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Milford Sound
in New Zealand

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New Zealand

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a stunning fiord located on the South Island of New Zealand. It is located in the Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Site, and is the most visited and most iconic destination in the area. The fiord is surrounded by steep cliffs, lush rainforest, and glacial peaks, making it one of the most dramatic and breathtaking natural sights in the world.

The fiord is 15 kilometres long and up to 1,200 metres deep, with the highest peak being Mitre Peak at 1,692 metres. It is home to a variety of wildlife including fur seals, penguins, dolphins, and whales. Milford Sound is also home to the world's only permanent underwater observatory, giving visitors a unique view of the marine life beneath the surface.

The fiord was first sighted by Europeans in 1812 during the voyage of the whaling ship the Dove. It was named Milford Haven by Captain John Grono, after his hometown in Wales. In 1888, the fiord was visited by the German explorer and scientist, Baron von Mueller, who named it Milford Sound.

The area has a rich Maori history, with the local Maori people having inhabited the area for hundreds of years. The Maori name for the fiord is Piopiotahi, which means ‘one single piopio bird’, referring to the now extinct native bird that was once found in the area.

Today, Milford Sound is a popular tourist destination and a popular spot for kayaking, sailing, and diving. It is also a popular place for cruise ships, with many people taking a tour of the fiord and its many attractions. Milford Sound is a truly spectacular and awe-inspiring place, and a must-see for any visitor to New Zealand.

Excursion tips for a day in Milford Sound

As a tourist in Milford Sound, New Zealand, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in a day:
1. Take a scenic boat cruise and explore the natural beauty of the fjords.
2. Go kayaking and paddle through the sheltered waters of the Sound.
3. Hike one of the many trails in the area, such as the Milford Track or the Routeburn Track.
4. Visit the Milford Discovery Centre and learn about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife.
5. Take a scenic flight and see the spectacular views of the fjords from the air.
6. Go fishing and try your luck at catching some of the local fish.
7. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach and take in the stunning views.
8. Go stargazing and marvel at the night sky.
9. Take a guided tour of the area and learn about the local culture and history.
10. Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Sound.

Experience Milford Sound with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Milford Sound. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Milford Sound

Milford Sound in New Zealand experiences a temperate maritime climate, with moderate temperatures and high levels of rainfall throughout the year. In summer (December-February), temperatures range between 10-25°C and rainfall is usually light. In autumn (March-May), temperatures range between 5-20°C and rainfall increases. In winter (June-August), temperatures range between 0-12°C and rainfall is high. In spring (September-November), temperatures range between 5-20°C and rainfall is moderate. Overall, Milford Sound has a mild climate with moderate temperatures and high rainfall levels throughout the year.

Cruise weather for Milford Sound

Our weather forecast for Milford Sound helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Date Icon Temperature Wind speed/gusts Cloudiness/Visibility Air humidity/pressure Sunrise/Sunset
Jun. 18th 2026 Jun. 18th 2026 max: 4.5 °C
min: -2.1 °C 		10.4 m/s
17.6 m/s		 48.2 %
15.0 m		 92.7 %
1,016 hPa		 08:25:07
17:13:57
Jun. 19th 2026 Jun. 19th 2026 max: 8.4 °C
min: -1.9 °C 		18.4 m/s
53.6 m/s		 99.6 %
7.6 m		 97.1 %
1,016 hPa		 08:25:26
17:14:04
Jun. 20th 2026 Jun. 20th 2026 max: 9.4 °C
min: 4.9 °C 		20.9 m/s
63.0 m/s		 100.0 %
0.8 m		 98.4 %
1,011 hPa		 08:25:44
17:14:14
Jun. 21st 2026 Jun. 21st 2026 max: 5.4 °C
min: 0.6 °C 		6.1 m/s
9.4 m/s		 62.2 %
17.5 m		 95.0 %
1,022 hPa		 08:25:59
17:14:26
Jun. 22nd 2026 Jun. 22nd 2026 max: 5.8 °C
min: -0.5 °C 		4.7 m/s
4.3 m/s		 3.0 %
23.7 m		 84.7 %
1,025 hPa		 08:26:12
17:14:39
Jun. 23rd 2026 Jun. 23rd 2026 max: 4.6 °C
min: -0.7 °C 		5.4 m/s
8.0 m/s		 35.9 %
24.1 m		 88.9 %
1,020 hPa		 08:26:23
17:14:55
Jun. 24th 2026 Jun. 24th 2026 max: 1.3 °C
min: -4.2 °C 		13.7 m/s
25.2 m/s		 47.9 %
17.2 m		 85.2 %
1,023 hPa		 08:26:32
17:15:13
Jun. 25th 2026 Jun. 25th 2026 max: 2.8 °C
min: -4.2 °C 		13.7 m/s
21.6 m/s		 22.7 %
24.1 m		 84.1 %
1,028 hPa		 08:26:38
17:15:33
Jun. 26th 2026 Jun. 26th 2026 max: 5.2 °C
min: -3.5 °C 		8.3 m/s
9.7 m/s		 1.6 %
24.1 m		 72.1 %
1,029 hPa		 08:26:42
17:15:55
Jun. 27th 2026 Jun. 27th 2026 max: 4.3 °C
min: -2.3 °C 		3.6 m/s
4.3 m/s		 31.9 %
24.1 m		 85.5 %
1,030 hPa		 08:26:44
17:16:19
Jun. 28th 2026 Jun. 28th 2026 max: 4.6 °C
min: -2 °C 		4.0 m/s
3.2 m/s		 57.9 %
24.1 m		 85.3 %
1,030 hPa		 08:26:44
17:16:45
Jun. 29th 2026 Jun. 29th 2026 max: 4.2 °C
min: -1.7 °C 		6.5 m/s
11.2 m/s		 86.9 %
24.1 m		 87.2 %
1,025 hPa		 08:26:42
17:17:12
Jun. 30th 2026 Jun. 30th 2026 max: 5.5 °C
min: -1 °C 		6.5 m/s
9.7 m/s		 97.7 %
22.9 m		 88.5 %
1,020 hPa		 08:26:37
17:17:42

