It is a good idea to allow at least 5 hours to ensure that you have enough time for all the photo stops along the way! 

There is only a very limited supply of fuel in Milford Sound. We would strongly recommend you fuel up before you leave Te Anau.

Once you reach the end of the Milford road there is a large carpark available for everyone cruising Milford Sound. It is a short 5-minute walk from the carpark to the terminal building where your cruise departs. Please note that you cannot park directly outside the terminal building. 

*Important Note; Milford Sound Tourism Ltd have introduced an hourly rate parking charge in the main car parks at Milford Sound. Information about parking at Milford can be found here www.milfordsoundtourism.nz/parking.

The last point with a large selection of cafes and supermarkets is Te Anau. In Milford itself, there is only one small cafe. Snacks and drinks are available for cash purchase on the boat.

Here's an idea of must-have items:

• Cash - to pay for purchases on the boat.
• A rain jacket - even on a sunny day the waterfalls will get you wet.
• A camera - to record your day.
• Sunglasses - it can be bright if the sun is shining!
• Finally, if you are self-driving, a full tank of petrol when leaving Te Anau.

There is disabled parking just outside the terminal, with ramp access down the wharf. The bottom deck of the Gem of the Sound is explorable for wheelchair users, with accessible toilets and the Cafe/Bar on this deck. Provided it is not too windy, there is access to a small rear viewing deck on this floor too.