Nov 1 too early for Milford Sound?

We are considering a cruise departing Oct 24 for Australia/New Zealand. Is Nov 1 too early to see much at Milford sound?

Hi,

We were there in Jan 2010, and it was stunning, cold, misty but absolutely beautiful. This time we are going in mid Nov, and looking forward to seeing more snow on the mountains. I have heard that sometimes the ships cannot get into the sound, as the waters outside are choppy, but I am sure this simply depends on the individual day, not the time of year. A cruise will take you into other sounds as well. So really, I guess no-one can predict what it will be like. The entrance to Milford is quite narrow. For us, it is worth the risk, as you just won't know until the captain decides on the day.

Go for it, particularly if you are going to Dunedin as well, meaning if you can't get into Milford then Dunedin and Otago Pen will make up for it in a big way.

Hope that helps.

Jen

I went in early Nov. and the weather was spectacular and the Tasman tame. It is just too hard to predict. One takes their chances, but the payoff is pretty good.

Milford Sound is beautiful all year, particularly after heavy rain as the waterfalls are spectacular. There is always a risk that the ship can't get in but that can happen any time. Just need to wrap up as it can be cold.

I noticed that Princess starts her NZ cruise at this time, so it must be OK. We were cold in late February and wore coats/warm gear in all the South Is ports.

Hope you enjoy NZ and the cruise.

Weather is weather and poor NZ is having more than her fair share of it....Milford Sound is spectacular in any weather. I was there in December and it was cold, misty and wet but absolutely stunning.

We were there last year in Nov and doing it again this Nov............it's beautiful.