Wanaka to Milford Sound

Getting to Milford Sound from Wanaka

Milford Sound is New Zealand’s most famous scenic destination and with good reason! Formed by ancient glaciation, it features towering mountains rising dramatically up from the sea. Watch as cascading waterfalls drop off the sheer cliff faces into the fiord’s seawater below. Spot rare penguins, dolphins and seals as they play in the waves or sun themselves on the rocks.

Milford Sound is a UNESCO World Heritage playground of sights, wildlife and adventure. It should be included on everyone’s trip to New Zealand, particularly if you are visiting the South Island tourist town of Wanaka.

Although not the closest town to Milford Sound (this is Te Anau), it is easy to add Milford Sound to your itinerary. Whether on a winter ski trip or summer vacation everyone should see the “eighth wonder of the world”.

Milford Sound by Road from Wanaka

Although it is possible to do Milford Sound in a day from Wanaka we do not recommend it. The distance by road is 890 kms (return). This equates to around 11.5 hours of driving! By the time you add in some stops and add a 2.5 hour cruise of the Fiord itself you are looking at a very long day!

Alternatively some of the best scenic Fly-Cruise-Fly options to Milford Sound are from Wanaka.

Milford Sound Flight & Cruise from Wanaka

Choosing a Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly cuts out all the driving and includes a scenic Milford Sound Cruise with a highly rated smaller boat operator. Departing from Wanaka Airport we have daily departures available and guarantee window seats for every passenger!

When you fly to Milford Sound from Wanaka you also see 100+ glaciers from the air as we fly over 2 National Parks – Mt Aspiring & Fiordland. The scenery of Fiordland is best viewed from the air as this is how you gain a perspective of the vast wilderness of this incredible landscape.

Browse our Milford Sound Scenic Flights below or give our team a call on +64 (0)3 443 4385.