Background
Milford Sound Piopiotahi is a stunning place that attracts over one million visitors each year. These visitors bring $200 million to the region. But the growing number of tourists is putting pressure on this taonga.
Between 2012 and 2018, visitor numbers more than doubled – from about 437,000 to 883,000. Many were day-trippers from Queenstown, spending eight hours traveling by bus or car. As more people came, the natural environment and limited facilities began to feel the strain. Milford Sound is a remote World Heritage Area and is seen as the final creation of Tū Te Rakiwhānoa.
In 2021, the Milford Opportunities Project (MOP) gave the government a plan for sustainable tourism that could pay for itself. In June 2024, they shared a business case to test how well the plan could work.
About Sustainable Destinations Milford Sound Piopiotahi
The Government reviewed MOP's ideas and is now taking action to protect nature and improve tourism. DOC is working with Ngāi Tahu, other government agencies, and local groups to make changes.
The Government has approved $6.4 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). This money will be used right away to improve visitor experiences and build new infrastructure in Piopiotahi and along the Milford Road. It also includes cultural storytelling and pou whenua.
Another $1.8 million from the IVL will support long-term planning. This work will focus on:
- Conservation and cultural outcomes
- Investment priorities and opportunities
- Visitor safety, experience, and reducing negative impacts
Programme Board
A Programme Board, will help guide this next phase with independent, Ngāi Tahu, and agency representation, led by Penny Nelson, Director-General of DOC.
Programme Board meeting summaries
Newsletter updates
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2025 engagement
Minutes, presentations and notes from the Sustainable Destinations Piopiotahi Milford Sound work programme.
- Milford Sound Piopiotahi stakeholder hui notes, 16 July 2025 (PDF, 326K)
- Milford Sound Piopiotahi stakeholder hui presentation, 16 July 2025 (PDF, 3,540K)
- Milford Sounds Piopiotahi presentation, 30 September 2025 (PDF, 3,535K)
Milford Opportunities Project (2017 to 2024)
Find out about the Milford Opportunities Project. Includes links to its 2021 masterplan and 2024 business case and supporting research and reports.