Cruises to Milford Sound

Would you like to travel to Milford Sound on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Milford Sound.

Scheduled ship calls in Milford Sound, New Zealand
Date Ship Passaengers (min - max) Arrival Departure Details
Oct. 20th 2026 Tuesday, 20th of Oct. 2026 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 08:00 am 09:00 am
Oct. 28th 2026 Wednesday, 28th of Oct. 2026 Celebrity Solstice 2850 - 3420 04:00 pm 05:15 pm
Oct. 31st 2026 Saturday, 31st of Oct. 2026 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 08:00 am 09:00 am
Nov. 17th 2026 Tuesday, 17th of Nov. 2026 Anthem of the Seas 4168 - 4825 04:00 pm 05:00 pm
Nov. 22nd 2026 Sunday, 22nd of Nov. 2026 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 08:00 am 09:00 am
Dec. 10th 2026 Thursday, 10th of Dec. 2026 Azamara Pursuit 704 - 774 08:00 am 11:00 am
Dec. 10th 2026 Thursday, 10th of Dec. 2026 Silver Moon 576 - 691 10:00 am 01:00 pm
Dec. 25th 2026 Friday, 25th of Dec. 2026 Azamara Pursuit 704 - 774 04:00 pm 07:00 pm
Dec. 25th 2026 Friday, 25th of Dec. 2026 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 08:00 am 09:00 am
Dec. 25th 2026 Friday, 25th of Dec. 2026 Silver Moon 576 - 691 03:00 pm 06:00 pm
Dec. 29th 2026 Tuesday, 29th of Dec. 2026 Norwegian Spirit 2018 - 2414 12:00 am 12:00 am
Dec. 31st 2026 Thursday, 31st of Dec. 2026 LE SOLEAL 224 - 264 12:00 am 12:00 am
Jan. 3rd 2027 Sunday, 3rd of Jan. 2027 Anthem of the Seas 4168 - 4825 04:00 pm 05:00 pm
Jan. 10th 2027 Sunday, 10th of Jan. 2027 MS Noordam 1972 - 2366 07:00 am 08:00 am
Jan. 11th 2027 Monday, 11th of Jan. 2027 Azamara Pursuit 704 - 774 08:00 am 09:00 am
Jan. 14th 2027 Thursday, 14th of Jan. 2027 LE SOLEAL 224 - 264 12:00 am 12:00 am
Jan. 17th 2027 Sunday, 17th of Jan. 2027 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 08:00 am 09:00 am
Jan. 23rd 2027 Saturday, 23rd of Jan. 2027 Silver Moon 576 - 691 10:00 am 01:00 pm
Jan. 29th 2027 Friday, 29th of Jan. 2027 Azamara Pursuit 704 - 774 04:00 pm 07:00 pm
Jan. 31st 2027 Sunday, 31st of Jan. 2027 Norwegian Spirit 2018 - 2414 12:00 am 12:00 am
Feb. 3rd 2027 Wednesday, 3rd of Feb. 2027 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 04:00 pm 05:15 pm
Feb. 7th 2027 Sunday, 7th of Feb. 2027 MS Noordam 1972 - 2366 07:00 am 08:00 am
Feb. 8th 2027 Monday, 8th of Feb. 2027 Silver Moon 576 - 691 03:00 pm 06:00 pm
Feb. 9th 2027 Tuesday, 9th of Feb. 2027 Anthem of the Seas 4168 - 4825 04:00 pm 05:00 pm
Feb. 9th 2027 Tuesday, 9th of Feb. 2027 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 08:00 am 09:00 am
Feb. 10th 2027 Wednesday, 10th of Feb. 2027 Norwegian Spirit 2018 - 2414 12:00 am 12:00 am
