Milford Sound Parking: A Complete Guide

Finding parking at Milford Sound can be challenging, especially during peak traffic times.

With two main parking areas – one paid and one free – plus strict automatic enforcement systems, understanding where and how to park in Milford Sound is crucial.

Here we'll cover everything you need to know about locations, fees, payment methods, and walking times to ensure a smooth start to your Milford Sound experience.

Key Takeaways

• Two parking areas available: paid main car park (10-minute walk to cruise terminal) and free car park at Deepwater Basin (32-minute walk to cruise terminal)
  

• Main car park charges $10/hour before 3 PM, $5/hour after 3 PM
  

• All payments are card-only; no cash accepted
  

• Automatic $60 fine for non-payment or overstaying
  

• Peak parking times are 11:30 AM to noon
  

• Allow at least one hour for parking, walking, and cruise check-in
  

• Free shuttle service available from Deepwater Basin every 15 minutes
  

Main Car Park Details

Location and Walking Time

The main parking area is located in the main Milford Sound township beside the visitor centre, approximately a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. While the official walking time is 10 minutes, allow extra time for finding a space, paying, and gathering your belongings.

Remember that cruise check-in typically requires arrival 20 minutes before departure, so factor this into your planning.

Parking Fees and Payment

Parking fees at the main car park vary depending on your arrival time:

• Before 3 PM: $10 per hour

• After 3 PM: $5 per hour

For security reasons, all payments must be made by credit or debit card - no cash is accepted. The parking machines don't issue physical tickets, which helps reduce waste but means you'll need to remember your payment and time details.

The average visit to Milford Sound requires about three hours of parking time. If you stay for longer than your paid time, you will be issued an automatic fine. It's better to slightly overestimate your needed time than risk a fine for returning late.

If you’re taking a cruise, It’s a good idea to pay for an extra 15-30 minutes of parking time to account for exiting your cruise, using the restrooms, and walking back to your vehicle. 

How to Pay

There is no barrier arm at the car park, but make sure you drive slowly when entering to allow the camera to capture your license plate number.

After parking, either note down or photograph your license plate number and find a payment machine. There is a payment machine inside the visitor centre building and at the entry and exit points of the car park. 

To pay, enter your license plate number, select the number of hours needed, and follow the instructions to complete the card payment. 

Automatic Fines

The parking system automatically issues $60 fines for:

• Not paying for parking

• Staying longer than paid time

These fines are enforced automatically through license plate recognition, with no opportunity for appeals or exceptions. The system photographs every vehicle entering and exiting the car park.

If you realise you need more time while still on site, you can add hours at any payment machine by entering your license plate and paying for additional time.

Deepwater Basin Free Parking

Location and Access

Deepwater Basin offers free parking, approximately a 32-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Located just before the main Milford Sound township, turn left onto Deepwater Basin Road when you see the sign.

This car park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy periods, spaces can fill quickly, so early arrival is recommended.

Allow extra time to account for finding a parking space and organising your belongings before setting off for the terminal.

Walking Route to Terminal

A dedicated pedestrian track connects Deepwater Basin to the cruise terminal. After parking, walk back down Deepwater Basin Road and look for signage directing you to the walking track on your left.

Never attempt to walk along the main road, as it's narrow with heavy bus traffic and can be dangerous. The designated walking track is safer and offers pleasant views through native bush.

Free Shuttle Service

A complimentary shuttle operates between Deepwater Basin and Milford Sound approximately every 15 minutes.

However, during peak periods, the shuttle may experience delays. If you're on a tight schedule for a cruise departure, walking might be more reliable than waiting for the shuttle.

The shuttle drops passengers near the visitor center, requiring approximately a 10-minute walk to reach the cruise terminal.

Important Information

Peak Times

The busiest parking period generally occurs between 11:30 AM and noon, coinciding with the most popular cruise departure times of 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. 

We recommend arriving early, at least an hour before your cruise check-in time, as the main car park often fills up. This also allows time to relocate to Deepwater Basin if necessary.

Weekend and holiday periods see increased demand for parking throughout the day, so extra planning is essential during these times.

Mobility Parking

Four dedicated mobility parking spaces are available directly in front of the visitor center in the main car park. These spaces provide the shortest possible distance to the cruise terminal.

Standard parking fees apply for mobility spaces, with the same payment process required. 

Facilities

Public toilets are available at three locations:

• Outside the visitor centre (adjacent to the main car park)

• Inside the visitor centre building

• Inside the cruise terminal

No public toilet facilities are available at Deepwater Basin car park. 

Read our article on what else is available in Milford Sound 👇

Tips for Stress-Free Parking

Allow Extra Time

We recommend allowing at least one hour for the entire parking and cruise check-in process. This includes time for:

• Finding a parking space

• Making payment (if using the main car park)

• Walking to the terminal

• Checking in for your cruise (20 minutes before departure)
  

Backup Planning

If the main car park is full upon arrival, you'll need to backtrack to Deepwater Basin. Having familiarity with both locations before arriving can save valuable time.

Keep the following in mind:

• Know the turn-off location for Deepwater Basin Road

• Allow extra time in your schedule for potential relocation

• Consider the longer walking distance when planning your arrival time
  

Payment Preparation

Ensure you have a functioning credit or debit card before arriving, as no cash payments are accepted at the pay machines. International visitors should verify their cards work with New Zealand payment systems.

Take a photo of your license plate after parking to avoid errors when entering it at the payment machine. 

Parking at Milford Sound requires planning and understanding of the local systems. Whether you choose the convenience of the paid main car park or the free option at Deepwater Basin, arriving prepared will help ensure your visit starts smoothly.

Remember that the automatic enforcement system means compliance isn't optional - proper payment or use of the free parking area will save you from unexpected fines. Allow plenty of time for parking logistics so you can focus on enjoying your Milford Sound experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Milford Sound Parking areas?

There are two main parking areas in Milford Sound. The first one is located a 10min walk from the main Milford Sound cruise terminal. This is a paid car park and costs $10 per hour. The second car park, which is free, is located a 30min walk from the cruise terminal in Deep Water Basin.

What if I forget to pay for parking in Milford Sound?

Stellar Parking runs the Milford Sound parking system, and they process payments at the end of each day. So if you forget, you can pay online within 24 hours of leaving Milford Sound at stellar.org.nz/payments. If you need assistance, you can contact Stellar Parking directly at +64 09 801 1106 or info@stellar.org.nz.

Will my vehicle be towed in Milford Sound if I don't pay?

No, vehicles are not towed, but you will receive an automatic $60 fine. The system photographs all vehicles entering and exiting, making enforcement automatic and unavoidable.

What if the Milford Sound payment machines aren't working?

If one machine isn't working, try another. If the entire system is down, no parking fees are required. Stellar Parking is automatically notified of system failures, and no fines will be issued during outages.