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Key Takeaways:
There are two ways to experience the journey to Milford Sound - Self Driving or Touring.
You must travel along the Milford Road, it is the only road to Milford Sound and it starts in Te Anau.
We break down the approximate costs for the different types of traveller and experience.
We cover the key stops along the Milford Road not to be missed for their beauty, history, scenery and general interest.
When planning a trip to Milford Sound, it's easy to focus solely on the destination. However, the journey along Milford Road from Te Anau is an integral part of the experience, often rivaling Milford Sound itself. As you venture along Milford Road, you'll traverse a diverse landscape showcasing some of Fiordland's best scenery.
Milford Road takes you through farmland, expansive valleys, narrow gorges, lush native forests, and breathtaking alpine scenery. It's not just a drive; it's an immersive journey through multiple ecosystems, each with its own unique character.
Whether you're visiting Milford Sound from Te Anau or Queenstown, you'll travel along this iconic route. In this guide, we provide information on some options and considerations for your journey along Milford Road.
Self-Driving to Milford Sound
Many visitors choose to self-drive to Milford Sound, enjoying the freedom and flexibility this option provides.
Perks of Self-Driving:
Freedom to set your own schedule and pace
Ability to stop at any point of interest along the way
Privacy and personal space throughout the journey
Opportunity to extend your trip with overnight stays in the area
Flexibility to change plans based on weather or personal preferences
Chance to practice your photography skills with potentially fewer time restraints
Option to bring more supplies and equipment for activities
Considerations and Safety Tips:
You’ll need to fuel up in Te Anau before departure. While there's a small service station in Milford Sound for emergencies, it's expensive and not always reliable.
Bring your own lunch and snacks. Check if your chosen Milford Sound cruise offers onboard dining options or snacks for purchase.
Budget for parking in Milford Sound (NZD$10 per hour). For most cruises, plan to be parked for 2-3 hours.
Allow extra time for parking in the car park and walking to the cruise terminal (about 10 minutes).
Be prepared for potential parking shortages in the car park, which could result in a longer walk from alternative parking areas near the Milford Sound airport (about a 20-30-minute walk away).
Stay alert for road hazards like black ice in colder months and heavy traffic in peak season.
Be aware that the driver will miss out on some scenery. Plan stops accordingly to avoid distraction.
Important: If self-driving, we strongly advise against attempting the trip in a single day from Queenstown. The long drive can lead to driver fatigue, which is especially dangerous on the winding, narrow Milford Road. For safety and to fully appreciate the journey, stay a night in Te Anau before driving to Milford Sound.
Touring to Milford Sound
For those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery, guided tours offer a stress-free way to experience Milford Road.
Perks of Taking a Tour:
Stress-free travel with all logistics handled for you
Many tours include refreshments, adding another layer of convenience
Some tours feature guided nature walks at key stops. For example, Luxe Tours provides either a Marian Falls or Lake Gunn nature walk.
Many tours provide door-to-door pick up and drop off service (especially for Te Anau-based tours)
Cruise bookings and coordination managed for you
Opportunity to meet fellow travellers and share experiences
Expert commentary that draws you into the journey so you feel immersed in the landscape.
As Toby, owner and tour guide at Luxe Tours, often jokes: "The goal is to have you sleeping on the way back because you've been so immersed in the landscape and had such a good time that you can just relax and fall asleep."
Tour Considerations:
Larger group tours or those departing from Queenstown may offer fewer stops or
shorter visits at key points due to time constraints.
Some tours may not include nature walks due to time constraints.
You'll have less control over the itinerary and duration of stops.
Comfort levels can vary depending on the tour vehicle.
The weather may affect planned activities or routes.
The busyness of larger group tours can impact the overall experience.
Departure times are fixed, so you'll need to plan around the tour schedule.
Milford Road Journey Cost Overview
Self-Drive Costs:
Self-driving to Milford Sound and taking a cruise typically costs around NZD$250-$350 per person. This cost includes fuel, food, parking, and cruise fees.
