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Nestled along the iconic Milford Road, Mirror Lakes offers a relaxing and scenic prelude to the wonders of Fiordland National Park. As you journey from Te Anau to the world-renowned Milford Sound, the Mirror Lakes stop promises a moment of tranquility and stunning views. Here, still waters create perfect reflections of the surrounding landscape, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding Earl Mountains and the lush native forest. In this article, we cover the formation and history of Mirror Lakes, its location and accessibility, the diverse wildlife you might encounter, and how you can experience this captivating Milford Road stop.
What are Mirror Lakes?
Formation and History
The Mirror Lakes, a collection of ponds set against the backdrop of the Earl Mountains, are a stunning example of oxbow lakes. An oxbow lake is formed when a wide meander of a river is cut off, creating a free-standing body of water.
The serene waters of the Mirror Lakes were once gentle meanders in the Eglinton River, but they underwent a dramatic transformation in the early 1970s when a large flood event caused the Eglinton River to change course. The flood flushed through the area, and when the waters receded, the river bends were severed from the main watercourse, leaving behind the oxbow lakes we now know as Mirror Lakes. The event also resulted in the formation of the surrounding wetland area, which continues to feed the Mirror Lakes today.
The lakes were initially referred to simply as the "Oxbow Lakes," but their name changed after a photographer captured a stunning reflection in the still waters. From then on, they became known as "Mirror Lakes."
Essential Milford Road Stop
The lakes are renowned for their incredibly still surfaces, which create perfect reflections of the surrounding landscape. These calm waters act as nature's own mirror, offering visitors a chance to witness a double image of the surrounding mountains, sky, and vegetation. This optical illusion is particularly stunning on clear, windless days when the reflections are at their most crisp and vivid.
Today, the stunning reflections in the Mirror Lakes continue to captivate visitors, making them an essential stop on the journey to Milford Sound. For many travellers, the Mirror Lakes stop provides the first true sense of stepping into the pristine wilderness of Fiordland, offering a moment of tranquility and a preview of the natural wonders that await further along Milford Road.
Location and Access
Mirror Lakes Location
The Mirror Lakes are located approximately 56 kilometers north of Te Anau along Milford Road, the only road access to Milford Sound. As you travel along Milford Road, you’ll find the well-signposted Mirror Lakes car park on your left, around a 45-50 minute drive from Te Anau.
Accessing Mirror Lakes
All Day Free Access
The site is open to the public year-round, 24 hours a day. However, if Milford Road is closed for any reason, such as road snow in winter, then you won’t be able to access the area until the road is opened again.
No costs or special permissions are required to visit the Mirror Lakes. If you are visiting the area on a tour, then your tour guide pays a concession fee (at no additional cost to you). These fees are paid per guest and go towards maintenance and conservation efforts in the area.
Walk Duration
You can see the Mirror Lakes by taking an easy walk along the 400m return loop boardwalk track. The track is around a 10-minute walk, but it can be longer if you want to spend more time admiring the views.
Safety
This stop is an easy walk for all ages and is also accessible to wheelchairs. The boardwalks are well-maintained and have sturdy railings. If you stay on the boardwalks and use the railings if needed, you’ll have a safe and easy walk.
Amenities
Car Park
A car park is on the side of the road and is well signposted. If you’re driving yourself to Milford Sound, make sure you indicate before pulling into the car park and leave space between other parked vehicles in the car park.
Information Panels
Information panels are located along the boardwalks for you to read about the lakes and some of the native animals and plants that live in the area.
Coffee Cart
On some mornings, you’ll find the Coffee Cat coffee cart in the car park for you to grab a hot drink for the walk or the road. Note: There are no toilets at this stop. The closest toilets to Mirror Lakes are located at Knobbs Flat, around a further 10-minute drive along Milford Road.
What Can You See At Mirror Lakes?
Stunning reflections
The Earl Mountains are mirrored in the still waters, creating a symmetrical image that often seems almost too perfect to be real. On clear days, the sky and clouds are also captured on the lakes' surface, while the surrounding native bush is reflected in intricate detail, showcasing the rich biodiversity of Fiordland National Park.
