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Description
Milford Sound is in one of Aotearoa’s most iconic landscapes. Towering cliffs, lush rainforest, and waterfalls set the stage for some exceptional wildlife encounters on cruises through the fiord, including fur seals and occassionally dolphins, Buller's Albatross, Sooty Shearwater, terns, and shags. A birding highlight is the chance to see Tawaki Fiordland Penguin, most reliably from September to early December, with lower chances again in February and March. Ask your skipper about current likely spots. Weka are regulars at the car parks and walking tracks, while Kea and New Zealand Kaka sometimes make appearances too. Kātuku Great Egret are also seen regularly in the bay from late summer to late winter. Around the forested tracks, keep an eye out for rare Mohua and curious South Island Robin, along with the usual Fiordland forest birds.
Details
Access
Milford Sound is reached by road from Te Anau (approx. 2 hours), via one of the most scenic drives in the country. The road passes through beech forest, alpine meadows, and over the Homer Tunnel before descending into the sound. Shuttle services from Queenstown operate as well.
Parking at the end of the road is extremely expensive, but there is free parking about 1 km from the information centre.
Several short walks are accessible from the road and near the sound itself; check for example the other birdingplaces in the area. Cruises depart regularly from the main visitor terminal. Allow plenty of time and beware of weather changes.