Best Things to Do in Piopiotahi – Milford Sound

Piopiotahi – Milford Sound is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Aotearoa – New Zealand. Sheer cliffs rise straight from the dark waters, waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres and mist weaves through the peaks. To truly capture its magic, you need more than just a quick glance. Here are the Best Things to Do in Piopiotahi – Milford Sound, each offering a unique way to connect with this spectacular place.

From luxury overnight cruises to once-in-a-lifetime scenic flights, and from multi-day hikes to short, stunning cruises, Milford Sound offers unforgettable experiences for every traveller. Add to that the nearby town of Te Anau, with glowworm caves and access to Fiordland’s Great Walks and you have a journey that’s as rich as it is awe-inspiring.

1. Milford Sound Overnight Cruise – Fiordland Jewel

The best way to feel the soul of Piopiotahi – Milford Sound is to spend the night on the water. Aboard the Fiordland Jewel, you’ll enjoy luxury cabins, a hot tub under the stars and a three-course chef-prepared dinner. As the crowds leave, the fiord becomes peaceful and still and in the morning you’ll wake to sunrise over Mitre Peak.

• 🌌 Unforgettable stargazing far from city lights
• 🍽️ Delicious meals served with Fiordland views
• 🚤 Intimate small-group setting for a relaxed atmosphere

👉 Book the Overnight Cruise

2. Milford Sound Small Group Tour with Scenic Flight

See Piopiotahi – Milford Sound from two incredible perspectives: above and below. Start with a scenic flight from Queenstown, soaring over glaciers, alpine lakes and rugged peaks. Land in Milford for a small-group cruise where you’ll glide beneath towering cliffs and thundering waterfalls.

• ✈️ Epic aerial views across Fiordland National Park
• 🌊 Cruise close to waterfalls and wildlife
• 👥 Small group tours for a personal experience

👉 Book a Scenic Flight & Cruise Tour

3. Luxury Lunch Cruise onboard the Fiordland Jewel

or a midday indulgence, the Luxury Lunch Cruise offers fine dining with floor-to-ceiling views of Piopiotahi – Milford Sound. Relax on deck or in the glass-walled lounge as you savour three courses of fresh, locally inspired dishes. Along the way, you’ll spot dolphins, seals and countless waterfalls.

• 🍷 Premium food and wine served with style
• 🦭 Wildlife encounters from the comfort of the boat
• 🪟 Panoramic windows for breathtaking scenery

👉 Book the Luxury Lunch Cruise

4. Hike the Milford Track

The Milford Track is often called the finest walk in the world, and it lives up to its name. Over four days and 53 kilometres, you’ll pass through lush rainforest, climb alpine passes and stand before the mighty Sutherland Falls. If you don’t have time for the full hike, day trips from Te Anau still let you sample the track’s magic.

• 🥾 Multi-day adventure across Fiordland’s best landscapes
• 🌲 Native forest and rivers alive with birdsong
• 🌧️ Spectacular waterfalls, especially after rain

👉 The Milford Track is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and bookings are essential — huts fill up quickly, especially in peak season. Check availability and secure your spot well in advance.

📌 For more inspiration, check out our guide to the Best Hiking Tracks in Aotearoa – New Zealand.

5. Milford Sound 2-Hour Scenic Cruise

Pressed for time? A 2-hour scenic cruise still captures the power and beauty of Piopiotahi – Milford Sound. Sail beneath granite cliffs, feel the spray of towering waterfalls, and watch dolphins or penguins play in the waves.

• ⏱️ Quick yet powerful way to see the highlights
• 🐧 Wildlife spotting from the deck
• 💦 Cruise into waterfalls for thrilling moments

👉 Reserve Your Scenic Cruise

🌲 Exploring Te Anau & Surrounds

Just a short drive from Piopiotahi – Milford Sound, the lakeside town of Te Anau is the perfect base for exploring Fiordland. Known as the Gateway to Fiordland National Park, Te Anau has a welcoming feel, with stunning lake views and plenty of activities for travellers who want to linger a little longer before or after their Milford Sound adventure.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Step into an underground world filled with thousands of tiny lights. A short boat ride across Lake Te Anau takes you to the Glowworm Caves, where you drift quietly through dark limestone passages until the ceiling comes alive with a galaxy of glowworms.

• ✨ Magical experience – see nature’s own light show deep underground.
• 🚤 Scenic lake crossing – the journey itself is part of the adventure.
• 🕯️ Peaceful and otherworldly – perfect for those wanting a softer, slower activity.

Fiordland National Park

Te Anau sits on the edge of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Here, you’ll find endless opportunities to get outdoors and immerse yourself in landscapes carved by glaciers and covered in lush rainforest.

• 🌿 Wild adventures – kayak on the lake, explore hiking trails, or take scenic drives.
• 📸 Photographer’s dream – towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and endless waterfalls.
• 🦜 Unique wildlife – spot rare birds like the cheeky kea and elusive takahe.

The Kepler Track

One of Aotearoa’s legendary Great Walks, the Kepler Track begins right on Te Anau’s doorstep. This 60-kilometre loop showcases Fiordland’s diversity, from lakeshores and beech forest to alpine ridgelines with sweeping views across the national park. It’s a walk that offers both challenge and reward.

• 🥾 Multi-day circuit – a 3–4 day hike that loops back to Te Anau
• ⛰️ Epic alpine views – panoramic ridgelines over lakes and mountains
• 🚶 Day-walk options – shorter hikes give a taste without committing to the full track

👉 The Kepler Track is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and bookings are essential for huts and campsites during the Great Walks season (late October–April). In winter, facilities are reduced and conditions can be extreme, so it’s only suitable for experienced trampers.

📌 Pair the Kepler with our full guide to the Best Hiking Tracks in Aotearoa – New Zealand for more trails worth exploring.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.