7 Milford Sound Photography Tips - from a Travel Photographer

Best known for its dramatic peaks and waterfalls, Milford Sound is home to some of the best and most iconic photo spots in New Zealand.

In this photography guide, I’ll share my best Milford Sound photography tips and first hand advice to help you capture photos that are as breath-taking as the scenery itself.

1. Stay Overnight for the Best Conditions

For the best lighting conditions and to avoid driving the Milford Road in the dark, plan to stay overnight.

This allows you to capture both golden hours in the morning and evening, which is by far the most beautiful time of day to photograph Milford Sound.

It’s also the least crowded time of day, which always helps, plus, with the amount of rain you’re likely to get, it will help to maximise your chances of a good sunrise or sunset!

Photo by Marek Piwnicki

You really only have two options for staying overnight – either staying as close as possible in a cabin or camp at the Milford Lodge (best option), or camping at the cheaper Cascade Creek DOC site, about 40 minutes away from Milford Sound.

The best time to avoid the crowds is during the shoulder seasons in either April-May or September-October.

However, being one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand, you should expect it to be relatively busy all year round.

Book the Milford Lodge

2. Pack the Right Gear

To take great photos of Milford Sound, you need the right equipment. Here’s what you should bring:

Wide-angle lens: A lens that can capture wide views (like a 24-70mm) is perfect for Milford Sound, allowing you the flexibility to fit the huge Fiordland landscapes into one frame.
Sturdy tripod: A good tripod is essential for long exposures, especially when capturing smooth waterfall shots or low-light settings at sunrise or sunset.
Waterproof camera cover: It rains a lot in Milford Sound. If you camera isn’t weather sealed, a waterproof cover will let you snap away worry-free, even in Milford Sound’s frequent downpours.

3. Embrace Milford’s Moody Weather

Milford Sound is one of the rainiest places in the world, and this is exactly what you should expect – the good news is, the rain makes the waterfalls all the more impressive.

This unpredictability is really a blessing in disguise, personally I think the dramatic and moody conditions are what make it such an unique place for photography.

Use the mist to your advantage to create atmospheric shots that capture the raw beauty of the landscape – it’s really something special when you get up close to the falls in these conditions.

Don’t be discouraged by the rain – embrace it as part of the Milford Sound experience and remember that the waterfalls will be better anyway!

4. Photograph the Wildlife

It’s not what you usually associate with Milford Sound, but it’s actually home to a surprisingly diverse range of animals, offering some amazing opportunities for wildlife photography.

Use a telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer) to capture fur seals basking on rocks without disturbing them or sometimes even dolphins playing in the water.

The rare Fiordland crested penguins are shy but often sighted from cruises – early morning or late afternoon are often the best times for wildlife activity.

And don’t forget about the cheeky kea, New Zealand’s native alpine parrot. You are most likely to spot them along Milford Road around the car parks (waiting to steal your food).

Photo by Kari Kittlaus

While they make for great photo subjects with their colourful feathers, please do not feed them and keep an eye on your belongings – they’re well known for their curiosity and mischievous behaviour.

5. Take a Scenic Flight Over Milford Sound

For the most breath-taking views of Milford Sound and a truly unforgettable experience, consider booking a scenic flight or helicopter ride.

From high above, you’ll be able to capture stunning panoramic shots of Mitre Peak, the surrounding fjords, and the intricate network of waterfalls cascading down the cliff faces.

The bird’s-eye view allows you to appreciate the scale of the landscape in a way that’s simply not possible from sea level.

If possible, choose a flight that includes a mountain landing for the opportunity to capture some shots from a remote location that few people ever get to see!

Book a Scenic Flight

6. Drive Yourself for Better Photo Opportunities

If possible, r enting a vehicle (or taking your own) will give you the flexibility to explore the equally stunning Milford Road and it’s countless photo spots at your own pace.

Yes, coach tours do stop along the way, but opportunities will be limited everyone will be trying to take the same photos as you – it’s still a great experience, just not ideal from a photographers perspective.

And despite what some tour companies might try to tell you, the road is not particularly dangerous or scary for experienced drivers (at least not in the winter).

Just remember to factor in extra time for these spontaneous photo stops – there’s a lot of them!

Rent a Car Here

7. Don’t Miss the Foreshore Walk

The Foreshore Walk is a must-do 20 minute circular trail along Milford Sound’s waterfront, starting from the car park.

Walker standing on a bridge in rainy conditions at Milford Sound

It’s the perfect spot for early morning shots of Mitre Peak when the water is still, offering mirror-like reflections (if you’re lucky).

This walk provides numerous opportunities to capture unique angles and creative compositions, with plenty of interesting foreground elements to play with, like driftwood and boardwalks.