TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 11
MILFORD SOUND
Our day started with a 9 am walk from our hotel, passing through the Te Anau Botanical. Such a peaceful walk especially during this time of the day.
Met the rest of the tour group at the town centre in Kea Cafe.
Got our lunch voucher from our tour driver/tour guide and proceeded to the Fiordland National Park at exactly 10am.
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound takes around 1.5 hours if you go straight through—but it’s hard not to stop, with so many amazing spots to check out along the way.
First stop is the Te Anau Downs which offered a fantastic chance to get out and see Lake Te Anau
Next stop was the Eglinton Valley, and that’s when I really started to notice the scenery change—it opened up into this wide valley covered in golden-yellow tussock grass. I heard it was one of the filming locations for the Lord of the Rings movies.
On a clear day, this is hands down one of my favourite stops. This is Mirror Lakes, and we were lucky enough to catch those out-of-this-world reflections of the Earl Mountains on the glassy water—seriously one of the best photo moments of the trip.
Monkey Creek was absolutely stunning—with awe-inspiring mountain views and pure glacial water, it’s the perfect place to stop and take it all in. We were told you could even drink straight from the creek, but it was a bit too rocky for me to make my way down. Maybe next time!
This was my first glimpse of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi—and it completely took my breath away. It’s on a whole different level—so grand, so beautiful. I honestly couldn’t believe a place like this actually exists.
We then boarded the catamaran “Gem of the Sound”. The cruise lasted just under two hours. It was such a stunning ride through the fiord. Easily one of the highlights of the trip.
There were waterfalls cascading down cliffs, dramatic scenery all around.
We even saw a few seals lounging on the rocks.
Then we reached the furthest point of Milford Sound, where it opens out into the Tasman Sea. I stood on the top deck of the cruise, just looking out at the open water—it was so peaceful, like the whole world had paused for a moment.
Then it was time to head back. One of the highlights on the return was Stirling Falls, the spray is meant to be super refreshing. Our boat got right up close, and we all got a good splash. It was freezing… but so much fun!
On the way back from Milford Sound to Te Anau, we passed through the Homer Tunnel again. It felt even more dramatic the second time—driving into that dark tunnel, then suddenly popping out into those incredible mountain views. It’s such a unique part of the journey.
This was from my trip last April 2025.
Absolutely stunning! Such a magical place and you had blue skies which just adds to the photos.
Lucky with those blue skies, because the next day was rain.
Breathtaking! Wonderful photos, capturing wonderful memories.
Yea Nes, memories is what we live for.
A truly magical place. I loved it. And have so many photos
It is really there on top of my favourite places.
Blissfully scenic – and lots of reflections too!
Thanks Margaret❤️
This is my dream trip, Teresa. If I could have 3 wishes this would be one of them, so thank you for taking me there xx
If only it’s not too far. My pleasure to share, Jo.
The weather has such an impact in this area as well. Even though we had rain during our trip, it was still impressive. Seeing peaks and valleys without clouds certainly adds to the experience.
Agree with your comment. Any time is great for Milford Sound.
What stunning landscapes, especially the reflections and Milford Sound itself! I’m glad it lived up to your expectations 😀
It really did live up to my expectations and more, Sarah. Really one of the most memorable places I have been to.
I had no idea Te Anau had a botanical garden. Stunning shots along the drive to Millford Sound. The landscape looks very different with blue skies compared to overcast and rain.
The Botanical Gardens is just small. Thanks for liking the shots.
Wow, your photos are so beautiful, and I just love Milford Sound’s dramatic scenery, towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine rainforests. This is such an awe-inspiring bucket list destination, and there’s certainly a good reason why this place is regarded as the 8th World Wonder. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thanks Aiva. That’s an accurate description of the place and it has been more than two months and I still can’t get over its beauty.