Milford Sound was described by Rudyard Kipling as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Find out about Milford Sound tours right here.
Milford Sound tours are operated by several different companies, and should be the number one thing to do on your New Zealand itinerary, or when visiting Queenstown.
Ok, I declare up front, that Milford Sound is not in Queenstown. Milford Sound is actually part of the stunning Fiordland National Park New Zealand. However, Queenstown is the major departure point for Milford Sound tours. Access to Milford Sound from Queenstown is available by air (weather permitting) and road, with most visitors choosing to go by coach. The 295 kilometre trip from Queenstown takes about 4 hours each way, which makes for a long day. For this reason it's better to let someone else do the driving, and take an organised coach tour. Another option is to stay in the lovely lake side village of Te Anau, 121 kilometres from Milford Sound. Accommodation in Milford Sound is limited to Milford Sound Lodge and Mitre Peak Lodge (Mitre Peak Lodge is generally only available to walkers on the Milford Track). You can read about them on TripAdvisor. 
Milford Sound is the number one tourist attraction in New Zealand, and with good reason. Over 500,000 people take Milford Sound tours each year, and according to Wikipedia, it has been voted as the number 1 tourist destination in the world. The famous British author, Rudyard Kipling referred to Milford Sound as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Milford Sound is one of several fiords located on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island, in
Fiordland National Park.
Doubtful Sound New Zealand is another popular destination in the region. Milford Sound extends 15 kilometres inland from the Tasman Sea. This spectacular area is home to towering snow capped peaks that rise up to 1,200 metres (3,900 feet) from the deep dark waters of the sound. 
Massive water falls plummet from the sheer walls of the sound, and run constantly due to the heavy rainfall received in the area. The journey into Milford Sound is an experience in itself, as you pass over raging creeks, through massive gorges and between snow covered mountains. If you take your Milford Sound tour by coach, you will travel through the
Homer Tunnel
. The Homer Tunnel passes through the Main Divide at the Homer Saddle, was opened in 1954, and allows road access to Milford Sound from Queenstown and Te Anau. The tunnel is 1.2 kilometres long, and opens into a rain forest covered canyon, reminiscent of something from Jurassic Park.
The sound can be viewed by air or by boat. As mentioned, flights are very dependant on weather conditions, which can change dramatically at short notice. Combined coach/boat tours are the preferred option, and provide great commentary on Milford Sound and surrounds. The boat trip usually takes 1 to 2 hours, and provides the perfect platform to take in the sheer size and majesty of your surrounds. And don't be put off by the weather. It rains regularly in the sounds, but in our opinion that adds to the character of Milford Sound. Many a great photo has been taken of Mitre Peak disappearing into the clouds. And rain means that the waterfalls are running at capacity.
Underwater Observatory
The Milford Deep Underwater Observatory
Once inside the observatory you will descend 10.4 metres below the surface of the sound. There, in air conditioned comfort, you will experience a unique view of Milford Sound's amazing marine life.
View black coral, sea stars, anemones, mussels, octopus and various varieties of fish.
The observatory visit is available at extra cost to your coach/cruise and needs to be booked at the time you book your trip.
Summary All of the hype about Milford Sound is true.
So please, when planning your New Zealand itinerary, if at all possible, include a trip to this spectacular place.
A trip to Milford Sound is the very best of all Queenstown activities.
View Milford Sound Tours Here
We have access to a wide range of Milford Sound tours. Check them out through the following links:
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Fiordland Mirror World DVD
is located in Harrison's Cove, within Milford Sound.
It is one of the most amazing locations on earth. Milford Sound is one of those rare places that you just can't forget. The majesty and beauty are mind blowing.
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