Are you driving from Te Anau to Milford Sound? We’ve got you! We’re sharing 17 of the best places to stop on the Te Anau to Milford Sound drive (including some lesser known secret spots).
Milford Sound is one of the most dramatically beautiful places in New Zealand, and the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is an adventure in its own right.
The road to Milford Sound is one of the best road trips in the South Island. The breathtaking scenery and dramatic landscapes make it hard to keep your eyes on the road.
Luckily, there are a ton of incredible places to stop along the way to let it all sink in!
New Zealand is home for us and we’ve done this trip countless times, so we’re sharing all our local insight to help you make the most of this incredible journey.
We’ve compiled a list of the best places to stop along the way based on our own road trip itinerary and discoveries, including a couple of lesser known ‘secret’ spots. Let’s go!
Related Blog Post: New Zealand South Island Itinerary: 2-Week Road Trip
About the Te Anau to Milford Sound Drive
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is 118km (73 miles) long and generally takes under 2 hours without any stops.
However, we recommend allowing at least 3-4 hours for the journey so that you can enjoy the best stops along the way, or 6-8 hours if you would like to do one of the awesome hikes near Milford Sound.
The best thing is, you can pick and choose the stops that appeal to you the most to create the perfect road trip itinerary.
You’ll start out driving on a long stretch of road through tussock covered valleys and then under a canopy of rainforest. As you come out of the rainforest, the road carves its path through the mountains and then becomes narrow and winding as you get close to the Homer Tunnel.
Once through the tunnel, the descent to Milford Sound snakes through the Cleddau Valley with hundreds of waterfalls streaming down the mountains all around you. The diverse landscapes are truly spectacular!
There are plenty of pullout bays and wide shoulders to pull over when you need to, whether to snap some photos or let faster vehicles pass.
FAQs
How long does it take to drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound?
Generally, it takes under two hours to drive the 118km (73 miles) from Te Anau to Milford Sound without stopping. We recommend leaving extra time to enjoy the scenic lookout points and short walks along the way.
Is it safe to drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound?
Provided you drive to the conditions, yes. Given the high annual rainfall to the area, you may be driving in wet conditions. In winter, snow, ice and risk of avalanches can make the drive to Milford Sound more challenging and road closures are possible. Snow chains are required between May and November.
How is the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound?
The road to Milford Sound is a well-maintained, fully paved road and incredibly picturesque. It starts out with long stretches of flat highway and becomes more narrow and winding as you approach the Homer Tunnel and make your descent into Milford Sound.
How much time you need at Milford Sound?
Although you can see some of the best stops along the way, take a scenic cruise on Milford Sound and enjoy one of the short walks as a day trip from Te Anau or Queenstown it is a long day with a lot of driving. We recommend staying overnight in Milford Sound or Te Anau.
Is it worth driving to Milford Sound?
Yes, provided you are comfortable navigating New Zealand’s narrow and winding roads, then driving to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic road trips you can do in the South Island.
Tips for Driving from Te Anau to Milford Sound
- Stay in Te Anau: We recommend staying at least one night in Te Anau if visiting Milford Sound and 2-3 nights if also want time to see Doubtful Sound and experience some of the great things to do in Te Anau.
- Make an early start: Consider leaving Te Anau before 8am to avoid crowds of people at the stops. Tour buses usually depart Te-Anau mid-morning to arrive in Milford Sound for the early afternoon cruises. Leaving early gets you ahead of them or you can leave later, after 11am, once they have departed.
- Fill up the tank at Te Anau: There are no petrol (gas) stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound, so best to fill up with petrol and grab any snacks for the road.
- Download maps: Cell service is scarce at best once you leave Te Anau. We recommend downloading any maps you may need before setting off.
- Drive to the conditions: It rains a lot in Milford Sound so chances are the road may be wet or have snow or ice in winter. Take your time, use pull out bays when you need to and drive with caution.
- Manage your time: If visiting for the day, you most likely won’t have time to fit in all the stops mentioned below, but don’t worry! Just pick your favorites and plan your drive around those.
- Break up your journey: You can visit some stops on the way to Milford Sound and some on the way back to break up both journeys. We’ve noted which ones are better to do on the way back and which ones to skip if you’re short on time.
Best Places to Stop on the Drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound
The scenic drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the best ways to experience Fiordland National Park. Starting from Te Anau and working our way to Milford Sound, here are the 17 best places to stop along the way.
