How to travel from New Plymouth to Milford Sound, New Zealand
The distance between New Plymouth and Milford Sound is around 1,238km (769 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 20m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from New Plymouth to Milford Sound by plane, bus, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Milford Sound → New Plymouth if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from New Plymouth (NPL),Queenstown Airport to Queenstown (ZQN) and then to Milford Sound Airport.
- Duration3h 20m
- Flight time3h 10m
- Typical costNZ$875($535)
Multiple plane operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Palmerston North and then to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Christchurch then Frankton Bus Interchange and then to Milford Sound.
- Duration1 day 5h
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$355($215)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Milford Sound (Water).
- Duration20h 50m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$385($235)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between New Plymouth and Milford Sound
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from New Plymouth to Milford Sound by plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$355 ($215) and will take around 1 day 5h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$875 ($535).
The distance between New Plymouth and Milford Sound is around 1,238km (769 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 805km (500 miles)
It takes around 3h 20m to get from New Plymouth and Milford Sound by plane.
The quickest way to get from New Plymouth to Milford Sound is to fly which takes around 3h 20m and will set you back approx NZ$875 ($535).
The cheapest way to travel between New Plymouth and Milford Sound is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$355 ($215) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between New Plymouth and Milford Sound. We recommend that you fly from New Plymouth (NPL),Queenstown Airport to Queenstown (ZQN) and then to Milford Sound Airport. instead which will take 3h 20m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between New Plymouth and Milford Sound. We recommend that you fly from New Plymouth (NPL),Queenstown Airport to Queenstown (ZQN) and then to Milford Sound Airport. instead which will take 3h 20m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from New Plymouth and Milford Sound. Flights depart from New Plymouth (NPL) and arrive at Queenstown (ZQN) - via Auckland (AKL). The flight takes around 2h 35m.
There is no direct flight from New Plymouth to Milford Sound. There is however a flight that goes via Auckland (AKL). This services will take at least 3h 20m (not including layover time).
The flight from New Plymouth to Milford Sound typically takes around 2h 35m. Flights depart from New Plymouth (NPL) and and arrive into Queenstown (ZQN).
The closest major airport to Milford Sound is Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) which is approximately 75km (47 miles) from Milford Sound. Wanaka Airport (WKA) (WKA) and Invercargill Airport (IVC) (IVC) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from New Plymouth to Milford Sound. We recommend that you fly from New Plymouth (NPL),Queenstown Airport to Queenstown (ZQN) and then to Milford Sound Airport. instead which will take 3h 20m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from New Plymouth to Milford Sound is to fly which takes, on average, 3h 20m and will usually cost around NZ$875 ($535).
Compare travel optionsbetween New Plymouth and Milford Sound
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 3h 20m | NZ$875($535) | every 20 mins | 1,341km (833 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 6h 50m | NZ$765($470) | once daily | 1,238km (769 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 1 day 5h | NZ$355($215) | 4 times a week | 1,584km (984 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 20h 50m | NZ$385($235) | 4 times a day | 1,537km (955 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between New Plymouth and Milford Sound
Airlines
Air Milford
Glenorchy Air
Bus companies
awesomeNZ
Ferry operators
Airports near Milford Sound
The following major airports near Milford Sound offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 75km (47 miles) from Milford Sound
Wanaka Airport (WKA)
- Distance
- 104km (65 miles) from Milford Sound
Invercargill Airport (IVC)
- Distance
- 196km (122 miles) from Milford Sound