The Luxury Travel Guide to Milford Sound© Unsplash
The Luxury Travel Guide to Milford Sound

The Luxury Travel Guide to Milford Sound [2024]

© Unsplash

Plan a Luxury Getaway to Milford Sound

A UNESCO World Heritage Area, some of the most remote wilderness in New Zealand, and landscapes that have taken 400 million years to form: Milford Sound deserves to be made the most of. Its pristine rainforests, glacier-carved valleys and mountain peaks are reasons alone for many to travel to the isolated islands of New Zealand. But even in the most secluded of places, you can find a little luxury. All-inclusive guided hikes, stunning scenic flights, luxury cruises and fine cuisine can be found in Milford Sound. With all of that in mind, start planning an extraordinary trip to the “Eighth Wonder of the World” with this luxury travel guide to Milford Sound.

5 Luxury Tours in Milford Sound

  1. Experience a luxury multi-day cruise with Fiordland Discovery
  2. Enjoy a guided tour of the Milford Road, a cruise in Milford Sound and short hikes along the way with Trips & Tramps
  3. Take a scenic flight over the fiord with Milford Sound Helicopters
  4. Challenge yourself to the iconic Milford Track
  5. See black coral on a scuba diving trip with Descend Scuba Diving NZ.

For more details on each experience, see the 5 Best Luxury Experiences in Milford Sound.

The Luxury Travel Guide to Milford Sound© Unsplash

Luxury Adventure Activities

Experience some of the most pristine wilderness landscapes in the world with the help of expert guides, lavish helicopters and gorgeous fiord cruises.

All-Inclusive Hiking and Cruise Tours

One of the adventures you could be experiencing includes hiking and sightseeing tours on the Milford Road. Join Trips & Tramps for one of their small-group or private tours with a local guide who shares Māori legends, history and fascinating facts about Fiordland’s unique flora and fauna. On this unique tour to Milford Sound, you’ll see the highlights beyond what the average tourist sees, with opportunities to do hikes that are not featured on the common Milford Road tour. What’s more, a small-ship cruise of Milford Sound is included. See how this tour compares with the 15 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau.

Guided Hikes on the Milford Track

If a longer excursion is more of what you’re after, take on the world-class multi-day hike of the Milford Track. Ultimate Hikes is the way to go for a luxury experience of this iconic New Zealand Great Walk, offering all-inclusive guided walks through the heart of the Fiordland National Park. Stay in private lodges along the track and in Milford Sound, exclusively for Ultimate Hikes’ guests, and dine on contemporary New Zealand cuisine.

Alternatively, if you don’t have five days to spare for the full Milford Track, Trips & Tramps offer half-day and full-day guided experiences of the famous trail including a boat ride across Lake Te Anau taking you to see waterfalls, mountains and lakes along the first section of the trail. Alternatively, they offer tours to the end of the Milford Track to see the glorious Giants Gate Falls.

Scenic Helicopter Flights

For a less strenuous way to experience the astonishing glacier-carved scenery of the New Zealand fiords, scenic flights are a truly special activity in Milford Sound. If you have made your own way to Milford Sound, Milford Sound Helicopters will take you up to the skies alongside the highest peak in Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, as well as Sutherland Falls and the Tutuko Glacier on their longer flights.

Alternatively, there’s a wide array of scenic flights to Milford Sound from Te Anau, Queenstown, Wanaka and Haast. Find out more about your options in the 10 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound and the 5 Luxury Experiences in Haast.

For more luxury activities in Milford Sound, like scuba diving among the black coral, check out the 5 Best Luxury Experiences in Milford Sound.

The Luxury Guide to Milford Sound© Unsplash

Luxury All-Weather Activities

We’ve only just scratched the surface about the iconic cruises that Milford Sound is famous for. Indeed, you have many options for cruising the waters of this majestic fiord with dolphin and seal sightings, dipping under waterfalls and much more. We also argue that cruises are something to enjoy whatever the weather, as Milford Sound undertakes a dramatic transformation under the rain with mountains streaming with temporary waterfalls. Compare cruises in the 10 Best Cruises in Milford Sound.

