21 Stunning Stops on the Drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound

Discover the best hikes, viewpoints & hidden gems on the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful road trips! 

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most incredible natural treasures.

Located in Fiordland National Park in the remote southwest corner of the South Island, this awe-inspiring destination is well worth the journey it takes to get there. 

The thing is, the journey to Milford Sound is spectacular in its own right. Believe it or not, but the drive to get to Milford Sound is just as impressive as the destination itself!

Seriously—the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound (also known as the “Milford Road”) is one of the most beautiful road trips in the world.

Packed with waterfalls, lush rainforests, snow-capped mountains, and pristine lakes and rivers, it’s honestly a bit difficult to keep your eyes on the road (and not the scenery) as you make your way along this incredible highway.

I do this drive multiple times each year—it’s one of my favourite weekend road trips from my home base in Queenstown.

So, I have a lot of tips for you!

In this guide, I’m sharing the best stops to make along the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

I’ve also included some helpful, honest information for making the most of your drive. Trust me, there are some things you’ll want to know before you hit the road.

So let’s get to it—here’s your ultimate guide to driving from Te Anau to Milford Sound!

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the link provided, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support!

Map of the Drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound

My Thoughts on the Drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound

While I’ve listed out all of the best stops along the Milford Road, you won’t have time for everything—and that’s okay! Pick and choose what sounds the most fun to you.

If I were to give you my perfect itinerary for this road trip, though, then here it is.

If you want more ideas for things to do along this drive, though, then keep reading!

Best Stops along the Drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound

Note: I’ve listed these stops in order from Te Anau to Milford Sound; however, some stops are easier to visit on the drive back to Te Anau from Milford Sound.

1. Te Anau

Before departing Te Anau, I’m guessing you’ll want some breakfast—so here’s where to go!

For something quick, I love the breakfast muffin from the Wapiti Bakery—it’s a filling & delicious breakfast sandwich with a hash brown, egg & ham on an English muffin.

If you’re after a larger meal, Sandfly Cafe is the best cafe in town.

For the best takeaway coffee (and grab-and-go food), pop into the Milford Road Merchant, a delightful coffee shop with a great selection of local gifts, too.

2. Lake Mistletoe Track

• Type of stop: Short walk to a small lake
• Time for stop: 45 minutes
• Walk difficulty: Easy

The easy walk to peaceful Lake Mistletoe is pretty, but I think the other short walks along Milford Road offer a lot more.

If you do choose to walk to Lake Mistletoe, I recommend doing the walk as an out-and-back rather than a loop—if you do a loop, you have to walk back on part of Milford Road, which isn’t that pleasant when it’s busy! 

Location: Lake Mistletoe Track

3. Te Anau Downs

• Type of stop: Viewpoint from a harbour & jetty; departure point for Milford Track walks
• Time for stop: 5 minutes (unless you’re doing a Milford Track walk!)

The harbour at Te Anau Downs is the departure point for Milford Track hikers, who take a boat journey across Lake Te Anau from here to the start of the Milford Track Great Walk.

There’s also a day walk option here via Fiordland Outdoors, involving boat transfer to and from the track for a 6-hour return journey including the walk. The day walk follows a beech-forested trail along the crystal-clear Clinton River.

If you’re not planning to do a walk on the Milford Track, I’d say that a stop at Te Anau Downs isn’t a must-do unless you want to stretch your legs or photograph the jetty.

Location: Te Anau Downs

4. Eglinton Valley 

• Type of stop: Lookout/viewpoint
• Time for stop: 5-10 minutes

The Eglinton Valley is one of the first of many scenic stops after you enter Fiordland National Park.

After driving through beech forest, you’ll emerge into the wide-open expanse of glacier-carved Eglinton Valley. 

This tussock-covered meadow valley is simply stunning, with a backdrop of Fiordland’s bush-clad mountains providing a picturesque contrast to the golden fields in front of you.

There are signed parking areas at the Eglinton Valley Flats, so you can safely pull over, get out of the car, and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Location: Eglinton Valley

5. Mirror Lakes

• Type of stop: Short walk to reflective lakes
• Time for stop: 5-10 minutes
• Walk difficulty: Easy

On a calm, clear day, the Mirror Lakes reflect the surrounding Eglinton Mountains and the flax fringing the lakeshore. This is a must-see stop along the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound!

To access Mirror Lakes, park your car at the signed parking area. From there, it’s just a quick walk (5 minutes round-trip) along a boardwalk to reach Mirror Lakes.

There are some things you should know to make your visit to Mirror Lakes enjoyable. 

First is that morning is usually the best time to visit this spot—when the wind picks up later in the day, you won’t be able to see reflections in the water.

