Queenstown and Milford Sound are two of the most popular destinations in New Zealand. They’re both located in the South Island, and they’re easy to get to from Auckland, which is also a great place to start your trip.
Queenstown has a lot of different activities going on year-round, but it’s especially beautiful in the winter months—particularly during late September through early December, when you can go skiing or snowboarding at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables. If you’d rather take it easy, there are plenty of other things to do in Queenstown: visit a winery or brewery; go white water rafting; hike one of the many trails; ride a gondola up Mount Earnslaw; or just shop for souvenirs at one of the many shops around town. Milford Sound is just as beautiful as Queenstown, if not more so. It’s about three hours from Queenstown on a guided scenic coach tour that goes through Te Anau (where there’s a visitor center) before arriving at Milford Sound itself—a fjord that is often described as “New Zealand’s Grand Canyon.” You’ll see waterfalls along the way, including Sutherland Falls and Mitre Peak Falls. The most popular scenic spots for Queenstown to Milford Sound tour at a great time of year include:
Punakaiki Beach
This beach is famous for its pancake rocks. The rocks are made of sandstone, which has eroded over time into interesting formations that look like pancakes or puddles. You can view the unique formations from above or walk down to the beach and take a closer look.
Punakaiki Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand. The beach is located in the north of the country, and its name comes from the Maori word for “furry” (punakaiki) and “cape” (ki). The beach’s location is ideal for travelers who want to see wildlife, as it is surrounded by a national park that protects marine life. It is also prime territory for hiking and camping. If you are looking for a place where you can swim with dolphins, Punakaiki Beach should be your first choice.
Cape Foulwind Lighthouse
The Cape Foulwind Lighthouse is one of the most iconic sights in New Zealand. Located just north of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, this lighthouse is a must-do for any visitor to New Zealand.
It was built in 1881 as part of an effort to help prevent shipwrecks along this stretch of coast. The lighthouse itself is made from white metal, with a light that shines out from its top so ships can see it from afar. It’s situated on a rocky outcropping called Cape Foulwind, which gives visitors a great view of the surrounding area. The nearby town of Te Anau is also worth checking out if you have time/
Lake Matheson
Lake Matheson sits at an elevation of almost 3,000 feet above sea level among rolling green hillsides covered with native grasses and wildflowers growing throughout summer months until fall when they finally die back.
Lake Matheson is a glacial lake in New Zealand. It’s located near Mount Cook National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and it has an intense blue color because of the way light reflects off the water. It’s also known for its almost perfectly circular shape, which is owed to its volcanic origins and unique shape. The area around it offers plenty of hiking opportunities, including some easy trails that are suitable for families with children. You can also go horseback riding or mountain biking around the lake itself.
Mountain Views, Lakes, and Streams
If you’re looking for a place to hike, Milford Sound is an excellent choice. The trails are well maintained, and there are plenty of options for hiking at all levels of experience. There are also great spots for birdwatching and viewing wildlife in general (including dolphins!). The weather in this part of New Zealand tends to be pretty good year round–it’s not too hot or cold and there aren’t many storms–so it’s easy on your body when traveling around this area. Plus, with so much scenery at every turn (and even in front of your eyes!), it’ll feel like your mind never has time to get bored!
The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is one of the most breathtaking drives in the world. It’s also a great time to visit New Zealand, because of its snow-covered peaks and clear skies during winter. You’ll be surrounded by mountains on both sides of the road as you journey through this desolate landscape. After about two hours, you will reach Milford Sound, where you can see whales up close. You can also trek to Lake Manapouri or take a boat cruise around the fiords.
The Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is a great place to hike and see the landscape. It’s also a great place to see wildlife, local people, culture, and history. The Routeburn Track is located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. The track takes you through a variety of landscapes including tussock grasslands, beech forest, and alpine areas above the treeline with amazing views of mountains like Mount Aspiring (3198 meters) and Mount Cook (3772 meters).
Conclusion
New Zealand is a great place to visit and hike. The natural beauty of the country is unmatched by any other, and there are so many things to see. From Queenstown to Milford Sound, there’s no shortage of scenic spots for you to explore on your next trip. Whether it’s an afternoon hike or a multi-day excursion through the mountains with friends, New Zealand has something for everyone.
Queenstown to Milford Sound is a beautiful place to visit. It’s home to some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. The scenery in New Zealand is so stunning that it can be hard to decide where to go first. There are so many beautiful places and sights to see, and they’re all unique!
