As the boat glides through the fjord, you may even spot seals basking on the rocks or dolphins swimming playfully alongside, making the experience especially memorable for kids and adults alike.
We had a great time exploring Milford sound , and here is how you can also plan your own trip!
When to Visit Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of the wettest inhabited places in New Zealand, with rain falling on nearly 200 days a year. This means you should expect rain and clouds no matter when you visit. However, the rain is also what makes Milford Sound so spectacular — it brings the fjord to life with dramatic waterfalls cascading down the towering cliffs.
Because of this, there is no bad time to visit Milford Sound. Every season offers a unique experience, and even rainy days often turn out to be the most memorable.
Best Time to Visit Milford Sound With Kids – Quick Verdict
Late spring to early autumn (October to April) is the easiest and most comfortable time to visit Milford Sound with kids. The weather is milder, daylight hours are longer, roads are generally safer for self-driving, and cruise options are more frequent.
Summer (December–February): Ideal for families — warmer temperatures and smoother travel conditions.
Winter (June–August): Beautiful and quieter, but best suited for guided tours due to snow, ice, and possible road closures on the Milford Road.
Quick Tip for Families -
Don’t worry if it rains — kids love spotting the many waterfalls that appear after rainfall during the fjord cruise.
Exploring Milford Sound: Travel Options
Milford Sound can be explored in several ways, each offering a unique experience. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best option for your family trip:
1. Self-Drive + Cruise
Driving yourself from Queenstown or Te Anau to the cruise terminal lets you enjoy the scenic journey at your own pace. You can stop along the way for photos, short walks, or just to soak in the views. Once at the terminal, you can board a Milford Sound cruise to explore the fjord itself. This option is ideal for families who love flexibility and adventure.
2. Coach from Queenstown or Te Anau + Cruise
If you prefer to avoid the challenges of winding mountain roads, a coach tour is a convenient alternative. Coaches depart from Queenstown or Te Anau and take you directly to the cruise terminal. Keep in mind that the journey from Queenstown is around 5 hours each way, which can be tiring for kids. While you’ll miss the freedom of self-driving, this option is stress-free and ensures you don’t worry about navigation.
3. Overnight Cruises
Overnight cruises allow you to spend a night on the fjord, giving you the chance to enjoy both sunset and sunrise over Milford Sound. Many overnight cruises also offer kayaking and nature activities, making it a perfect way for families to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the area.
4. Scenic Flights
For a bird’s-eye view, scenic flights over Milford Sound offer a truly unforgettable perspective. These flights are more expensive but provide stunning aerial views of the fjord, waterfalls, and surrounding mountains, especially on a clear day. A great choice if your family wants a shorter, yet spectacular, Milford Sound experience.
No matter which option you choose, each provides a unique way to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound.
How to Book Milford Sound Cruise Tickets
Several companies operate Milford Sound cruises, with the most popular being:
Southern Discoveries
Mitre Peak Cruises
Real NZ Cruises
You can book directly online through their websites or at their offices in Queenstown. Most cruises follow a similar itinerary, so it’s best to choose the company that offers the best deal or the experiences you want.
Tips for Booking Cruises
Avoid larger boats: They tend to get crowded with tour buses, limiting space on deck and inside. Smaller boats offer a more intimate and comfortable experience for families.
Look for deals on Bookme: The Bookme app sometimes offers significant discounts on Milford Sound cruises.
Consider added experiences: For example, Southern Discoveries offers an underwater observatory, giving kids (and adults!) a unique way to explore the fjord.
Quick Tip for Families -
When booking, think about your kids’ comfort, mobility, and attention span — smaller cruises and interactive experiences often make the trip more enjoyable for little ones.
Suggested Itinerary for a Milford Sound Self-Drive Trip
Day 1: Queenstown → Milford Sound
Departure: Start your drive from Queenstown around 6 AM to allow time for scenic stops and exploration.
Breakfast: Stop at Sandfly Cafe in Te Anau around 8 AM for a hearty breakfast.
Scenic Stops:
Mirror Lakes – perfect for reflections and quick photos.
Eglinton Valley – stunning valley views.
The Chasm – dramatic waterfalls and walking paths.
Milford Sound Cruise: Arrive at Milford Sound around noon. Board a pre-booked cruise with Southern Discoveries, Mitre Peak, or Real NZ. Enjoy the fjord, waterfalls, and local wildlife.
Overnight: Spend the night in Te Anau.
Day 2: Te Anau → Queenstown
Morning in Te Anau:
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary – see rare native birds like the Takahe.
Lake Te Anau – take a leisurely walk along the serene lake shore.
Drive Back: Start your return drive to Queenstown (approx. 2–3 hours).
