Explore Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a fiord located in the south west corner of New Zealand’s South Island. It is famed for its rugged beauty and is routinely nominated among the world’s top travel destinations. Running 15 km inland from the Tasman Sea, it is surrounded by austere rock faces, carved by glaciers during the last ice age. 

Diving here is a challenge but an increasingly popular one. The dive centres are minimal and require a 4 hour round trip from Te Anau. Diving courses are possible but beginner diving courses aren’t common. Drysuit courses are the most popular, which is unsurprising due to the temperature of the water. Liveaboards are not currently operating in Milford Sound. 

Known as New Zealand’s “coral capital”, one of the highlights of diving here is the chance to see black coral which is normally found below 100 m depth.

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    • Dive Activity

    Diving in Milford Sound

    Milford Sound diving is mostly boat diving, as they navigate to various dive sites depending on the days weather conditions. Almost all dives are wall dives, as the sheer rock faces disappear into the dark water below. Upon these rock faces, you can see impressive coral gardens and kelp growth. 

    One weird aspect of diving in Milford Sound is the dual layered water. A layer of dark, tannin stained freshwater sits above a layer of clearer salt water below. This creates a dark, twilight world below as well as a surreal, shimmering halocline as you descend through the freshwater. It is this dark water, along with the shadows of the surrounding mountains, that enables black corals to grow at such shallow depths in a phenomenon called “deep water emergence” where it is normally only found below 100 m.

    Dive Centers

    Sound Diving NZ

    Sound Diving NZ

    9600 Southland, New Zealand

    Dive Sites

    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Sinbad Gully <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Sinbad Gully (★4.4)

    Inner Fiord dive with some reef and steep walls. Some black coral trees, tube anemones, wrasses, perches and a chance for seven gill and dogshark shark encounters.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    The Triangle <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    The Triangle (★4.6)

    This inner Fiord dive site is a mix of rocky shoreline leading onto sand plus steep wall diving. There is a steep drop-off that houses one of the largest black coral trees in the Fiord at about 18 meters that has a few carpet shark eggs attached. Generally a thick surface freshwater layer and darker conditions.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Harrison Cove <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    Harrison Cove (★4.7)

    Dive Site starts out on shallow gravel bottom composition to 45 degree sloping muddy sandy bottom with a few rock outcrops with some growth of black coral. Sharky site.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Bridal Veil <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.8)</span>

    Bridal Veil (★4.8)

    Bridal Veil is a gentle sloping site, starting at Bridal Veil beach with a wall extending out all the way to Copper Point. Generally sheltered training site in the shallow part.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Butterfly Wall <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Butterfly Wall (★4.2)

    Butterfly wall starts in a sheltered cove with gently sloping stoney sandy bottom down to rocky sandy reef. Turns into a steep wall dive on both sides.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Walk the Dog Wall <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.8)</span>

    Walk the Dog Wall (★4.8)

    Walk the dog Wall is an extreme wall dive site with a towering cliff above extending to at least 80 meters depth on parts of the wall. Main features are black and red coral, butterfly perch and dogsharks.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Cray’s Crack <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Cray’s Crack (★4.6)

    This marine reserve site has a rocky reef extending on a 45 degree slope to about 18 meters before turning to sand. Turns into steep wall with initially a seafloor shelf at 20 meters but dropping off to around 80 meters in parts. Rich in black coral and crayfish.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Dale Point <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Dale Point (★4.3)

    This marine reserve site is a mix of wall dive with steep drop offs and some reef. Abundant in large black coral, yellow zoanthids and plenty of fish life.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Penguin Cove <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Penguin Cove (★4.6)

    This marine reserve site starts on shallow shelf. From here a rocky reef slopes to deeper waters on a 45 degree angle. Features large black coral trees. Both sides of the cove turn into steep and deep wall dives.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Dale Green <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    Dale Green (★4.7)

    Dale Green features a varied site with some reef and steep wall aspects. Walls drop to 80 meters depth close to shore. Large black coral trees and abundant fish life around them. Has red coral colonies in overhangs.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Greenstone Beach <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★5.0)</span>

    Greenstone Beach (★5.0)

    Greenstone Beach features a rocky shoreline starting at 5 meters depth with a sloping 45 degree rocky reef with large boulders dotted along the coastline.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Greenstone Point <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    Greenstone Point (★4.7)

    Wall dive suitable for deep and technical diving profiles extending to a max depth of 90m. Greenstone Point is located on the southern side of the entrance to Milford Sound.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Post Office Rock <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Post Office Rock (★4.4)

    This near coastal features a colourful kelpy rocky reef and drops off gently to sandy floor at about 25 meters max. Abundant with reef fish and the occasional seven gill shark.
    Descend NZ, 9600 Southland
    Fox Cove <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    Fox Cove (★4.7)

    Located on the outer Fiord this site features a rocky reef to sandy bottom with a max depth of around 20 meters depending where in the cove. Exposed in north to northwest winds and sheltered in southwesterly wind directions.

