Car Parkat Milford Sound
Everything you need to know about parking at Milford Sound: locations, rates and practical tips
Car park at Milford Sound: What you need to know
Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most popular destinations, with over one million visitors each year. It’s therefore essential to plan your visit carefully, especially when it comes to parking.
Here is everything you need to know about the available parking options, the fees, and tips to make sure you get a spot.
High season
From December to February, car parks are often full by 10am. Arrive before 8:30am or choose an organized tour.
Tip
No reservations are possible. Parking operates on a "first come, first served" basis.
The 3 parking zones at Milford Sound
Cruise Terminal Car Park
❌ PROHIBITED📍 Location
Directly in front of the cruise terminal, 50 metres from the wharf.
🚫 Restrictions
- • Prohibited for tourist vehicles
- • Reserved for commercial vehicles
- • Minimum fines of NZ$100
- • Enhanced surveillance
⚠️ Why prohibited?
Since 2020, this area has been strictly reserved for commercial operations (deliveries, maintenance, emergency vehicles).
Tourist parking is formally prohibited.
Milford Sound Public Car Park
✅ PERMITTED💵 PAID📍 Location
Main car park located 200 metres from the terminal, along Milford Sound Road. 3-4 minute walk to the wharves.
💰 Pricing
- • Free for the first 20 minutes
- • NZ$10 per hour up to 3 hours
- • NZ$5 per hour after 3 hours
- • Card payment only
🚗 Features
- • ~150 standard spaces
- • 20 motorhome spaces
- • Sealed surface
- • All-day parking
- • Public toilets nearby
⏰ Tips
It's recommended to arrive before 9:00am in high season to guarantee a space. Car park fills up very quickly in summer.
Deep Water Basin Road Car Park
✅ PERMITTED🆓 FREE📍 Location
Located approximately 1.5 km before the Milford Sound boat terminal, at the end of Deepwater Basin Road (small road to the left when arriving from Te Anau). A flat walking track connects this car park to the terminal (approximately 15 to 20 minutes on foot).
💰 Pricing
Free
🚗 Features
- • Large capacity
- • Unsealed car park
- • All-day parking
🚫 Restrictions
Overnight stays are prohibited.
Milford Sound car park map
Car park locations
🎯 Points of interest
- • Cruise terminal
- • Visitor information centre
- • Public toilets
- • Café and gift shop
Practical parking tips
⏰Recommended times
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Arrive before 8:30am
- Autumn/Spring: Arrive before 9:30am
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Arrive before 10:30am
- Weekends: Always earlier
💳Payment methods
- • Card payment only
- • Automated machines on site
- • No cash accepted
- • Ticket must be displayed in vehicle
🔒Security and restrictions
- • Don't leave anything visible in the car
- • Always lock your vehicle
- • Take valuables with you
- • Overnight stays prohibited in Milford Sound car parks
🚐Motorhomes
- • Limited spaces in public car park
- • Higher rate: NZ$15/day
- • Max height: 3.5m
- • No reservations possible, arrive early
Frequently asked questions about Milford Sound car park
Everything you need to know to plan your visit and parking at Milford Sound.
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Complete your preparation with our other essential guides to Milford Sound
Milford Sound Cruise
Explore the wonders of Milford Sound with our complete cruise guide: options, tips and best experiences to discover the fjords.
Where to stay at Milford Sound
Complete accommodation guide: Milford Sound Lodge, camping, overnight cruises and alternatives in Te Anau and Queenstown.
Milford Sound from Queenstown
How to organize your visit to Milford Sound from Queenstown: transport, tours, practical tips for an unforgettable day in Fiordland.