Tips for a Relaxed Trip
Leave early to avoid traffic and maximize daylight.
Bring snacks and water for the drive, especially if travelling with kids.
Pre-book your Milford Sound cruise, especially in peak season.
Take short stops at scenic points to keep kids engaged and stretch your legs.
Planning a New Zealand adventure with kids? Check out our South Island New Zealand Road Trip in 15 Days: Ultimate Itinerary & Family Travel Guide
Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound: Step-by-Step
If you’re planning a self-drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound, it’s best to start early in the morning. The fjord is approximately 300 km away, which usually takes 4–5 hours of driving.
For our trip, we had a 1 PM Milford Sound cruise booked, so we left Queenstown at 6 AM. By 8 AM, we stopped in Te Anau for breakfast at the Sandfly Cafe. From Te Anau, the drive to Milford Sound takes about 2 hours, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.
Some of the must-stop spots include:
Mirror Lakes – perfect for reflections and photos
Eglinton Valley – a breathtaking stretch of lush forest and mountains
Taking your time on the drive allows you to soak in the natural beauty and makes the journey as memorable as the destination itself.
Planning a self-drive adventure? Read our essential family guide to Renting a Car in New Zealand: The Essential Family Guide & Driving Tips
The views just before and after you exit the Homer Tunnel are nothing short of breathtaking. Keep in mind that the wait time to pass through the tunnel can range from 5 to 15 minutes.
Milford Sound Parking Options
Paid Parking: Located about a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Convenient if you want to stay close.
Free Parking: Available at Deepwater Basin, approximately a 20–30 minute walk to the cruise terminal. A good option if you don’t mind a short stroll.
Tip for Families:
Bring a small backpack for essentials if you choose the free parking, so you can comfortably walk to the terminal with kids.
More Tips for a Comfortable Milford Sound Trip
Pack snacks and water:
There are no restaurants or cafes along the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound, so bring enough for the whole day — especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Cafe at Milford Sound:
A small cafe is available at the Southern Discoveries Information Center, where you can grab coffee, tea, and hot snacks after your cruise.
Fuel Up Early:
Make sure to fill your tank in Te Anau, as there are no petrol stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Protect Against Sandflies:
This area has many sandflies, so carry insect repellent — essential for kids.
Overnight in Te Anau:
Driving back to Queenstown the same day can be tiring, so consider spending the night in Te Anau.
Dress for the Weather:
It can get windy and cold on the cruise in any season. Bring a warm jacket and a raincoat.
Wildlife Spotting:
Keep an eye out for native birds, and if you’re lucky, you may see seals, penguins, or dolphins along the fjord.
Family Tip:
Pack a small day bag with snacks, jackets, insect repellent, and binoculars to keep the kids comfortable and entertained.
First time visiting New Zealand? Don’t miss our guide: 10 Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to New Zealand
Final Thoughts on Visiting Milford Sound With Kids
Milford Sound is truly one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking destinations, and a self-drive trip makes the journey just as memorable as the fjord itself. With careful planning — from starting early, packing snacks, and dressing for all weather, to choosing the right cruise and parking options — families can enjoy a stress-free, fun, and unforgettable experience. Whether it’s spotting waterfalls, native birds, or playful seals, Milford Sound offers moments that both kids and adults will cherish forever.
Pro Tip: Plan ahead, take your time on the scenic drive, and embrace the unpredictable weather — it’s all part of the magic that makes Milford Sound so special.
We had a terrific day exploring the Milford sound and we hope you have too!
Looking for fun activities with kids? Check out our Top 12 Family Experiences in South Island, New Zealand — Part 1 (Best Things to Do with Kids) for the best things to do on your trip.
Don’t miss Top 12 Family Experiences in South Island, New Zealand — Part 2 (More Amazing Things to Do with Kids) of our South Island family adventure guide — more must-do activities for kids and families!
Milford Sound With Kids: FAQ
1. Is Milford Sound suitable for kids?
Yes! Families can enjoy cruises, short walks, and scenic stops. Just dress for unpredictable weather and bring snacks.
2. How long does it take to drive from Queenstown?
The drive is about 4–5 hours (300 km). Leaving early and stopping at places like Mirror Lakes and Eglinton Valley makes the journey more enjoyable.
3. When is the best time to visit with kids?
Any time of the year works, but summer and early autumn offer longer daylight hours and relatively milder weather.
4. Where can we park at Milford Sound?
Paid parking: ~10-minute walk from the cruise terminal
Free parking: Deepwater Basin, ~20–30 minute walk.
5. What should we pack for a family trip?
Bring jackets, raincoats, snacks, water, insect repellent, and optionally binoculars to spot wildlife like seals, penguins, and native birds.