Milford Sound (Piopiotahi in Māori) (Pop: 80) is a fjord carved by glacial action in the south west of New Zealand's South Island, within Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. It has been judged the world's top travel destination in an international survey and is acclaimed as New Zealand's most famous tourist destination.

Milford Sound is 295 km from Queenstown and 279 km from Invercargill (about four hours' drive), with most of the tour buses to the sound departing from Queenstown and 121 kms from Te Anau.

The drive to Milford Sound itself passes through unspoiled mountain landscapes before entering the 1.2 km Homer Tunnel which emerges into rain-forest-carpeted canyons that descend to the sound. The winding mountain road, while of high standards, is very prone to avalanches and closures during the winter half of the year.

Mitre Peak, apparently the most perfect cone from the land, when seen from the water is revealed as part of a chain of peaks. Milford Sound has hanging valleys of native flora and fauna carry fresh water to the sea. Milford Sound has a wide range of native wildlife.

Tramping, canoeing and some other water sports are also possible. A small number of companies also provides overnight boat trips.

There is otherwise only limited accommodation at the sound, and only a very small percentage of tourists stay more than the day.

An underwater tourist observatory found in one of the bays of the sound provides viewing of black coral, usually only found in much deeper waters. A dark surface layer of fresh water, stained by tannins from the surrounding forest, allows the corals to grow close to the surface here

Like the rest of Fiordland, Milford Sound receives a lot of rain. Indeed, some tour operators argue that the sound is best seen on a rainy day as all the waterfalls can be seen in their full glory. Many recommend seeing it during a sunny day and in the rain to see both worlds as they are both very different and amazing.

When visiting Milford Sound and its natural beauty, do not forget insect repellent due to sand flies in the late afternoon early evening and a raincoat as weather can change without notice

There are daily schedule coach and bus services to Milford Sound from Queenstown, Te Anau, Te Anau Downs and The Divide (The end of the Routeburn Track). Also scenic flights by light aircraft and helicopter tours to and from Milford Sound Airport to Te Anau and Queenstown..

Milford Sound can also be reached on foot as the final destination of the Milford Track.

The nearest airport to Milford Sound for domestic and international flights is Queenstown.

There are no passenger train services from Milford Sound to Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill, Dunedin, Mt Cook or Christchurch.