1. Lake Te Anau
Time needed: 30 minutes
Watch the sunrise over Lake Te Anau before heading off for the day. In the right conditions, the views and colors are spectacular.
It’s a great way to set you up for the day, and after you can grab breakfast at the Sandfly Cafe in Te Anau then fill up with petrol (gas) and grab any snacks if you need to.
There are a ton of hotels along the lakefront where you can literally walk to the lake’s edge and enjoy the sunrise. We quite like the Marakura Wharf for photos, which is a 2-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the town center.
2. Te Anau Downs
Time needed: 10 minutes
Te Anau Downs is 30kms from Te Anau and our first stop on the drive to Milford Sound.
It’s actually the starting point for the Milford Track, where hikers catch a boat to the other side of the lake to start their four day trek through Fiordland National Park.
For those of us not embarking on the Milford Track, it’s a quick stop for photos. Located about halfway along Lake Te Anau, the scenery is quite beautiful. There is a jetty you can walk along to see views of the lake and mountains and if the conditions are right, stunning reflections in the lake.
If it’s a cloudy day, particularly low hanging cloud, or you are short on time you can probably skip this stop. You can always stop on the way back to Te Anau if the conditions improve, maybe even for sunset.
3. Lake Mistletoe Track
Time needed: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.3km (0.8 miles)
The Lake Mistletoe Track is a short and easy 40-minute return walk through the forest to the peaceful Lake Mistletoe.
The track starts from a medium-sized car park opposite the Fiordland National Park Lodge complex near Te Anau Downs along Milford Road. It’s well-signposted and easy to spot.
Honestly, it’s not the most scenic stop on our list so if you are short on time or planning to do any other walks or hikes on the list then you can give this stop a miss.
I’ve included it here because it’s a good option for families travelling with young children or grandparents.
4. Eglinton Valley
Time needed: 5 minutes
As you enter Fiordland National Park you’ll notice the change in terrain as you drive through Eglinton Valley, which was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago.
Long and narrow stretches of road cut through the vast golden tussock covered valley on either side, with mountains towering all around.
There are designated areas with a wide shoulder on the side of the road to safely pull over. It’s worth a quick stop to grab some photos of this incredible landscape and take a moment to appreciate the views.
Also, Knob’s Flat, located within Eglinton Valley, is the last stop with flushing toilets until you get to Milford Sound.
5. Mirror Lakes
Time needed: 10 minutes
Mirror Lakes is one of the more popular stops on the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound and worth stopping at.
It’s a quick and easy stop suitable for the whole family. There is parking in a wide bay on the side of Milford Highway where you can simply pull over, it’s well signposted.
The 400-meter (1,312 feet) stretch of boardwalk leads you alongside the glass like Mirror Lakes with a few lookout points to take photos.
On a clear and calm day you can see the Earl Mountains reflecting in the lake. Information boards along the track provide interesting insights about the area.
6. Lake Gunn
Time needed: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.4km (0.9 miles)
The Lake Gunn Nature Walk is a short and easy walk that starts from the Cascade Creek parking lot and takes around 40 minutes to complete.
From the car park, you’ll follow the track through red beech forest of moss-covered trees with colourful mushrooms dotted around their bases. If you’re lucky, you may even see some of the unique birdlife known to inhabit the area.
Follow the short side path to a stony beach for the best view of the mountains surrounding Lake Gunn. In the right conditions you’ll be treated to beautiful reflections.
If you are short on time, you can walk to the lakes edge from the Cascade Creek parking lot to grab some photos, which will only take a few minutes.
7. The Divide
Time needed: 5 minutes
The Divide is where some of Fiordland’s most popular multi-day walks start from, including the Routeburn Track and the Greenstone and Cable Tracks.
The scenery is beautiful and there are toilets here. It’s simply a pit stop to take some photos and stretch your legs.
You can skip this one if you don’t need the bathroom break, there are lots of other scenic stops still to come.
8. Key Summit Hike
Time needed: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
The Key Summit Track is part of the famous Routeburn Track and one of the most popular short hikes in Milford Sound. It’s a more challenging hike compared to the family friendly walks we’ve covered so far, but you’ll be rewarded for your effort once you reach the viewpoint. It’s a must-do for keen hikers.
The track starts from The Divide car park just off the Milford Highway, where you’ll follow the Routeburn Track for about an hour before seeing the signpost for the start of the Key Summit Track.
From here, you’ll climb for about 20 minutes to Key Summit with panoramic views over the Humboldt and Darren Mountains. Then return via the same track.
