How to travel from Tauranga to Milford Sound, New Zealand
The distance between Tauranga and Milford Sound is around 1,251km (777 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 5m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Tauranga to Milford Sound by plane, bus, car and ferry. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Milford Sound → Tauranga if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Tauranga (TRG),Queenstown Airport to Queenstown (ZQN) and then to Milford Sound Airport.
- Duration3h 5m
- Flight time3hrs
- Typical costNZ$880($535)
Multiple plane operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Milford Sound (Water).
- Duration22h 30m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$415($255)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Tauranga and Milford Sound
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Tauranga to Milford Sound by plane, bus, car and ferry. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$415 ($255) and will take around 22h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 5m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$880 ($535).
The distance between Tauranga and Milford Sound is around 1,251km (777 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,038km (645 miles)
It takes around 3h 5m to get from Tauranga and Milford Sound by plane.
The quickest way to get from Tauranga to Milford Sound is to fly which takes around 3h 5m and will set you back approx NZ$880 ($535).
The cheapest way to travel between Tauranga and Milford Sound is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$415 ($255) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Tauranga and Milford Sound. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG),Queenstown Airport to Queenstown (ZQN) and then to Milford Sound Airport. instead which will take 3h 5m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Tauranga and Milford Sound. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG),Queenstown Airport to Queenstown (ZQN) and then to Milford Sound Airport. instead which will take 3h 5m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Tauranga and Milford Sound. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and arrive at Queenstown (ZQN) - via Auckland (AKL). The flight takes around 2h 25m.
There is no direct flight from Tauranga to Milford Sound. There is however a flight that goes via Auckland (AKL). This services will take at least 3h 5m (not including layover time).
The flight from Tauranga to Milford Sound typically takes around 2h 25m. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) 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 Tauranga to Milford Sound. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG),Queenstown Airport to Queenstown (ZQN) and then to Milford Sound Airport. instead which will take 3h 5m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Tauranga to Milford Sound is to fly which takes, on average, 3h 5m and will usually cost around NZ$880 ($535).
Compare travel optionsbetween Tauranga and Milford Sound
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 2 similar | 3h 5m | NZ$880($535) | every 20 mins | 1,251km (777 miles) |
| Bus to Rotorua, plane | 4h 55m | NZ$685($420) | once daily | 1,377km (856 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 6h 5m | NZ$745($455) | once daily | 1,323km (822 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 22h 30m | NZ$415($255) | 4 times a day | 1,699km (1,056 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Tauranga and Milford Sound
Airlines
Air Milford
Glenorchy Air
Bus companies
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