Hidden deep in Fiordland National Park on the southwest corner of the South Island is Piopiotahi (Milford Sound), the “Unofficial 8th Wonder of the World” and a place widely considered to be New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction.

In my opinion, your South Island itinerary isn't complete until you've added Milford Sound. It's an outdoor lover's dream and home to ancient forests, towering peaks, waterfalls, alpine lakes, fjords, and some of the most famous hiking tracks in the world.

I've only visited once, but I've dreamt about it every day since. I felt dwarfed by the sheer size of the place, and staring at the towering Fiordland mountains made me feel like an insignificant speck of dust in the grand scheme of the universe. It’s a strange, yet freeing feeling and one of the reasons I love the South Island so much. No matter how often I relive our trip, I’m always overwhelmed by how spectacular and awe-inspiring it was.

What's the weather like in Milford Sound?

In short, it's rainy. Fiordland National Park has a ridiculous 182 days of rain per year, which makes it one of the wettest places in Aotearoa. However, Milford Sound might be the only place in NZ where you actually want it to rain. Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls are two of the most famous waterfalls in the world, and lots of rain means you'll see them in full force, as well as countless small waterfalls cascading down the mountains.

How long should I stay in Milford Sound?

While you can visit Milford Sound on a day trip from Queenstown, by tour bus, or on a scenic flight, I highly recommend staying overnight. There’s something so special about having one of the most beautiful places in the world all to yourself after the day-trippers have gone home. You'll stargaze beneath mountains, wake up to the sound of native birds and fall into bed after a long day exploring. Milford Lodge is the only campsite in the area, and there is extremely limited accommodation across Fiordland. If you want to stay overnight, you’ll need to book your stay asap!

When should I visit Milford Sound?

This is a tricky question because it depends on what you want to do while you're here!

Winter and spring are the best times to see the waterfalls come alive, as there's more rain, and the snow begins to melt. However, if you want to hike the Milford, Routeburn or Kepler Tracks, you need to come during Great Walk Season, which runs between the end of October and April.

We visited in September. There was still a lot of snow, plenty of waterfalls, and it was much quieter than other times of the year. We couldn't do some of the bigger walks, but managed to hike Key Summit (part of the Routeburn Track) and Lake Marian.