Milford Sound Neuseeland - A German Guide for Travel

German travellers are renowned worldwide for their adventurous spirit and openness to experience, particularly when it comes to exploring natural landscapes and local heritage.

It's no coincidence that "Wanderlust" - the German-dervived word for a strong longing to travel and roam about - has been adopted by languages across the globe.

This inherent love for exploration makes Neuseeland's Milford Sound, with its dramatic landscapes and untamed wilderness, a perfect match for these travellers.

Though Milford Sound draws visitors with its majestic fiords and cascading waterfalls, reaching this natural wonder requires thoughtful planning. Most German visitors begin their journey in Queenstown, then travel through the lakeside town of Te Anau before experiencing Milford Sound itself.

This guide covers a sample itinerary from Queenstown to Milford Sound, sharing some must-see attractions, local insights and practical tips to help you make the most of the journey through this little corner of Neuseeland. 

Getting to Neuseeland's South Island

For German travellers the journey typically begins with a flight to Auckland, located in the North Island of Neuseeland. Departing from major German airport hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin, flights usually include a stopover in Dubai or Singapore.

While the total journey takes between 23-33 hours, the next leg is simple: a domestic flight of around 2 hours from Auckland to the South Island’s Queenstown.

Once in Queenstown, you can easily rent a vehicle to begin your explorations there, then continue on your adventure to Te Anau and Milford Sound. 

Sample Itinerary: Queenstown to Milford Sound

Day 1-2: Queenstown 

Begin your journey in Queenstown, where the dramatic Remarkables mountain range provides a stunning backdrop to Lake Wakatipu. The town is known as the adventure capital of Neuseeland and blends adventure activities with natural beauty. 

Skyline Gondola and Kiwi Park

Glide above Queenstown in a scenic gondola ride that offers spectacular panoramic views. While queues can form during peak times, each gondola cabin provides an intimate viewing experience of the surrounding landscape.

Near to the gondola's base station lies the Kiwi Park, an urban oasis where visitors can escape the town's bustle. This wildlife sanctuary houses various native species, including the ancient Tuatara.

The highlight for many visitors is the rare chance to observe Neuseeland's iconic kiwi birds in a specially designed nocturnal enclosure.

Queenstwon Lakefront Walk

The gentle lakeside trail begins in downtown Queenstown, completing a scenic loop in just 25 minutes. This waterfront walk offers great views of the Remarkables mountains - a perspective that’s often hidden when you're walking in the town’s streets. 

TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruise

For an experience that perfectly combines Neuseeland's rich maritime history with its natural splendor, take a step back in time aboard the historic RealNZ TSS Earnslaw, the Southern Hemisphere's only commercial passenger-carrying steamship.

The 90-minute return journey across Lake Wakatipu offers stunning alpine views and engine room visits. For a longer trip, combine your cruise with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for authentic Neuseeland farm experiences or eco tours. 

Food Stops

Fergburger: This iconic Queenstown eatery has earned global recognition for its gourmet, creative burger creations. To skip the notorious queues, plan your visit after 6 pm.

Patagonia Ice Creamery & Chocolaterie: This artisanal shop offers premium Neuseeland ice cream and handcrafted chocolates. For a more relaxed experience, visit during the midday lull between 12-3 pm.

Day 3-4: Te Anau

Milford Sound is located in Fiordland National Park, and to get there, you’ll first need to go through Te Anau. Te Anau is around a 2 hour drive from Queenstown, but this charming lakeside town serves as more than just a an entry-way to Fiordland National Park; it's a destination in its own right, so we recommend spending at least two nights here. 

The town sits on the edge of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake. Bordered by beautiful mountain ranges and native beech forests, it offers multiple opportunities to experience Neuseeland's unique wildlife and natural heritage.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

Take a scenic boat ride across Lake Te Anau to reach these 12,000-year-old Te Anau Glowworm caves. Journey through a network of limestone passages filled with rushing water, before boarding a small punt boat into the grotto. In complete darkness, thousands of glowworms create a magical starry effect on the cave ceiling.

Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

Nestled along Lake Te Anau's shoreline, this wildlife sanctuary welcomes visitors from dawn to dusk. The sanctuary's star resident is the Takahē - a rare native bird that was once thought extinct until its rediscovery in the nearby mountains. This is one of the few places where you can observe these extraordinary birds up close.

