Local Guide: Why visiting Milford Sound in the rain is a must-do

People sometimes ask me if I get disappointed when it rains during our tours to Milford Sound.

The answer may seem strange at first, but wet days are actually my favourite days to guide. There's something magical about watching our guests' faces light up when they first witness the countless waterfalls appearing as if from nowhere, transforming an already captivating landscape into something even more incredible.

I love to be out in nature, sharing special moments with visitors from around the world.

There's something unique about guiding visitors through Milford Sound on a rainy day.  I get to share in people's moments of pure joy and wonder, watching someone's eyes light up when they first see water cascading down massive cliff faces, or hearing their gasps of amazement as another waterfall appears around the corner – these moments remind me why I fell in love with this place myself. 

A wet day in Milford Sound often leaves people awe-struck, as they witness nature at its most spectacular. Being able to facilitate these moments for others has become one of the most rewarding parts of guiding at Milford Sound Luxe Tours.

The Magic of Rain in Fiordland

The Māori name for Fiordland - Ata Whenua, meaning "shadowland" - perfectly captures the ethereal quality of this place on wet days, when mist hangs over the mountain tops and casts shadows through the valleys.

There's a saying among locals that you haven't truly experienced Fiordland until you've seen it in the rain, and Milford Sound is the perfect place to have that experience.

Hidden alpine lakes nestled in the mountains overflow within minutes of rainfall, creating hundreds, sometimes thousands of temporary waterfalls. On particularly wet days, the divide end of Milford Sound can feature up to 2,000 waterfalls – a sight that never fails to leave our guests speechless.

Many visitors ask why Fiordland and Milford Sound receive so much rainfall. The answer lies in the unique geography of the region. When warm air  from the Tasman Sea hits the Southern Alps, it’s forced upward over the mountains. As this warm air rises, it cools quickly, causing the moisture within it to condense and fall as rain. 

This process, known as orographic rainfall, happens here with remarkable frequency, making Fiordland one of the wettest places in New Zealand. It's not just a quirk of nature – this consistent rainfall is what maintains the lush rainforest and creates the amazing waterfall displays that make it one of the best destinations to visit in wet weather.

A Journey Through the Rain

Driving to Milford Sound in the rain is an immersive experience unlike any other. As we travel along the stunning Milford Road in our comfy van, the sound of rain on the roof creates a soothing rhythm that helps everyone relax into the journey. 

One of my favourite moments on wet days is what we affectionately call "the van wash." Just after Christie Falls bridge, there's a spot where a large temporary waterfall cascades over a tree.

I love parking our van underneath for a few minutes, letting our guests experience the unique sensation of being surrounded by falling water while staying completely dry and cozy inside.

Further along, after the Homer Tunnel, we’re greeted with the lush Cleddau Valley, giant mountains on either side with waterfalls streaming down.

As we head down into the valley, we watch the Cleddau River growing ever more impressive as we zig-zag through, swelling with the rain, new waterfalls appearing around every bend.

The mountains themselves seem to grow taller in the rain, their peaks disappearing into the mist. Without being able to see their tops, they appear almost endless, creating a sense of mystery and drama that you just don't get on clear days.

The Cruise Experience in the Rain

One of my favourite parts of taking a cruise in the rain is seeing people’s reactions when they get out on the water. While sunny days certainly have their charm, there's something magical about cruising through Milford Sound when it's raining.

The water's surface comes alive with thousands of tiny ripples, and the falling rain creates an almost meditative atmosphere, while the vegetation along the fiord walls turns vibrant shades of green.

On a Milford Sound cruise, the waterfalls take on a whole new dimension. The permanent falls like Stirling and Bowen become more powerful, their roar echoing off the fiord walls. 

Milford Sound's Permanent Waterfalls

Milford Sound's permanent waterfalls each have their own character and charm, especially in the rain:

Cascade Falls often performs an impressive dance, with wind catching the water and sending it sideways across the mountain face before it reaches the fiord.

Lady Bowen Falls not only provides drinking water and power for the Milford Sound township but creates a magnificent spray that fills the valley on particularly wet days.

My personal favourite might be Stirling Falls. This waterfall is famous for what we call the "glacial facial" – legend has it that if you let the spray touch your face, you'll wake up the next morning looking ten years younger. I make sure to get my share of "treatments" whenever I can! 

Then there's Bridal Veil Falls, aptly named for its delicate white curtain of water, which becomes particularly impressive after heavy rain.

Milford Sound’s Temporary Waterfalls

While the permanent waterfalls become even more impressive in the rain, it's the hundreds of temporary falls that really steal the show.

From the cruise boat, you can see countless streams of white water plunging down the dark rock faces. The wind often catches these falls, creating ribbons of water that dance across the cliffs.

The mist and low clouds also create perfect conditions for rainbows. It's not uncommon to see multiple rainbows arcing across the fiord, adding splashes of colour to the moody scenery. 

Rainbows commonly filter through the Four Sisters – four almost identical temporary waterfalls that flow down the mountains side-by-side on wet days.

On windy days, they can actually reverse direction. We often joke that we should rename them "waterups" instead of waterfalls, because we hardly ever see them go all the way down. 

For photographers, the rain adds drama and atmosphere for brilliant shots. The moody lighting and mystical surroundings create opportunities for unique photos that you simply can't capture on a clear day.

There's something about the way the mountains fade into the mist that gives photos an extra special touch of Milford’s magic. 

Experiencing Milford Sound in the Rain

For visitors wondering about experiencing Milford Sound in the rain, I always say embrace it! 

As someone who loves being in and around water – whether it's open water swimming or watching my seven grandchildren splash in puddles – I feel like a big kid myself when I'm in Milford Sound on a rainy day.

There's something about the power and beauty of water in this landscape that brings out the child-like wonder in all of us.

At Milford Sound Luxe Tours, we understand that not everyone initially shares my enthusiasm for rainy days. So we've carefully thought through every detail to ensure our guests stay comfortable, regardless of the weather. 

On our Milford Sound tours, we provide comfortable transport and strategic stops that let you experience the best of what rainy days offer while staying dry.

Our vans are perfect for watching the water displays through large windows, and we know all the best spots to safely experience the waterfalls up close.

Our vans are stocked with umbrellas for guests to use during stops, and we keep fresh towels on hand in case anyone needs to dry off. We also drop you right at the cruise terminal entrance, meaning you won't have to make the trek from the car park in the rain – something that can make a big difference on a wet day! 

These small touches mean our guests can focus on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about staying dry.

Some people might look at a rainy forecast for Milford Sound and feel disappointed, but I see it as nature preparing to put on her most dazzling show.

Whether it's watching hundreds of temporary waterfalls appear before your eyes, experiencing the thrill of the "van wash," or seeing the mysterious shadows that gave Ata Whenua its name, rainy days in Milford Sound offer something truly special.

There’s not many places you can visit where wet weather makes the experience even better, but Milford Sound is different, and that’s why it’s such a remarkable place. 

So next time you're planning a visit to Milford Sound and see rain in the forecast, don't feel discouraged. Instead, get excited, because you're about to experience this magnificent place in its most true and dramatic form.