Queenstown to Milford Sound: Chasing Beauty in New Zealand’s South Island
Queenstown
I arrived in Queenstown from Sydney, Australia, and even before landing, the scenery had me glued to the window. The airport is nestled among jagged peaks, and as we descended in a smaller aircraft, it truly felt like we were threading a needle between mountains. It was breathtaking—and a little bit nerve-wracking.
Once we landed, I got a crash course in New Zealand’s approach to customs. This country takes its biosecurity seriously, and with good reason. As an island nation with a delicate ecosystem, New Zealand screens all incoming items, especially outdoor gear. Even the dirt on your shoes is subject to inspection. I was asked where I’d been and if I had any equipment that might carry soil, seeds, or plant material. It’s thorough, but it’s all part of their commitment to protecting their incredible landscapes.
After clearing customs, I headed to the taxi queue and met Andrew, a friendly local driver who chatted with me while I located my hotel address. Fun fact: Queenstown, despite its size, has three Holiday Inns. Andrew got me to the right one without any trouble.
The hotel itself was simple and serviceable. My room felt a bit like a college dorm—two twin beds, a couch, a desk, and a small fridge—but it was clean and comfortable. The bathroom, surprisingly, was the nicest part of the space.
After dropping off my bags, I asked the front desk about finding an ATM. They suggested a bus, but it was a nice day, and I decided to walk the two miles into town. The walk followed the edge of Lake Wakatipu, offering peaceful views the entire way.
In town, I stopped by an ATM, then made a quick visit to McDonald’s. For some reason, chicken nuggets have become a small travel ritual for me—it’s oddly comforting to try familiar foods in unfamiliar places.
Next, I made my way to the Skyline Gondola, one of Queenstown’s top attractions. While the town is known for adrenaline-filled adventures like bungee jumping, rafting, and paragliding, I was more interested in the views. The gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak was smooth and scenic, and the lookout platform at the top offered panoramic views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. It was a peaceful way to take in the landscape without the need for a harness or helmet.
After soaking in the scenery, I wandered back through town and took the bus back to the hotel. The return trip was just 15 minutes—much quicker than the walk—but I was glad I had done both.
Day 2: A Day Trip to Milford Sound
Milford Sound came highly recommended, so I booked a full-day tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. It was an early start, but the journey and the destination were well worth it.
Mirror Lake
The drive to Milford Sound takes about four hours, though we made plenty of scenic stops that made the time pass quickly. As we made our way through Fiordland National Park, we stopped at Mirror Lakes, where the calm waters reflect the surrounding peaks like a mirror. We also paused in Te Anau, where we met a few llamas and our guide picked up lunch for the group.
Fiordland National Park
One of the more memorable stretches of the trip was passing through the Homer Tunnel—a long, narrow tunnel carved straight through the mountains. As we entered, our guide played the Jurassic Park theme, which added a touch of humor and drama. On the other side, we were met with breathtaking alpine scenery, signaling that we were getting close to our destination.
Milford Sound
Arriving at Milford Sound, I could immediately see why it’s considered one of New Zealand’s crown jewels. Towering cliffs rise sharply from the dark water, waterfalls cascade down the rock faces, and the atmosphere feels both serene and dramatic. Though it’s called a “sound,” Milford is actually a fjord, formed by glaciers thousands of years ago.
We boarded a cruise boat with our lunch bags in hand and set out across the water. The views were extraordinary. We passed under waterfalls, glided past seals sunning themselves on rocks, and watched as mist rolled over the cliffs above. It was peaceful and powerful all at once—a place that truly makes you feel small in the best way.
On the way back, our guide made one last impromptu stop. He’s an aviation enthusiast and had heard that three C-130 Hercules military planes were doing a farewell flyover nearby. We pulled over in Mararoa Waimea Ward and watched them soar overhead. It was unexpected and memorable—an added touch to an already full day.
We returned to Queenstown in the evening. I was tired but content. I packed up my things and set an early alarm—Christchurch was next on the itinerary. Queenstown had offered natural beauty, quiet adventure, and a sense of place that lingered long after I left.