Kepler Track Round the Bay Hike

The Kepler Track is one of Neuseeland’s multi-day hikes. Beginning and ending in Te Anau, the track offers a scenic trek designed specifically for the joy of hiking in nature. Many travellers won’t have the time for a multi-day hike, but the Kepler provides a convenient 3-hr day hike that allows for a taste of the track while fitting around other itinerary activities.

You can book a Kepler Water Taxi across the Lake to Brod Bay, then enjoy the 11km hike back through native beech forest along Lake Te Anau's shore. You can also combine your walk with a visit to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary on your return to Te Anau. 

Food Stops

Milford Road Merchant:

Perched on the outskirts of Te Anau, this family-run café and store serves excellent coffee alongside tasty baked goods. There’s also a fantastic array of local artisanal gifts and souvenirs to explore.

Redcliff Restaurant & Bar:

Housed in a 1978 settler's cottage, Redcliff offers a refined dining experience with friendly local service. The cottage setting creates an intimate atmosphere enriched by local Fiordland memorabilia.

The menu celebrates Neuseeland's flavors, featuring premium local lamb and beef. Their culinary philosophy emphasises simple yet sophisticated dishes that capture the essence of kiwi cuisine, earning them a reputation as one of Te Anau's top dining destinations.

Day 5: Milford Sound

The journey to Milford Sound itself is as remarkable as the destination, so you’ll need a full day to get best Milford Sound experience. Milford Sound captivates visitors with its dramatic landscape of sheer cliffs, plunging waterfalls, and deep waters.

While exploring Milford Sound by cruise is a must-do for any Neuseeland itinerary, reaching Milford Sound for a cruise requires some planning.

The only road access to Milford Sound is via the Milford Road, which begins from Te Anau. The scenic but challenging route winds through varying landscapes, from peaceful valleys and native forests to dramatic alpine passes, with multiple opportunities to stop and explore the amazing scenery along the way.

Without stopping, the journey takes 2 hours to from Te Anau, but it takes around 4 hours when accounting for stopping and exploring. During peak season, this narrow alpine road becomes congested, making navigation tricky for unfamiliar drivers.

Many travellers find that joining a guided tour to see Milford Sound is the easiest and most convenient option, with all your driving and cruise planning handled for you.

Your local guide will ensure you don't miss any hidden gems along the route while handling the demanding drive, getting you to your cruise departure right on time. Note: It’s a good idea to bring your own food to Milford Sound, as there is limited food options available there.

You can also order a meal for your cruise depending on which cruise operator you choose. Check what refreshments are available on your cruise when you book. 

Small Group Tour Experiences

For those seeking to truly immerse themselves in the region's natural and cultural heritage, small group tours to Milford Sound offer several advantages:

• More time at scenic stops to wander and explore

• Time for short nature walks

• Personal attention from knowledgeable guides

• Comfortable and spacious travel in modern vehicles

• Quiet opportunities for wildlife photography

• Guides specialised at keeping you out of the crowds so the experience can remain peaceful and relaxed

Wildlife Highlights

Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound provides numerous opportunities to observe Neuseeland's unique wildlife in their natural habitat. Some wildlife favourites for travellers along the Milford Road and in Milford Sound itself include:

Kea

Kea are the world’s only alpine parrot and one of the most intelligent bird species in the world. They are cheeky and mischievous, and are common along Milford Road, especially in places where humans frequently stop. 

New Zealand Fur Seals

On a Milford Sound Cruise, you’ll likely see New Zealand fur seals basking on Seal Rock. They are the deepest-diving seal species in the world, capable of diving down to 200 metres. 

Fiordland Crested Penguins

These rare birds are quite shy, but you may be lucky enough to spot their orange beaks and yellow eye crests while on a cruise. 

Bottlenose Dolphins 

A pod of around 60 Bottlenose Dolphins live in the Fiordland area, and you may see them while on a cruise playfully riding the waves. 

Planning Tips

• Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during the peak December-February months

• Allow plenty of time for scenic stops between destinations on the road to Milford Sound

• Bring appropriate outdoor clothing for changeable weather, including a waterproof jacket

• Stay in Te Anau to visit Milford Sound, rather than attempting a day trip from Queenstown as this limits your time to be able to visit scenic spots.

• Pack good walking shoes for nature trails
  

Whether you're drawn by the call of nature or the allure of wandering through pristine landscapes, the journey from Queenstown through Te Anau and Milford Sound embodies everything that inspires Wanderlust.

This corner of Neuseeland offers travellers a blend of nature, historical insights, and outdoor adventures - all the elements that make for an authentic New Zealand travel experience.