Luxury Milford Sound Cruise

Alternatively, experience Milford Sound in absolute luxury with Fiordland Discovery. Their overnight and multi-day cruises are a small-group experience where you’ll stay on the lavish Fiordland Jewel with its climate-controlled ensuite cabins. Either stay overnight in Milford Sound to experience the majesty and tranquillity of the fiord once all of the day-trippers have gone, or indulge in multi-day cruises of Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, as well as Fiordland’s less-visited fiords. Stays include three-course dinners, sumptuous breakfasts, kayaking and tender boat trips, as well as soaking in the top deck outdoor spa pool. The boat also has a helicopter landing pad, giving you options for cruise-and-flight combos.

The Luxury Guide to Milford Sound© Pixabay

Fine Dining in Milford Sound

Even in the remote reaches of the Fiordland National Park, you’ll find barista coffee, New Zealand wines and fine-dining plates. Just expect more people to be in their hiking gear than in their best dress…

Anyone seeking gastronomical comforts can call in at the Pio Pio Restaurant of the Milford Sound Lodge. With seasonal menus, the cafe serves up New Zealand and Fiordland cuisine, such as Fiordland venison, New Zealand-farmed salmon and even superfood salads.

As mentioned in the above sections, Ultimate Hikes and Fiordland Discovery offer their own fine dining experiences as part of their tours. Ultimate Hikes‘ lodges boast gorgeously-presented plates of contemporary New Zealand cuisine, found along the Milford Track. Fiordland Discovery offers three-course fine dining on their multi-day cruises.

The Luxury Travel Guide to Milford Sound [2024]© Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Luxury Trip to Milford Sound

And for all those trip-planning details, here are some FAQs to guide your luxurious journey to Milford Sound.

What is the best time of year for a luxury trip to Milford Sound?

The best time for a luxury trip to Milford Sound is during the summer months of December through February when the weather is most favourable for exploring the fiord’s magnificent waterfalls, lush rainforests, and stunning marine life. The shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) also provide beautiful scenery with fewer visitors, offering a more secluded experience. Check out When is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand? for more on the subject.

Can I charter a private cruise in Milford Sound?

Yes, private cruises in Milford Sound are available and offer an exclusive way to experience the fiord’s tranquil waters, towering cliffs, and waterfalls. A private charter allows for a personalised itinerary, however, they can only be booked at certain times due to busy cruise schedules. Inquire with Fiordland Lodge or Cruise Milford for private cruises.

What exclusive experiences can I enjoy in Milford Sound?

For the luxury traveller, Milford Sound and its surrounds offer a variety of exclusive experiences:

  • Helicopter tours: Fly over the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park, including landing on a glacier or a remote beach.
  • Private guided walks: Explore the unique flora and fauna of Fiordland with an expert guide, learning about the area’s history and ecology.
  • Fine dining experiences: Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by private chefs, featuring local delicacies and fine New Zealand wines, on overnight cruises and at Milford Sound Lodge.

How much does it cost to do a luxury trip to Milford Sound?

The cost of a luxury trip to Milford Sound varies greatly depending on the level of luxury, type of accommodation, and the experiences you choose. Private helicopter tours, luxury lodge stays, and exclusive activities can significantly increase the trip’s overall cost. Budgeting several thousand New Zealand dollars per person would not be unusual for a high-end experience in this remarkable destination.

How can I ensure a truly luxurious experience in Milford Sound?

To ensure a luxurious experience:

  • Book accommodations and experiences well in advance, especially during the peak summer months.
  • Consider using a luxury travel advisor or concierge service to arrange your itinerary, accommodations, and exclusive experiences.
  • Communicate your preferences and any special requests to your accommodation and service providers to personalise your stay.

More About Luxury in Milford Sound

That’s it for the luxury travel guide to Milford Sound. For more Milford experiences that don’t necessarily fall under the “luxury” category but are still amazing to do, check out the following guides:

Finally, find even more tips to make your luxury getaway exceptional in The Luxury Travel Guide to New Zealand.

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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