Milford Foreshore Walk
An easy, scenic walk at the end of Milford Sound, offering iconic views, a famous swing, and dramatic waterfalls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls come alive!
Milford Foreshore Walk
Best Time
Waterfalls come alive!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An easy, scenic walk at the end of Milford Sound, offering iconic views, a famous swing, and dramatic waterfalls.
"Embrace the rain for an unforgettable spectacle of waterfalls and dramatic landscapes."
🎯 Pack Insect Repellent!
Sandflies are a major nuisance. Bring strong repellent to enjoy the walk without constant buzzing.
🧥 Waterproof Gear is Key
Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in NZ. Embrace the rain; it makes the waterfalls spectacular!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Milford Swing
Milford Foreshore Walk
The iconic Instagram-famous swing offering breathtaking views of Mitre Peak and the fjord. A must-visit for that perfect photo op!
Milford Sound Lookout
Milford Foreshore Walk
Capture postcard-perfect shots of the dramatic fjord landscape, a truly iconic view that defines Milford Sound.
Bowen Falls
Milford Sound
Witness the majestic Bowen Falls cascading down the mountainside, especially impressive when the rain brings them to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rain for Epic Views
Sandflies & Sunsets: Be Prepared
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack Insect Repellent!
Sandflies are a major nuisance. Bring strong repellent to enjoy the walk without constant buzzing.
🧥 Waterproof Gear is Key
Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in NZ. Embrace the rain; it makes the waterfalls spectacular! +2
🚶♀️ Easy Loop Walk
The foreshore walk is a flat, easy loop, perfect for most fitness levels. Allow 40-60 mins.
📸 Find the Secret Swing
Look for ropes and logs near Mitre Peak on the foreshore walk to find the hidden swing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack Insect Repellent!
Sandflies are a major nuisance. Bring strong repellent to enjoy the walk without constant buzzing.
🧥 Waterproof Gear is Key
Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in NZ. Embrace the rain; it makes the waterfalls spectacular! +2
🚶♀️ Easy Loop Walk
The foreshore walk is a flat, easy loop, perfect for most fitness levels. Allow 40-60 mins.
📸 Find the Secret Swing
Look for ropes and logs near Mitre Peak on the foreshore walk to find the hidden swing.
🚗 Drive or Tour?
Consider driving for flexibility or a tour for ease, especially in challenging weather.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Milford Sound Foreshore Walk for its easy accessibility and stunning natural beauty, especially the iconic swing and lookout points. While the walk is generally enjoyable, be prepared for sandflies and potentially strong winds. The dramatic scenery, particularly when enhanced by rain and waterfalls, is a consistent highlight.
"Cute and easy little walk along the sound. There were a few people doing the walk, but most people just walked along it prior to their cruises. Watch the tides as they come up quickly. It was quite cloudy when we got there for sunrise, but we stayed a few hours and it was very worth it. It was a bit buggy, but we had our bug nets so we’re not bothered."
Jacqueline Zwack
"Easy loop walk near the paid parking, can complete in 45 to 50 minutes including the detour to the Milford Sound Swing and stops for photos. So, can factor in total 1 hour if you park your car at the paid parking.
The main attractions worth spending time for this walk includes:
1. Milford Sound Swing - insta-famous scenic lookout
2. Milford Sound Lookout - the iconic photo location for most postcards of the Milford landscape.
3. Bowen Falls
4. Bird watching
But do prepare for the following
A. Sandflies - notorious for this area
B. Strong wind - near the Milford Lookout and the way to Milford Swing
C. Toilet only available at paid parking.
Picnic tables available near the trail head/ parking."
Jo Lee
"This is one of 4 National Parks located on the South West of the South Island
Piopiotahi / Milford Sound.
Patea / Doubtful Sound.
Tamatea / Dusky Sound.
Rakituma / Preservation Inlet.
The first three were visited. The views were spectacular (Cruise Ship). We saw whale just off the Portside and birds. If your into the natural world take your binoculars. Beautiful morning mist and stunning sunsets."
Andrew Rogers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Milford Sound Foreshore Walk is located at the end of the Milford Road. You can drive yourself, which takes about 4 hours from Queenstown, or take a coach tour. Many tours include stops along the scenic route.
Absolutely! The drive itself is incredibly scenic, with numerous viewpoints and short walks. Many travelers find it a highlight, even without a cruise.
Yes, you can access the Milford Sound Foreshore Walk without taking a cruise. The walk offers stunning views of the fjord and its surroundings.
You can drive yourself, rent a car, or join a guided coach tour. Coach tours often handle the challenging road and provide commentary, while driving offers more flexibility.
