What to Expect When Visiting Milford Sound
Milford Sound Essentials
Milford Sound has very limited infrastructure, which is part of its charm - but also something to plan for:
No general shops or supermarkets
Bring all essentials - snacks, toiletries, gear - from Te Anau or Queenstown.
No fuel stations
Te Anau is your last reliable petrol stop. Emergency fuel is available at Milford but only with select credit cards.
Limited mobile reception
You’ll be off-grid most of the drive into Milford. There is limited cell coverage in Milford Sound itself and we recommend not replying on it. Download maps or booking info beforehand.
Toilets
Available in the foreshore carpark and the cruise terminal.
Food
Pio Pio Restaurant located at Milford Sound Lodge is of course, our favourite place to dine in the fiord. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we offer a cosy and relaxed setting with a menu focused on local, seasonal ingredients. Bookings are essential. An alternative is the The Discover Milford Sound Café is located on the waterfront and offers barista coffee, light meals, souvenirs, and travel essentials like insect repellent and raincoats. A great spot to browse before or after your cruise.
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted in the Fiordland National Park, including Milford Sound. This includes dogs travelling inside vehicles in the park.
Freedom camping
The only camping available in Milford Sound is at Milford Sound Lodge or the campsites along the Milford Road. Freedom camping is strictly prohibited in Milford Sound.
Dump stations
There is a free public RV dump station located in the main Milford Sound carpark, close to the visitor terminal and the fuel pump. There are dump stations at Te Anau, Manapouri, Knobs Flat. There are NO dump stations at any of the campsites on the Milford Road, please do not discharge waste/water along the road or into the National Park. Take your rubbish away with you.
Parking in Milford Sound
Both free and paid parking is available at Piopiotahi Milford Sound – please look out for the directional signage.
Download Milford Sound Parking Map
Download Milford Sound Parking Map
Handy tip: Allow up to 45 minutes for parking and the 15-minute scenic walk to the Visitor Terminal, particularly if you’re taking a cruise. Check-in times for cruises are generally 20 minutes before departure.
Free parking
A free car parking area is located at the top of Deepwater Basin Road – 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.
Paid Parking
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.
Payment enquiries
For all parking payment enquiries, please contact Stellar Parking on +64 09 801 1106 or info@stellar.org.nz.
How and where to pay for parking
Paid parking is operated on 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.
Mobility parking
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 the friendly team in the terminal. We also recommend that you check with your cruise provider about specific mobility arrangements to board your boat.
Overnight cruise parking
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 on +64 09 801 1106 or info@stellar.org.nz 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 Milford's 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.