This hike is all about the views and best done on a clear day to ensure you can see them. If it’s a particularly cloudy day, you may want to consider doing the Lake Marian Track instead.
9. Lake Marian Track
Time needed: 30 minutes or 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy or Moderate/Hard
Distance: Short walk or 7km (4.3-mile) hike
Lake Marian is an alpine lake in a hanging valley that was formed by glacial movement and incredibly beautiful.
You’ll find the start of the Lake Marian track and car park 1km down the Hollyford Road, a turnoff from the Milford Road. Its well-signposted and easy to find.
You have two options for the Lake Marian Track. An easy family friendly 30-minute return walk to the falls or the more advanced 3-hour hike to Lake Marian.
Lake Marian Falls (short and easy)
Crossing the swing bridge at the start of the track, you’ll continue down a well-formed path for about 15-20 minutes to reach a series of waterfalls. There are wooden platforms to walk along the side of the falls and take photos.
From the falls, you can return via the same path back to the car park for a short walk or continue for another 1.5 hours to Lake Marian.
Lake Marian Track (challenging 3-hour hike)
Once past the falls, the track becomes steep and more difficult, with mostly uneven ground covered by large stones and tree roots.
It’s a varied and scenic trail with a couple of tricky parts where you need to climb up tree roots. Keep your eye on the orange trail markers to ensure you stay on the right path.
Deep in the rainforest, it’s like a fairytale setting with green-coloured moss covering the landscape in sections. As you emerge from the bush and take your first glimpse of Lake Marian, it will take your breath away.
If you are travelling from Te Anau to Milford Sound as a day trip chances are you won’t have time to do both the Lake Marian and Key Summit tracks.
Personally, Lake Marian is one of my favorite trails in the South Island but I know others who prefer Key Summit, so pick the one that sounds the most appealing to you and go for it!
The Lake Marian Track can be very muddy if it’s been raining and the views from Key Summit can be covered on a cloudy day, so it’s worth considering the conditions when making your choice.
Also, if you plan on doing a Milford Sound cruise, we recommend booking a mid-morning or late afternoon cruise to avoid the tour buses that generally arrive for the early afternoon cruises. This means doing some of the quick stops on the way there to catch an early cruise and one of the longer hikes on the way back or vice versa.
10. Hollyford Valley Lookout (Pop’s View)
Time needed: 5 minutes
The Hollyford Valley Lookout is a quick stop offering one of the best views along the drive to Milford Sound. You’ll see signs for the lookout with a small area to pull over on your right side.
It’s on a narrow and winding part of the road so do take care when pulling in. If it’s too busy or cloudy on the way, this is good one to do on the way back. It’ll be on the same side of the road and easier to access.
The lookout is on a wooden platform right from the car park so no effort required for this one. Just hop up on the platform and enjoy the view!
Kea, a cheeky and mischievous alpine parrot, are known to hang out here. Just watch your belongings or they may try to steal them!
11. Christie Falls
Time needed: up to 20 minutes
Christie Falls is a waterfall on the side of Milford Road with the most beautiful glacial blue water. There’s a car park to pull into and a pedestrian bridge to walk along for a closer view.
What most people don’t know is that the path to the left of the falls will take you to a hidden gem. The full Falls Creek Route track is a challenging 2 hour trek through the backcountry, but there is a beautiful waterfall a 10-minute walk from the start of the track. Just be careful, as it’s a steep climb over tree roots and slippery rocks.
This a good stop to do on your way back from Milford Sound, when access to the car park is on the same side of the road.
12. Monkey Creek
Time needed: 5 minutes
Monkey Creek is a glacier-fed spring located in the Hollyford Valley with water so pure you can fill up your water bottle and drink straight from the source.
Don’t worry, you won’t bump into any monkeys here. The area was named by an early European settler who had a dog named Monkey.
There is a large parking lot to pull into where you may even be greeted by Kea. Just remember not to feed them. As a threatened species, it’s important they continue to hunt for their own food that has the nutrition they need.
13. Gertrude Valley Lookout
Time needed: 5 minutes
The Gertrude Valley Lookout is another picturesque stop located on your right side, just before you reach the Homer Tunnel. It’s a quick photo stop with awesome views of the Darren Mountains.
This is another stop that is good to do on the return trip from Milford Sound, when access to the parking lot is on the same side of the road you’ll be travelling. If you’re short on time you can skip this one and just stop at the Pop’s View lookout.
It’s also the start of the Gertrude Saddle track, a 4-6 hour advanced hike that will reward you with incredible views over the valley and Milford Sound. This hike is quite dangerous and only suitable for experience hikers.
