Meanwhile Fiordland tourist operators are calling for action and fear the money and time spent on the plan could go to waste.
At the end of June, the Milford Opportunities team reported back to ministers on the feasibility of its $18 million masterplan, which explores different approaches to tourism at the Sound.
The plan, commissioned by the previous Labour government, took more than three years of work.
Ideas include banning cruise ships from entering Milford Sound, removing the airstrip, limiting international drivers from Milford Rd by creating a park and ride system to reduce congestion, and charging overseas visitors a fee.
Visitor numbers peaked at 870,000 in 2019, up from 430,000 in 2013.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said in a statement this week ministers still had to make a decision on the matter.
Last week, he released two discussion documents which include proposals to streamline the concessions process and explore access charges for Milford Sound and four other popular visitor destinations.
"We will endeavour to keep everyone informed as we work through this next phase, especially the stakeholders and communities involved."
Fiordland Tourist operators spoken to by the Otago Daily Times, said some action had to be taken, as the number of visitors in the region was increasing exponentially.
Trips & Tramps owner Steve Norris said he did not expect to have a solution this year but said it would be nice to have a deadline, as he understood 10,000 more tourists were expected in the region this season.
"It would be nice to know that something's going to happen and that's what we're all hoping for. We know that it was never going to happen this summer, you know governments don't move that fast.
"Actually no-one knows what the report says, because we weren't privy to it ... That [the recommendations] were ideas that started the ball rolling, but as to what they've actually given to government, no-one knows, other than the people that wrote the report and the government ministers that have read it."
"Something needs to happen and also, the government or someone needs to be answerable to the $17m that's been spent so far between the two funding rounds they've had and that's why I guess everyone's just waiting to hear what the government's next thoughts are."
Wings & Water owner Kylie Krippner agreed, adding she had already noticed an increase in tourist numbers.
Mrs Krippner hoped the government could bring some clarity for the region soon.