Feb. 14th 2027 Sunday, 14th of Feb. 2027 Azamara Quest 722 - 794 07:00 am 10:00 am
Feb. 21st 2027 Sunday, 21st of Feb. 2027 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 08:00 am 09:00 am
Feb. 22nd 2027 Monday, 22nd of Feb. 2027 Norwegian Spirit 2018 - 2414 12:00 am 12:00 am
Mar. 4th 2027 Thursday, 4th of Mar. 2027 Norwegian Spirit 2018 - 2414 12:00 am 12:00 am
Mar. 7th 2027 Sunday, 7th of Mar. 2027 MS Noordam 1972 - 2366 07:00 am 08:00 am
Mar. 9th 2027 Tuesday, 9th of Mar. 2027 Crystal Serenity 740 12:00 am 12:00 am
Mar. 10th 2027 Wednesday, 10th of Mar. 2027 MSC Magnifica 2506 - 3007 01:00 pm 05:00 pm
Mar. 11th 2027 Thursday, 11th of Mar. 2027 MS Europa 2 516 12:00 am 12:00 am
Mar. 16th 2027 Tuesday, 16th of Mar. 2027 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 08:00 am 09:00 am
Mar. 16th 2027 Tuesday, 16th of Mar. 2027 Norwegian Spirit 2018 - 2414 12:00 am 12:00 am
Mar. 26th 2027 Friday, 26th of Mar. 2027 Norwegian Spirit 2018 - 2414 12:00 am 12:00 am
Mar. 30th 2027 Tuesday, 30th of Mar. 2027 Anthem of the Seas 4168 - 4825 08:00 am 09:00 am
Apr. 7th 2027 Wednesday, 7th of Apr. 2027 Norwegian Spirit 2018 - 2414 12:00 am 12:00 am
Apr. 17th 2027 Saturday, 17th of Apr. 2027 Norwegian Spirit 2018 - 2414 12:00 am 12:00 am
Oct. 20th 2027 Wednesday, 20th of Oct. 2027 Celebrity Solstice 2850 - 3420 08:00 am 09:00 am
Oct. 31st 2027 Sunday, 31st of Oct. 2027 MS Westerdam 1968 - 2362 07:00 am 08:00 am
Nov. 14th 2027 Sunday, 14th of Nov. 2027 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 08:00 am 09:00 am
Nov. 28th 2027 Sunday, 28th of Nov. 2027 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 05:00 pm 06:00 pm
Nov. 28th 2027 Sunday, 28th of Nov. 2027 MS Westerdam 1968 - 2362 07:00 am 08:00 am
Dec. 4th 2027 Saturday, 4th of Dec. 2027 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 08:00 am 09:00 am
Dec. 5th 2027 Sunday, 5th of Dec. 2027 Anthem of the Seas 4168 - 4825 04:00 pm 05:00 pm
Dec. 10th 2027 Friday, 10th of Dec. 2027 Azamara Pursuit 704 - 774 08:00 am 11:00 am
Dec. 25th 2027 Saturday, 25th of Dec. 2027 Celebrity Edge 2918 - 3521 08:00 am 09:00 am
Dec. 25th 2027 Saturday, 25th of Dec. 2027 Norwegian Spirit 2018 - 2414 12:00 am 12:00 am

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Maritime AIS Data Milford Sound

Other ports within 300km of Milford Sound

Port Distance
Queenstown in New Zealand 74,29 km
Thompson Sound in New Zealand 98,06 km
Doubtful Sound in New Zealand 104,29 km
Fiordland National Park in New Zealand 115,23 km
Dusky Sound in New Zealand 162,45 km
Bluff - Invercargill in New Zealand 220,52 km
Dunedin in New Zealand 245,98 km
Port Chalmers in New Zealand 250,10 km
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