Travel Tips

240km round trip; plan for an 8-hour day to enjoy scenic stops and a boat cruise.

600km round trip; plan for a 12-14 hour day to enjoy scenic stops and a boat cruise.

To experience a quieter journey, consider leaving early (before 8am) or later (after 11am) or stay overnight.

Pull over at the designated viewpoints to capture stunning photos of the valley’s steep rock sides and golden tussock landscape. Keep an eye out for deer grazing in the area!

Visit early in the morning or on a calm day for the best reflections of the Earl Mountains on the water. It’s a quick stop, so don’t forget to take your camera!

This is a great spot for a restroom break and a picnic. Take a moment to enjoy the surrounding scenery and stretch your legs before continuing your journey.

Follow the short walking trail to see the impressive waterfall. The path can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and be cautious.

Enjoy the peacefulness of the lake and consider taking the easy nature walk around the area. Look for birdlife and appreciate the tranquillity.

Completed in 1953, this 1.2 km tunnel is your gateway to Piopiotahi Milford Sound.  Stop at the entrance to admire the views of the surrounding mountains. Be aware that there can be traffic delays here, so plan accordingly.

This viewpoint offers one of the best views of Piopiotahi Milford Sound once you arrive. Take a moment to soak it all in and snap some pictures.

Stop along the river to enjoy the scenic views and listen to the rushing water. It’s a great place for a quick photo op!

If you have time, take the short hike to Key Summit for panoramic views. Bring water and snacks to enjoy at the top while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Arrive early to check in for your cruise or activity. Take advantage of the visitor centre’s amenities, including bathrooms and information about the area. If you self-drive, allow up to 45 minutes for parking – the Visitor Terminal is a 10-15 minute walk from the carparking area.

Parking fees are NZD$10 per hour if entering the car park before 3pm. If you enter the car park after 3pm, then the fee for parking is NZD$5 per hour.

For all parking payment enquiries, please contact Stellar Parking on +64 09 801 1106 or info@stellar.org.nz.

As part of our commitment to minimising waste, rather than generating tickets, we use a licence plate recognition system which monitors vehicles entering and exiting the car park.  For security reasons, payment must be made via the pay machines by debit or credit card only – there is no cash option available.

How the system works:

Step 1:  Drive into the car park entrance at a slow, steady speed. There is no barrier arm to enter or exit the car park – the camera will automatically capture your licence plate number.

Step 2:  Note down the licence plate number of your vehicle (maybe take a photo of it). You’ll need it to pay for parking. 

Step 3:  Find a parking payment machine. There is one machine located in the Visitor Terminal building and four machines at the car park entry/exit point (view the parking map).

Step 4: Use the pay machine to enter your licence plate number, select the number of hours you’re parking for (the average stay for those on a cruise is 3 hours) and follow the instructions to make a payment. The machine only accepts debit or credit cards, there is no cash option. Please note that the machine will not issue a receipt.

Step 5: You’re done!  Walk to the Visitor Terminal and enjoy your time in the area.

There are four dedicated mobility parking spaces available directly in front of the Visitor Terminal. Please note that carparking fees still apply and a pay machine is available inside the Visitor Terminal. For assistance, please ask our friendly team.  We also recommend that you check with your cruise provider about specific mobility arrangements to board your boat.

A free car parking area is located at Deepwater Basin – parking is limited and is first come, first served. To access it, take the left-hand turn just before you enter Piopiotahi Milford Sound. From this parking area, it’s a 20-30 minute scenic walk to the Visitor Terminal.

Dedicated overnight cruise parking is in the coach park which is available after 3.30pm each day. If your overnight cruise departs before 3.30pm, please contact your cruise provider for parking details. The rate is NZD$30 overnight, with departure by 11am the following morning.

Please follow the Overnight Cruise Parking Instructions and pay at the designated machine in the Visitor Terminal.

Can I pay in cash?
No, for security reasons the machines only accept debit or credit cards.

We’ve already paid for parking, how can we top it up if we want to stay longer?
It’s easy!  Just go to the pay machine, enter your vehicle number plate and add more hours on.

I entered the wrong license plate, how do I amend it?
Please contact Stellar Parking within 24 hours and they will correct it at their end.

Is the pay machine supposed to print a receipt?
No.  This is part of our commitment to minimising waste.

The pay machine isn’t working, where can we pay?
First, try another machine, however if the whole system is down then no parking fee is required.  Stellar Parking will automatically be notified that there is a fault with the machine or system.

I didn’t pay for parking when I entered the car park, can I pay now before leaving?
Yes, one pay machine is located in the Visitor Terminal and another four are at the car park entry/exit points.

Help! I’ve left Milford Sound and forgotten to pay for parking – what do I do?
No worries! You can pay online up to 24 hours after leaving Piopiotahi Milford Sound.  Visit www.stellar.org.nz/payments.  Note: Parking breach notices are processed each day but if you contact Stellar Parking within the 24-hour period, you can still pay the original parking fee without incurring a fine.

Will I get towed if I don’t pay for parking?
No, but you will receive a parking breach notice and a fine.  If you’re driving a rental car, the rental company will receive the breach notice and contact you for payment.

I didn’t pay for parking when I entered the car park, can I pay now before leaving?
Yes, a pay machine is located in the Visitor Terminal and four machines are at the car park entry/exit points.

The Paid Parking area is full, where else can we park?
This may happen in the summer peak season. Parking attendants will be on hand to help you find a park.

Is overnight parking available?
Yes, please refer to the Overnight Cruise Parking section.  Please note that overnight camping is prohibited.