The drive is indeed beautiful, but you cannot see the sounds from the road. You can see into the sounds from the boat terminal, but not much. A boat is the way to go. I don't like boats or water either, but the water in Milford Sound is like glass, so if his concern is seasickness, he shouldn't worry in that regard.

When you say your husband doesn't like boats are you referring to small craft? While they vary in size the tour boats on Milford Sound are all fairly large holding anywhere from say 50 to maybe 150 people. There's plenty of room on board to walk around and most have a large interior lounge area with tables and chairs where you can relax and have a bite to eat while still being able to view the scenery through the large windows. Also, when standing on deck you are never "near" the water so maybe that might ease some of his concerns.

Like Melnq8 says, the water on Milford Sound is very calm so seasickness should be an issue. Of course, your husband's dislike of boats/water may have nothing to do with any of those aspects so you'll have to decide how best to proceed. Milford Sound is visually stunning, especially if you happen to be there during or just after some rain when you'll see hundreds of waterfalls cascading down the walls of the fiord.

There is a scenic overflight, expensive but maybe an option.

http://www.milfordflights.co.nz/flights.asp#overflightqueenstown

When I stayed at Mitre Peak Lodge (where the hikers from the track spend the night) there was quite a nice view of Mitre Peak. The lodge is run by Ultimate Hikes, I don't think the lodge is open in the middle of the day but he might be able drive there and enjoy the view.

http://www.ultimatehikes.co.nz/en/guided-walks/the-milford-track/our-lodges

The sound can be choppy the closer you get to the ocean, depending on the weather. Not "glassy".

If you go, you might consider going early in the day...I've never personally experienced rough water in Milford Sound, but I've just read that it can get choppy later in the day or if the wind is up, so earlier is probably better if seasickness is a concern.

Thanks!

Hey Mel- just hijacking the thread but are you still in the land of Downunder with us or somewhere else now?

Hi stormbird -

I've been in Colorado for the past five weeks, but I'm heading back to Perth in a few days. We'll be packing up and leaving Perth permanently in late May/early June (that's the plan anyway, but so far nothing has gone as planned).

Oh well, good luck with all of that Mel. I can't wait to hear where your next destination is going to be! I hate packing - doesn't everybody? but I hope yours goes as smoothly as possible.