Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is in the south west part of the South Island. Visitors can expect spectacular waterfalls, majestic cliffs and peaks, including the iconic Mitre Peak, which rises more than 1000 metres above sea level.
With April signalling the beginning of autumn, temperatures are reading between 7 and 16 degrees Celsius. Being the wettest place in New Zealand, rain is to be expected with 585 mm average rainfall and on average 14 days out of the month. Even so, April remains suitable for exploring the great outdoors.
One of the most popular activities in Milford Sound is hiking. The Gertrude Valley hike takes hikers to Gertrude Saddle, while the Grave Talbot follows the powerful Fiordland River or the Gulliver River. Take a walk to Key Summit, climb up to the Lake Marian or have an easy 20 minute stroll along Marian Creek.
The Tutoko walk winds through rainforest and offers wonderful landscapes carved by glaciers and raging rivers, plus an abundance of flora and fauna. The Milford Track Taster package at Milford Sound Lodge comes with one night accommodation, an afternoon cruise and a day-trek on the iconic Milford Track.
There are limited options for accommodations in Milford Sound but there are DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites at Te Anau Downs, Knobs Flat, Hollyford Road and Milford Sound. On the Milford road that goes between Te Anau and The Divide, there are ten campsites located in beautiful spots beside rivers and lakes with picnic tables, fire pits and toilets. Lake Gunn campsite on Milford Road has ten sites to choose from.
