Milford Vs Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, which one?

Doubtful Sound is about 3 times bigger than Milford Sound; this gives you more to see on an overnight trip. The trip to Doubtful takes 30 minutes to drive from Te Anau to Manapouri, then an hour boat ride, then a 45 minute bus ride which includes a visit to the hydro dam. (It is not accessible by car).

The Doubtful overnight trip gives you swimming, kayaking and small boat rides. You will also get to see some dolphins and fur seals.

The trip to Doubtful sound would cost upward from $215nzd per person (this price would be for a day trip and depend on season). There is a bit of travelling to get to Doubtful Sound but this means less people and more nature.

If you are limited on time and can't do an overnight on Doubtful sound, then Milford sound is still a fantastic experience and the trails on the way to Milford Sound are spectacular. You get to go through the narrow Homer tunnel on the drive in while you drive through the rain forests of the Fiordland National park, with lots of little walks and scenic stops along the way. You should give yourself 3 hours to drive from Te Anau to Milford. Then another option would be to take a half day or full day to hike into Milford Sound, if you have any spare time.

A 90 minute boat trip on Milford Sound would cost around $75nzd depending on season, and you will still see some of the wildlife in the area.

Both sounds are great, the main thing you would have to think about is "how much time do I have". Doubtful is said to be the better overnight trip. If you don’t have that much time take the day trip of Milford sound. Take any off-ship excursion that is offered, as this will give you a true feel for the flora and fauna in the Fiordland National park.

If you are driving to Te Anau yourself to see either sound, you are best to stay in Te Anau the night to get an early start ahead of the many tour busses that set out from Queenstown each day.

There are many great tour companies that offer trips from Queenstown for both Milford and Doubtful Sounds.

During peak and shoulder seasons from the start of November until the end of March, book well in advance for either trip.

This is one of New Zealand’s most popular scenic attractions.What ever you decide you will experience a great scenic trip.