    The best Months to Dive in Milford Sound

    Diving in Milford Sound is possible year round. The summer temperatures around Milford Sound peak at around 18°C each year, whilst the winter temperatures hover just above freezing. The water temperatures can be confusing, as Milford Sound is formed of a fresh water layer sitting above a salt water layer, which tends to be warmer. Generally, the water stays between 12°C and 16°C year round, so the main difference is the air temperature when you surface! Diving with a thick wetsuit or drysuit is essential year round. 

    It is important to bear in mind that Milford Sound is one of the rainiest places in New Zealand – expect rain every day, no matter the season. 

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Milford Sound

    Despite the sombre appearance of Milford Sound, it is actually bursting with life. One of the most popular residents has to be the black coral, so seldom seen by recreational divers. These large trees (ranging from 1 to 5 m in diameter) are actually ghostly white, with a black skeleton. The largest density of anywhere known in the world is found here. 

    Creatures litter the steep walls and you will see animals like feather stars, starfish, nudibranch, lobster, crayfish, anemone and brachiopods frequently, as well as abundant kelp growth. If you are lucky you might also spot octopus and spiny sea dragons amid the seaweed. Fish like blue cod can be seen as well as small reef fish. 

    Bigger animals such as several species of sharks like sevengill, carpet and mako are known. There have even been (albeit rare) sightings of great whites. Pods of dolphins are common and humpback and southern right whales have been seen. Seals enjoy “playing” with divers and at certain times of year, you may have the surreal experience of meeting a penguin as you dive. 

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 300

    Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
    Octopus

    Octopus
    14 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    5
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    6
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    7 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    iStock/Juliosanjuan
    Eagle Ray

    Eagle Ray
    4 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    0
    A
    1
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    4 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    2
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0
    iStock/Howard Chen
    Blue Shark

    Blue Shark
    3 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    2
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
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    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1
    Tobias Friedrich
    Bottlenose Dolphin

    Bottlenose Dolphin
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0
    AdobeStock-wildestanimal
    Common Dolphin

    Common Dolphin
    2 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Spiny Lobster

    Spiny Lobster
    53 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    18
    M
    8
    A
    6
    M
    1
    J
    1
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    7
    D
    3

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 55

    Shutterstock-RLS Photo
    Lobster

    Lobster
    28 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    3
    M
    9
    A
    3
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    4
    D
    5
    Show More

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    15 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    2
    M
    4
    A
    1
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    3
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    9 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    7
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    9 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    2
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 190

    Alamy-Water Frame
    Conger Eel

    Conger Eel
    7 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    3
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    4
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 19

    Alamy-Alex Mustard
    Seal

    Seal
    6 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    2
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 9

    AdobeStock-Dmitry Kokh
    Fur Seal

    Fur Seal
    5 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    1
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish
    5 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    5 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    5 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    1
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    3
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 22

    Shutterstock-andrzej_67
    Cod

    Cod
    5 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    1
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
    Goatfish

    Goatfish
    4 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    3
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0
    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Common Seahorse

    Common Seahorse
    3 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    2
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    3 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Squirrelfish

    Squirrelfish
    3 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish
    3 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    3 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    3 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    3
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0
    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Leaf Scorpionfish

    Leaf Scorpionfish
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    Shutterstock-Laura Dinraths
    Electric Ray

    Electric Ray
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 120

    AdobeStock-Composer.
    Flounder

    Flounder
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    iStock-Christian von Mach
    Pipefish

    Pipefish
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    Shutterstock-COZ
    Mullet

    Mullet
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 1500

    iStock-ifish
    Hard Corals

    Hard Corals
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3500

    Unsplash-pascal van de vendel
    Soft Corals

    Soft Corals
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 1700

    Shutterstock-Ethan Daniels
    Sea Cucumbers

    Sea Cucumbers
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    iStock-mirecca
    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish
    2 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0
    iStock-ShaneGross
    Caribbean Reef Shark

    Caribbean Reef Shark
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 300

    Shutterstock_DiveIvanov
    Squid

    Squid
    2 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0