Winter vs Summer

Summer and why its a great time to visit us?

Milford enjoys long daylight hours during the summer months – November to March. This makes it a perfect time of the year to pack in not just an awesome Milford experience with Rosco and his team but to also do some of the fabulous alpine walks in the park as well. Whether it is getting up at sunrise for our Morning Glory and paddling out to the Tasman Sea or boarding our mini bus for a drive in on one of the worlds premium alpine roads, you will see Milford at its absolute best. No crowds, no aircraft, maybe the odd boat heading out for a days fishing or the vehicle on the road but this is the fiord and the road at its very best “after hours”.

It is no coincidence that we are the first commercial operator on both the water and the road. We have been running these trips for many years now and know this is the secret to a more personal experience. At the other end of the day, our three afternoon trips take you into the twilight zone. This is a beautiful serene time of the day. The hustle and bustle of the 3500 people that may have been visiting Milford, the tour boats, the planes and helicopters have all shut down or ceased operating for the day…..it is just us. All 8 of us oh and the 150 or so lucky residents that call Milford home. Your guide is one of them. Soak up the ambiance the colours and the peace that make all of our twilighter trips a very special Milford experience.

If you are a lover of penguins (and who isn’t after the blue bird chip ads) then October and November are the months for you to come paddling with Roscos. You will see Fiordland Crested Penguins on most days, sometimes several both in the water and on the rocky shoreline. Our sea kayaks are such an unobtrusive way to observe the penguins going about their daily business of feeding, washing and preening themselves, magical! Other wildlife that frequents the fiord in the summer months include New Zealand fur seals, two species of dolphin the bottle nose and the dusky. There is no doubt that the summer months are the busiest especially for a tourism icon like Milford Sound but with a bit of forward planning, a commitment to break out of the Queenstown – Milford and return in a day (which would have to be the worst possible way to see Milford unless you only have 7 days total in New Zealand), maybe an alarm clock for an early start and a healthy sense of adventure to let Rosco and his team of professional guides show case Milford at its finest no matter what the weather. Ask for Roscos by name for your ultimate Milford experience.

Why Winter Kayaking with Rosco is – simply superb!!
More settled weather conditions usually result in very calm water – ideal for exploring Milford from a sea kayak.

Less Crowds make winter the premium time to visit Milford.

More Wildlife frequent Milford during the winter months. Seals, dolphins and penguins can often be viewed from your sea kayak.

Less motor boats cruising Milford. More peace and tranquility – just the splash of our paddles.

More photo opportunities often mirror like reflections of famous icons like mile high Mitre Peak.

Less sandflies and usually none at all. Makes your day in paradise even more enjoyable.

From May to September we have one guided sea kayaking trip departing Milford Sound at 9.45am daily. This trip is our “Winter Wildlife ‘n Waterfalls Sunriser Classic”. There are three transport options that connect with this extremely popular sea kayak excursion of Milford Sound.

1. Self drive. You drive your own vehicle into Milford either the night before or on the morning of the trip. Enjoy your “Winter Wildlife ‘n Waterfalls Sunriser Classic” paddle. Drive out to Te Anau or beyond after the trip. (Please see frequently asked questions overleaf.)

2. Day Safari. Have and experienced driver/guide drive you in and out of Milford Sound from Te Anau. Enjoy your sea kayak trip with us or take a cruise boat option. (Please see frequently asked questions overleaf).

3. Fly ‘n Sea Kayak. Fly to Milford onboard a fixed wing aircraft, kayak, then fly back to Queenstown.
Find out for yourself why Lonely Planet has rated sea kayaking as THE best way to see Milford Sound. We are New Zealand’s longest established owner operated sea kayaking business. This is experience you can count on so relax, choose a trip that suits you and enjoy seeing the real Milford Sound up close and personal from a sea kayak.