Average Tour Costs (including cruise):
From Queenstown:
Budget-Conscious Traveller: NZD$240 - $310
Mid-range traveller: NZD$290 - $350
Luxury Traveller: NZD$400 - $700
From Te Anau:
Budget-conscious traveller: NZD$200 - $260
Mid-range traveller: NZD$270 - $310
Luxury Traveller: NZD$350 - $450
Famous Milford Road Stops
The journey along Milford Road is punctuated by many stunning stops, each offering a unique perspective on the ever-changing Fiordland landscape. Whether you're self-driving or on a tour, try to allow time to appreciate each location fully.
Here are some of the most renowned stops you'll encounter:
Mirror Lakes
These small, pristine lakes are famous for their extraordinary reflections of the Earl Mountains. On a calm day, the mirror-like surface creates a perfect, inverted image of the surrounding landscape. It's a short, easy walk from the road to viewing platforms, making it accessible for most visitors.
Eglinton Valley Lookout
This expansive U-shaped valley was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. The lookout offers panoramic views of the valley floor, covered in golden tussocks and framed by steep mountain slopes.
Monkey Creek
This crystal-clear glacier-fed stream is one of the purest water sources you'll encounter, and many visitors take the opportunity to fill their water bottles here. Keep an eye out for the rare whio/blue duck and cheeky kea, New Zealand's native alpine parrot, often seen in this area.
Homer Tunnel
This 1.2 km long tunnel, carved through solid rock, is an engineering marvel and a testament to the determination of its Depression-era builders. As you approach, take in the sheer rock faces and cascading waterfalls that often surround the tunnel entrance. The journey through the dark tunnel builds anticipation for the spectacular Cleddau Valley on the other side.
Cleddau Valley Lookout
After emerging from the Homer Tunnel, this lookout provides your first glimpse of the stunning Cleddau Valley. The view encompasses steep, glacier-carved valley walls, lush beech forests, and (in wet weather) numerous waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides. It's a dramatic introduction to the landscapes that await you in Milford Sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between tour and cruise options?
Consider your budget and the type of experience you're seeking. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you might want to invest in a more immersive and peaceful experience. For more detailed information, see our upcoming guide on different tour and cruise options for Milford Sound, or check out the following articles:
What bathrooms are available on Milford Road?
It’s a good idea to use the bathrooms in Te Anau before you leave on your trip to Milford Sound.After Te Anau, there are public toilets along Milford Road at Knobbs Flat (around a 50-minute drive from Te Anau), The Divide car park (around a 1 hr drive from Te Anau), and a long drop toilet at Marian Falls car park (around 1.25 hr drive from Te Anau).
Can I get food in Milford Sound?
While there is a limited café near the cruise terminal, we recommend bringing your own food and snacks for the day. The café options, unfortunately, can be overpriced and not of the best quality.
It’s also a good idea to check what's provided on your tour or cruise so you can plan what snacks to bring with you.
TIP: Read our 'What is available in Milford Sound?' article.
How far is Milford Sound from Queenstown?
Milford Sound is around 288 km from Queenstown, and it takes around 4 hours to drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown without stopping.
How far is Milford Sound from Te Anau?
Milford Sound is around 121 km from Te Anau, and it takes around 2.5 hrs to drive to Milford Sound from Te Anau without stopping.
Can I visit Milford Sound at any time of year?
You can visit Milford Sound in any season of the year, but you’ll need to plan according to the season. Here are some things to consider:
The journey along Milford Road in winter requires extra caution. The road can be icy, and snow chains may be required for vehicles. If you're self-driving, make sure you're comfortable with winter driving conditions.
In summer, higher visitor numbers mean busier roads and viewpoints.
Additionally, Fiordland's weather is notoriously changeable. It's not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day. While this unpredictability contributes to the area's charm, it also means you need to be prepared for anything. Follow these tips:
Check the weather forecast before your trip, but be prepared for sudden changes.
Dress in layers. This allows you to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
Always bring a waterproof jacket, even if the forecast is sunny.
The Milford Road may close on occasion due to weather. Keep up to date on the status of Milford Road here.
The journey to Milford Sound along Milford Road is an adventure in itself, offering a diverse and stunning introduction to the natural wonders of Fiordland. Whether you choose to self-drive or join a tour, proper planning will ensure you make the most of this unforgettable experience.
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Take your time, soak in the scenery, and create lasting memories along one of New Zealand's most spectacular roads.
Stay tuned for next week's guide, where we'll explore the range of Milford Sound tour and cruise options available.