It’s called the 8th wonder of the world for a reason, Milford Sound is unreal. Towering cliffs, thundering waterfalls, misty rainforest, and cheeky kea flying about… it’s one of those places that makes your jaw drop.

The best way to experience it? 100% by boat. I was told to pick the smallest boat you can find as they can sneak right up to the waterfalls (and yep, you’ll get soaked). Sounds backwards, but this is one of the few spots where rain actually makes it better. The more it pours, the more waterfalls appear, sometimes hundreds of them just streaming down the cliffs.

Boat tours range from around $80 to $160 depending on how long you're out there and what’s included. Morning cruises are usually quieter if you're not a fan of crowds. And if you’ve got the budget, you can also do scenic flights in or out, they’re pricey (think $300+). You can also combine a flight with a cruise or do a return trip from Queenstown or Te Anau by coach, plane, or heli, heaps of options.

Whether it’s misty or sunny, Milford Sound is just one of those magical places that lives up to the hype. Don’t skip it.