14. Homer Tunnel
Time needed: Up to 20 minutes
Technically not a stop but a noteworthy part of the journey to Milford Sound. Travelling through the Homer Tunnel is an experience in and of itself, and the surrounding landscape is pretty spectacular.
During the summer months, there is a traffic light that operates so the flow of traffic is one way in and out of the tunnel. You may be waiting up to 20 minutes for the lights to change.
There is a countdown timer on the lights letting you know how much wait time you have. It’s a good opportunity to hop out of the car and snap some photos of the incredible scenery.
During the winter months, there is no stopping due to the risk of an avalanche.
15. East Homer Nature Walk
Time needed: 20 minutes
Did you know you can walk over part of the Homer Tunnel?
The East Homer Nature Walk is a lesser known stop at the Homer Tunnel where you can explore the outside of the tunnel. It’s an easy 20-minute return walk that starts from the Homer Tunnel Parking Area and takes you over the eastern side of the tunnel.
Here, you can experience an alpine ‘garden’ in the spring and summer months. Alpine buttercups (called Mt Cook Lillies) and daisies grow among the shrubs and tussocks, very picturesque against the backdrop of the mountains.
Although the parking lot will be on your right, you may be stopped at the traffic lights to the Homer Tunnel for up to 20 minutes making it an ideal time to explore. Just be sure to keep track of your time.
16. Milford Valley | Hundred Falls | 1955 Lookout Points
These three lookout points are all located in quick succession after you exit the Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, starting with the Milford Valley Lookout.
They all have areas where you can pull over to your left and take photos of the views. This part of the road is narrow and winding so we prefer to stop on our way to Milford Sound, when it’s easier to pull into the designated areas.
All offer incredible view points so you can just slip into whichever one works best depending on the flow of traffic and available parking space.
17. The Chasm (and secret swimming spot)
Time needed: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
The Chasm is an easy 20-minute walk from the Milford Sound Highway located shortly before you arrive at Milford Sound village.
This short walk takes you to a viewing point where you can see how the powerful river and thunderous waterfalls have carved unique shapes and basins in the rock over thousands of years. It’s a pretty spectacular sight to see…and hear!
This is also where you will find a secret swimming spot with the bluest water. It’s a really beautiful spot visited by few people.
When you arrive at the chasm you’ll see a small green donation box on your right. Turn down there and follow a steep (barely there) track until you reach the perfectly clear blue water surround by lush rainforest. It’ll be an icy cold dip but so worth it!
The Chasm track is open with some restrictions while it undergoes repairs following storm damage. You can check for the latest updates on the DOC website.
Now you’ve made it to Milford Sound and are ready to explore!
There are plenty of things to do in Milford Sound and we highly recommend spending the night there if you can. However, if you are short on time here are our top 3 things to do.
Milford Sound Cruise: A boat cruise through the whole length of the 16km (9.9 mile) fiord showcasing it’s jagged cliff faces, waterfalls and wildlife is one of the best things to do in Milford Sound. A basic nature cruise is 2 hours long with departure times throughout the day.
Foreshore Walk and Secret Swing: The Foreshore Walk is an easy loop track that takes you around the sandy foreshore of Milford Sound with incredible views of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. This short walk takes around 20 minutes to complete and is also where you will find the not so secret swing on a sandy peninsula to the right of the track.
Kayaking: Being on a small kayak in this vast body of dark water with jagged mountains all around you is a feeling that is difficult to describe, and easily one of the best experiences you can have in Milford Sound. For safety reasons, you’ll need to join a tour. We really enjoyed this cruise and kayak tour.
If you have two days in Milford Sound, you may like to consider doing the Milford Track day walk to Giant Gate Falls. It’s a great way to get a taste of the famous Milford Track in as little as 4 hours. We spent the morning at Giant Gate Falls, then explored Milford Sound in the afternoon.
If you’re staying overnight in Te Anau, you may like to check out Doubtful Sound. It’s a totally different experience to Milford Sound and worth the journey if time and budget allow.
Final Thoughts: Thanks for reading!
As you can see, the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound has a variety of things to see and do along the way to create the ultimate road trip itinerary. Although the drive takes less than 2 hours, there’s lots of scope to turn the journey into a whole day affair. Whichever places you choose to stop along the way, it’ll be a trip to remember!
And, if you’re coming from or heading to Invercargill next, be sure to check out all the best places to stop along the way!
Pin for later!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.