The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound typically takes around 4 hours one way, not including stops. It's a long day trip, so consider an overnight stay if possible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Milford Sound Foreshore Walk itself is free to access. However, parking at the main visitor area may incur a fee.
The walk is accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor natural area. However, daylight hours are best for visibility and safety.
Fiordland National Park, which encompasses Milford Sound, does not have an entrance fee. However, some activities within the park, like boat cruises, require separate bookings and fees.
Yes, you can visit Milford Sound and enjoy the Foreshore Walk without booking a cruise. The walk offers a different perspective of the fjord.
Yes, there is paid parking available at Milford Sound. It's recommended to factor this into your budget if you are driving yourself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's an easy, relatively flat loop walk, about 30 minutes to an hour long, offering stunning views of the fjord, Mitre Peak, and Bowen Falls. It's known for its dramatic, almost prehistoric landscape.
Key attractions include the 'insta-famous' Milford Sound Swing, the iconic Milford Sound Lookout for postcard views, and the impressive Bowen Falls. Bird watching is also a popular activity.
The walk is generally suitable for families due to its easy terrain. However, it's not fully wheelchair-friendly due to some rocky sections.
Wear layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy walking shoes. Don't forget strong insect repellent for sandflies!
Toilets are available at the paid parking area near the trailhead, but not directly on the walk itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The Milford Sound Swing and the Milford Sound Lookout are prime spots for iconic photos. The views of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls are also spectacular.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, especially with the moody weather. However, the dramatic waterfalls during a rainy day are also incredibly photogenic.
Start at the information center and head onto the foreshore walk. Look towards Mitre Peak for ropes and a log hanging from trees, indicating its location.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grand landscapes. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and enhance the sky. Don't forget a waterproof camera bag!
Drone usage is restricted in Fiordland National Park to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Always check current regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be sure to pack plenty of insect repellent for sandflies, as they can be a nuisance for everyone. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited to the main parking area. The dramatic scenery and the sheer scale of the waterfalls (especially when it rains!) are sure to captivate children and adults alike.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best results, consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for golden hour light. However, don't shy away from rainy days; the abundance of waterfalls created by the rain is a spectacle in itself. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the vastness of the fjord, and a polarizing filter can enhance the colors and reduce glare. Remember to protect your gear from the elements, as rain is frequent.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to save on expenses, and focus on enjoying the free activities like the walk and admiring the waterfalls. If you're looking for accommodation nearby, consider options in Te Anau, which is more budget-friendly than staying directly in Milford Sound.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Milford Sound in the Rain
Embracing the wet weather is key to experiencing Milford Sound at its most vibrant. Instead of being deterred by rain, visitors are encouraged to see it as an opportunity to witness nature's raw power and beauty. Waterproof gear is essential, but the reward is an unforgettable visual feast that many describe as a 'nature show.' The sound of the rain and the roar of the waterfalls create an immersive experience that is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
Even if you're on a day trip from Queenstown, braving the elements is highly recommended. The journey itself, though long, is filled with breathtaking views, and the payoff at Milford Sound, especially under rainy conditions, is immense. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most dramatic and beautiful moments in nature occur when the weather is at its most intense.
Navigating the Milford Sound Foreshore Walk
The walk is known for its stunning viewpoints, including the iconic Milford Sound Lookout, which provides those classic postcard-worthy vistas of the surrounding mountains and water. A major draw for many is the 'insta-famous' Milford Sound Swing, a unique photo opportunity that has gained significant traction on social media. Finding this swing involves a bit of exploration along the foreshore, often guided by visual cues like ropes and logs.
While the walk is generally flat and easy, it's important to be prepared for the local conditions. Sandflies are a significant presence, making insect repellent a must-have item. Strong winds can also be a factor, particularly near the exposed lookouts. Toilets are available at the nearby paid parking area, but not directly on the trail itself.
The Iconic Milford Sound Swing
+1Finding the swing is part of the adventure. It's not signposted, so visitors often rely on visual cues or local advice. The general consensus is to head onto the foreshore walk from the main visitor area or information center and look towards Mitre Peak. Ropes and a log hanging from trees are often mentioned as indicators of its location. The walk to the swing is generally easy and adds to the overall experience of exploring the foreshore.
+1While the swing itself is a highlight, it's important to remember that the entire Milford Foreshore Walk offers incredible scenery. The swing is just one of the many picturesque spots that make this area so special. Remember to bring your camera and be prepared for the sandflies, which are prevalent in the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit