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Auckland, Auckland Region to Milford Sound, Southland from $320: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Auckland, New Zealand
to
Milford Sound, New Zealand

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

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$320 - PlaneBest price
1135 kmDistance
4h 48m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Auckland 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
Plane
Average Duration
4h  48m
Estimated price
$327-523
Recommended
route map
Distance: 1135 km
Duration: 4h 48m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
10h  14m
Estimated price
$346-559
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
9h  18m
Estimated price
$461-1424

Traveling From Auckland to Milford Sound

The journey from Auckland to Milford Sound offers a striking contrast between the vibrant urban landscape of New Zealand's largest city and the serene, breathtaking beauty of towering mountains and tranquil fiords.

Best Neighbourhoods in Milford Sound

Milford Sound features scenic areas that enhance your natural experience.

Milford Sound Village
• Close proximity to boat tours and scenic cruises.
• Offers stunning views of Mitre Peak.
Piopiotahi
• Ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.
• Home to rich wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Deep Water Basin
• Great spot for photography at sunset.
• Access to kayaking and aquatic activities.

Best Times To Visit Milford Sound's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Milford Sound.

Milford Sound Cruises
Early morning cruises offer quieter waters and stunning reflections.
Mitre Peak
Catch the sunrise for dramatic lighting and fewer tourists.
The Chasm
Visit during mid-afternoon for optimal lighting on the waterfalls.

Milford Sound Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Milford Sound experiences a temperate maritime climate, with frequent rainfall that feeds its stunning waterfalls and lush scenery. The best times to visit are during the drier months of late spring and summer, when you can enjoy clearer views and more outdoor activities, while understanding that sudden weather shifts can impact your travel plans.

Dining Recommendation in Milford Sound

Try the fresh blue cod at the specially crafted café within the Milford Sound Lodge, where the focus on local ingredients and stunning views creates a dining experience unlike the bustling restaurant scene in Auckland. The flavor profile, enhanced by the pristine surroundings and more relaxed atmosphere, gives you a taste of the region's natural bounty.

Auckland - Milford Sound operators

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

Plane
Website
airnewzealand.com

Plane from Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN)

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
NZ$3270-3271

Plane from Auckland (AKL) to Dunedin (DUD)

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
NZ$3276-3277

Plane from Whangarei (WRE) to Queenstown (ZQN)

Average Duration
4h 14m
Estimated price
NZ$3272-3273
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN)

Average Duration
1h 52m
Estimated price
NZ$3278-3279

Plane from Auckland (AKL) to Dunedin (DUD)

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
NZ$5230-5231
Website
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
airmilford.co.nz

Plane from Queenstown Airport to Milford Sound Airport

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
NZ$5238-5239
Bus
Contact phone
+64 9 583 5780
Website
intercity.co.nz

Bus from Auckland - Central to Whangarei

Average Duration
2h 49m
Estimated price
NZ$5232-5233

Bus from Dunedin Airport to Frankton Bus Interchange

Average Duration
4h 6m
Estimated price
NZ$5234-5235

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Auckland and Milford Sound in New Zealand is approximately 1,100 kilometers by road. The typical travel time by car is around 14-15 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Auckland to Queenstown, followed by a bus ride or a scenic drive to Milford Sound, which would take around 3-4 hours in total. Boating or cruises are also popular ways to reach Milford Sound, offering a unique and picturesque experience of the journey.
For a cost-effective and time-efficient option to travel from Auckland to Milford Sound, consider taking a domestic flight from Auckland to Queenstown. From Queenstown, you can either rent a car and drive to Milford Sound or take a bus tour, which typically takes around 3-4 hours. This option allows you to cover the long distance quickly while enjoying the scenic beauty of the journey. Alternatively, booking a package tour that includes transportation, accommodation, and activities can also be a convenient and cost-effective way to explore Milford Sound from Auckland.
The prices for traveling from Auckland to Milford Sound can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. A domestic flight from Auckland to Queenstown can range from $100 to $300 one way, while a bus or coach tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound typically costs between $150 to $200 per person. Renting a car and driving from Auckland to Milford Sound would involve expenses for fuel, accommodation, and any additional stops along the way, which can vary greatly depending on preferences and choices.
To travel from Auckland to Milford Sound without using public transportation, you can consider renting a car and driving on your own. The journey will take you through scenic routes and allow for flexibility in your itinerary. Alternatively, you could organize a private guided tour or hire a private driver to take you from Auckland to Milford Sound, ensuring a comfortable and customized travel experience. Remember to plan for accommodations and stops along the way as the journey will likely take several days.
If you prefer not to use a car, there are several alternative transportation options to get from Auckland to Milford Sound. You can take a flight from Auckland to Queenstown and then continue the journey to Milford Sound by bus, shuttle, or private transfer. Another option is to book a tour package that includes transportation from Auckland to Milford Sound via a combination of flights, bus rides, and boat cruises. You could also consider renting a bicycle or joining a cycling tour that takes you through the scenic South Island as a more eco-friendly way to travel between the two destinations.
There is no direct link between Auckland and Milford Sound, as they are located on opposite ends of the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Travelers typically need to take a combination of flights, bus rides, or cruises to reach Milford Sound from Auckland. Flights to Queenstown or Te Anau are commonly used as connecting points for accessing Milford Sound from Auckland.
The flight between Auckland and Milford Sound does not have a direct route, as there are no airports in Milford Sound itself. Travelers typically need to fly from Auckland to Queenstown, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and then take a further mode of transportation to reach Milford Sound. The cost of a one-way flight from Auckland to Queenstown can range from $100 to $300 USD, depending on the airline, time of booking, and season.
There are limited accommodation options near Milford Sound itself, with most visitors choosing to stay in nearby towns such as Te Anau or Queenstown. In Te Anau, you'll find a range of hotels, motels, lodges, and holiday parks catering to different budgets. Queenstown offers even more choices, from luxury hotels and resorts to budget-friendly hostels and backpacker accommodations. Both towns provide convenient access to Milford Sound for day trips or overnight stays.