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Christchurch to Milford Sound from $57: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Christchurch, New Zealand
to
Milford Sound, New Zealand

How to Get from Christchurch to Milford Sound: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$57 by busBest price
768 kmDistance
9h 17m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Christchurch to Milford Sound with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
14h  34m
Estimated price
$57-89
Recommended
route map
Distance: 768 km
Duration: 9h 17m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Bus
Average Duration
18h  25m
Estimated price
$200-261
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
9h  17m
Estimated price
$302-350

Christchurch - Milford Sound operators

Explore transport companies operating between Christchurch and Milford Sound, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus
Contact phone
+64 9 583 5780
Website
https://www.intercity.co.nz/

Bus from Christchurch to Frankton Bus Interchange

Average Duration
7h 54m
Estimated price
57-71
Contact phone
+64 9 583 5790
Website
https://www.greatsights.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/

Bus from Frankton Bus Interchange to Milford Sound

Average Duration
5h 40m
Estimated price
571-572
Contact phone
+64 9 390 7380
Website
https://cheekykiwitravel.com/

Bus from Christchurch to Queenstown

Average Duration
11h 30m
Estimated price
5752-5756
Plane
Website
http://glenorchyair.co.nz

Plane from Queenstown Airport to Milford Sound Airport

Average Duration
40m
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
+64 3 442 2351
Website
http://airmilford.co.nz

Plane from Queenstown Airport to Milford Sound Airport

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
890-891

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Christchurch to Milford Sound.

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The distance between Christchurch and Milford Sound is approximately 400 miles when traveling by road. The typical travel time by car is around 8-9 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. Alternatively, you can opt for a flight from Christchurch to Queenstown, which is the nearest airport to Milford Sound, with a flight time of about 1.5 hours, followed by a scenic drive to reach Milford Sound. Another option is to take a bus or coach, which can take around 10-12 hours due to scheduled stops along the way.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation options for traveling from Christchurch to Milford Sound would be to fly from Christchurch to Queenstown and then rent a car to drive to Milford Sound. Flying reduces travel time significantly compared to driving the entire distance. Renting a car in Queenstown provides flexibility to explore the stunning landscapes along the way and reach Milford Sound at your own pace. This combination offers a good balance of cost and time efficiency for this journey.
The prices for traveling from Christchurch to Milford Sound can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. Flying from Christchurch to Queenstown can range from around $100 to $300 USD one way, depending on the airline and time of booking. Renting a car in Queenstown to drive to Milford Sound can start from approximately $50 to $100 USD per day, depending on the type of vehicle. Additional costs may include fuel, accommodation, and entrance fees to attractions along the way, so it's advisable to budget accordingly for a comprehensive travel experience.
To travel from Christchurch to Milford Sound without using public transportation, you can opt for a self-drive road trip. Renting a car in Christchurch and driving through beautiful South Island scenery is a popular option. The journey typically involves driving to Queenstown and then continuing on to Milford Sound, which offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Keep in mind that the drive can take around 8-9 hours one way, so plan your itinerary accordingly to make the most of the trip.
If you prefer not to drive, you can still travel from Christchurch to Milford Sound by taking a combination of flights and organized tours. Start by flying from Christchurch to Queenstown, which is the nearest airport to Milford Sound. From Queenstown, you can join a guided tour or book a shuttle service that will take you on a scenic drive through Fiordland National Park to reach Milford Sound. This option allows you to enjoy the stunning landscape without the need to navigate the roads yourself.
There is no direct link between Christchurch and Milford Sound due to the geographical distance between the two places. The most common way to travel from Christchurch to Milford Sound involves a combination of transportation modes such as flights and organized tours or shuttle services. Flights are typically taken from Christchurch to Queenstown, the nearest major airport to Milford Sound, followed by a scenic drive or tour through the stunning Fiordland National Park to reach Milford Sound.
There are no direct flights between Christchurch and Milford Sound as there is no airport at Milford Sound. The closest major airport to Milford Sound is Queenstown Airport. A flight from Christchurch to Queenstown typically takes around 1.5 hours and costs between $100 to $300 USD depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability. From Queenstown, travelers can then take a scenic drive or tour to reach Milford Sound.
There are limited accommodation options near Milford Sound due to its remote location. The nearest town with lodging options is Te Anau, which is about a 2-hour drive away. Te Anau offers a range of accommodations including hotels, motels, lodges, and holiday parks. It is recommended to book accommodation in Te Anau in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure availability.