5 Romantic Activities in Milford Sound for Couples© Matt Crawford - Tourism New Zealand
5 Romantic Activities in Milford Sound for Couples

5 Most Romantic Things to Do in Milford Sound + Proposal Ideas

© Matt Crawford – Tourism New Zealand

The Most Romantic Activities in Milford Sound

Visiting the “Eighth Wonder of the World” for a special occasion or simply for a more adventurous romantic getaway? Set the tone right by experiencing some of the most romantic activities in Milford Sound. Whether you want to strengthen the bond in a kayaking excursion, experience a little luxury in a scenic flight, or enjoy a walk amidst a World Heritage Area, there are all these things to do and more in Milford Sound for couples. Check out some recommendations in the list below. As for more tips, check out The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Milford Sound.

1. Enjoy an Intimate Scenic Flight Together

Milford Sound: it’s all about the scenery. No other view than a bird’s eye view captures the majesty of the fiord and its surrounding mountains, waterfalls and glaciers. So, book onto a scenic flight and enjoy a more intimate option than the larger boat and bus tour alternatives.

If you’re making your own way to Milford Sound, Milford Sound Helicopters can handle the rest, offering spectacular scenic flights from Milford Sound Airport. Alternatively, there are a ton of flights from Queenstown and Te Anau that swap the lengthy drive for staggering aerial views of the Fiordland National Park. Check them out in the 10 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound.

Location: Milford Sound Airport, State Highway 94, Milford Sound.

5 Romantic Activities in Milford Sound for Couples© Megan Thomas - Destination Fiordland

2. Team Up in a Double Kayak to Explore the Fiord

For active couples who want to get out on the water of the famous fiord, team up in a double sea kayak and join Rosco’s Milford Kayaks for a spectacularly scenic trip. Get closer to the action, whether it’s the seals basking on the rocks or a magnificent waterfall. Being in a tiny kayak makes the towering fiord cliff faces all the more majestic. The most popular tour is the “Sunrise Classic” tour, gliding across the inky black water of the fiord at the calmest and most peaceful time of the day.

Location: Deepwater Basin Road, approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) from Milford Sound.

5 Romantic Activities in Milford Sound for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

3. Take a Scenic Day Cruise…

Whatever the weather, a cruise of Milford Sound is always a safe option. It’s not is not only a relaxing way to soak in the scenery of Sinbad Gully, Mitre Peak, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls, but it’s sure fun in the rain when the temporary waterfalls come out to play! All of the cruises that run throughout the daytime offer the same deal; they last about two hours to check out the same attractions, but you can compare your options in the 10 Best Cruises in Milford Sound. We recommend catching a cruise in the morning or late afternoon for the quietest cruises, should you want to set a more romantic tone.

Location: Cruises depart from the Milford Marina at the end of State Highway 94.

5 Romantic Activities in Milford Sound for Couples© Tourism Holdings - Tourism New Zealand

4. … Or a Romantic Overnight Cruise

Overnight cruises are also an option, ideal to see Milford Sound in ever-changing weather and/or different lights, as well as to experience the starry night sky made all the more vivid thanks to the lack of light pollution. RealNZ offers an overnight cruise on the old-worldy Milford Mariner while Fiordland Discovery boasts a luxury catamaran cruise, but both offer three-course dinners, breakfast, the use of kayaks and tender excursions to explore the nooks and crannies of Milford Sound. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the fiord before another busy day of tourists. Learn more about the overnight cruises in the 10 Best Accommodations in Milford Sound.

Location: Cruises depart from the Milford Marina at the end of State Highway 94.

5 Romantic Activities in Milford Sound for Couples© Matt Crawford - Tourism New Zealand

5. Walk Together on One of the Milford Road Walks

Finally, for something more down-to-earth but without sacrificing any of that spectacular Fiordland scenery, hit the walking trails together. There are countless walks to be done along the Milford Road between Milford Sound and Te Anau. Choose from short romantic walks on the lakeside of the Lake Gunn Nature Walk or half-day hikes with dramatic vistas like the Key Summit Track. Learn about these hikes and much more in the 10 Best Walks in Milford Sound and the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Milford Sound.

Location: State Highway 94 – see the links above for specific locations.

5 Romantic Activities in Milford Sound for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

5 Utterly Romantic Milford Sound Proposal Ideas

A once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth could be the perfect time to pop the question. Here are five romantic proposal ideas for Milford Sound, guaranteed to make your special moment unforgettable:

  1. Sunset Cruise Proposal: Set sail on a private sunset cruise amidst the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound. As the golden hues of the setting sun paint the towering peaks and tranquil waters, seize the perfect moment to pop the question against this mesmerising backdrop. Check out operators in the 10 Best Cruises in Milford Sound.
  2. Heli-Flight Proposal: Take your love to new heights with a helicopter flight over Milford Sound. With the stunning fiords unfolding beneath you, find a secluded spot amidst the wilderness to profess your love and ask for their hand in marriage, with the dramatic landscape as your witness. Check out operators in the 10 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound.
  3. Lakeside Picnic Proposal: Escape the crowds and enjoy a romantic lakeside picnic at one of Milford Sound’s serene spots. Surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests, create a moment of intimacy and surprise as you reveal your heartfelt proposal amidst nature’s tranquillity. See stunning spots to seek out in the 10 Best Walks in Milford Sound.
  4. Underwater Observatory Proposal: Dive into the depths of Milford Sound’s underwater world with a visit to the underwater observatory. Surrounded by an array of marine life, including playful seals and vibrant corals, find the perfect moment to express your love in this unique and unforgettable setting. Get in touch with Southern Discoveries to see how they can make your proposal extra special.
  5. Mountain Summit Proposal: Embark on an adventurous hike to one of Milford Sound’s majestic mountain summits. As you conquer the heights together, reach the pinnacle of your journey and your relationship, and unveil your heartfelt proposal against the backdrop of panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see. Again, see the 10 Best Walks in Milford Sound for ideas.

Whichever proposal idea you choose, Milford Sound’s unparalleled beauty and sense of adventure will undoubtedly add a touch of magic to your special moment.

More Romantic Things to Do in Milford Sound

That’s it for our list of the romantic things to do in Milford Sound for couples. For more experiences to choose from, take a look at the following:

Have you planned the rest of your trip around the South Island yet? If not, head to the South Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: Two Weeks or South Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: One Week.

Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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