Native Wildlife
Mirror Lakes is a haven for diverse wildlife and hosts a variety of forest birds. Visitors might spot the melodious tui, the tiny rifleman, and the acrobatic tomtit. The area is also a popular breeding ground for native birds. In late spring and early summer, lucky observers may witness parent birds feeding their chicks or fledglings taking their first flights among the lakeside vegetation. While there are many interesting species living in the area, the following animals are often particular highlights for visitors:
Kākā
At Mirror Lakes, lucky visitors might catch a glimpse or hear the loud screeching call of the kākā, a large, native forest-dwelling parrot. These intelligent, olive-brown birds, with splashes of red on their chests and wings, are endangered and a rare treat in Fiordland's forests. You may also see their silhouettes flying over the treetops.
South Island Robin
The curious South Island robin, or toutouwai, often frequents Mirror Lakes. These small, grey-black birds with white breast patches are known for their friendly nature, sometimes approaching visitors on the boardwalk with inquisitive hops, often coming right up to people’s feet.
NZ Scaup
The New Zealand scaup is a small diving duck often spotted at Mirror Lakes. These agile swimmers, with their distinctive dark plumage and bright yellow eyes, can frequently be seen diving for aquatic plants and invertebrates.
Native Fish
Mirror Lakes hosts several native fish species, including the koaro and giant kokopu. Native Longfin eels can also be seen slithering along the bottom of the lakes. These eels can live for decades, and local legend tells of a 100-year-old longfin eel residing in the Mirror Lakes.
How to Experience Mirror Lakes
From the car park, you can stroll along the boardwalks, looking up at the surrounding native forest, listening to the variety of bird songs, and maybe even spotting some forest birds. Along the boardwalks, you'll also find the information panels that provide details about the lakes, surrounding ecosystems, and local wildlife.The boardwalks will bring you to several viewing platforms overlooking the lakes.
Once on the viewing platforms, you’ll be able to soak in the views. You’ll also have the opportunity to take some awesome photos of the reflections in the lakes and spend some time looking out for any interesting wildlife in or around the water. Make sure you take a moment to appreciate the tranquil atmosphere before following the boardwalk back to the car park for the rest of your journey along Milford Road.
Note: If the weather is very rainy or windy, then the reflections in the lakes may not be clear or visible. However, it’s still worth stopping to stretch your legs and spend some time in nature, looking at the forest, landscape, and wildlife. The sound of rain on the water and forest leaves can also make for a relaxing and rejuvenating moment in nature.
Experiencing Mirror Lakes with Luxe Tours
Your tour guide will ensure your stop at Mirror Lakes is an immersive, unhurried experience. As your comfortable, air-conditioned coach travels along the scenic Milford Road toward Mirror Lakes, your expert guide will share interesting insights about the area's history and ecology. Your guide will also ensure an early arrival at Mirror Lakes, beating the larger tour buses to provide a peaceful, uncrowded experience. You'll then have a generous 15 minutes to explore and soak in the natural beauty without feeling rushed.
At the main viewing platform, you'll have ample time to admire the breathtaking reflections and capture photos. For photography enthusiasts, your guide can offer tips for capturing the perfect reflection shot and may even propose a photo challenge with a take-home prize. They're also happy to take group photos with the stunning backdrop.
If the weather is less than ideal, Luxe has you covered - literally. Umbrellas are provided in case of rain. If conditions are particularly stormy and the schedule allows, your guide may arrange to stop at Mirror Lakes on the return journey from Milford Sound for a clearer view.
As a special touch, if the coffee cart is in the car park when you arrive, your guide can order your drink while you explore, and you can pay and pick it up when you return to the car park.
Mirror Lakes is more than just a convenient stop on Milford Road – it's a destination that captures the essence of Fiordland's beauty. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a moment of natural bliss, Mirror Lakes offers a glimpse into the pristine wilderness of Fiordland. With Luxe Tours, this experience is elevated, ensuring you don't just see Mirror Lakes, but truly connect with its magic. With a stop at Mirror Lakes, you’ll receive your first scenic taste of the extraordinary natural wonders that await further into Fiordland National Park.