The next thing to know is that this is a super popular stop along the Milford Road—every tour bus stops here. Most of the buses arrive at Mirror Lakes around 10:30 am. So, to avoid the crowds and also see Mirror Lakes at their finest, get there before 10:30 am!

Location: Mirror Lakes

6. Deer Flat

Deer Flat is one of the numerous DOC Campgrounds located along the road to Milford Sound. It’s a beautiful spot surrounded by beech forest and a lovely river.

The main reason I’ve included it here is because it’s also a good spot for lupin-spotting during late spring/early summer (end of November through mid-December). Lupins are an invasive species, unfortunately, but even I have to admit that they’re gorgeous.

There are also some swimming holes in the river here, so if it’s a hot day, you might be tempted by a refreshing swim.

If you’re visiting outside of lupin season and don’t plan to camp, this stop isn’t a must-see.

Location: Deer Flat Campsite

7. Knobs Flat

Type of stop: Public toilets

Okay, so this isn’t really a required stop per se, but we think it’s worth mentioning that Knobs Flat is one of the only stops with flush toilets before you get to Milford Sound!

To get to the public bathrooms, pull off the road at the sign for the Eglinton Valley Camp. Instead of heading to camp, though, turn left at the sign for the bathrooms.

Note: There are other (non-flush) toilets along the Milford Road at all of the DOC campsites, and there are also toilets at the Divide.

Location: Knobs Flat

8. Mistake Creek Walkwire

• Type of stop: Walk to a walkwire
• Time for stop: 45 minutes
• Walk difficulty: Moderate (muddy, rough track)

This is probably the most obscure stop listed in this guide—but if you like quirky, off-the-beaten-path experiences, then this might be one for you!

I first learned about this spot in my all-time favourite NZ guidebook (NZ Frenzy by Scott Cook), which you should definitely get a copy of.

The Mistake Creek Walkwire is a footbridge of sorts, but it’s really just a thick wire suspended over a river, with two wires above the foot wire for hand supports. 

You can walk across the walkwire to get from one side of the river to the other.

If you’re not afraid of heights, this is a unique and fun thing to do!

To access the walkwire, you’ll want to park in the small parking area for the Earl Mountain Tracks. From the trailhead, it’ll take about 30 minutes down a rough track to reach the walkwire.

This trail can get really muddy, so make sure you’re wearing a sturdy pair of boots.

Location: Mistake Creek Walkwire (Earl Mountain Tracks carpark)

9. Lake Gunn Nature Walk

• Type of stop: Short forest walk
• Time for stop: 45 minutes
• Walk difficulty: Easy

If you’re after a short, easy walk along the Milford Road, Lake Gunn is a worthy stop.

To access the track, pull into the turnoff for the Cascade Creek Campground. There is a signed parking area for the walking track along the road into the campground.

The track takes you through a red beech forest that’s alive with birdsong and dripping in emerald-green moss.

A side trail off the track will lead you to a pretty, peaceful beach on the shores of pristine Lake Gunn.

This is an easy, enchanting walk that’s great for most ages and fitness levels! If you’re craving some time in the forest, you’ll love it here.

Location: Lake Gunn Nature Walk

10. The Divide—Key Summit Track

• Type of stop: Day hike
• Time for stop: 3 hours
• Walk difficulty: Moderate

The Divide is the starting point (or ending point) for the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s multi-day Great Walks.

For day-trippers, though, there is an excellent day walk that starts at the Divide—the Key Summit Track! This out-and-back hike will give you a wonderful little taste of the Routeburn track.

If you’re an avid hiker and it’s a clear day, you can’t miss the Key Summit track. It’s truly one of the best hikes in the South Island.

The trail starts out in beech forest, and climbs up and up (and up!) to alpine tussock land.

The views from the summit are next-level gorgeous: you’ll get panoramic views over Fiordland National Park, including Lake Marian and the Hollyford, Eglinton, and Greenstone Valleys.

If you only have time for one hike along your drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound, it should probably be this one. That being said, if it’s a clouded-in day, you might want to skip this hike—it’s all about the views, so you do want to time it with clear conditions.

Tip: if you’re driving to Milford Sound to do a boat cruise, consider doing the cruise in the morning before most of the bus tours get in around 1 pm. Then, on the drive back to Te Anau, stop at the Key Summit Trail for a lovely afternoon hike. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the summit!

And one more tip: I’ve included another amazing day hike in this guide—the Lake Marian Track. See #12 below for more info on Lake Marian. If you’re planning to drive to Milford Sound to do a cruise, you will probably only have time for one of these hikes along the way, so plan accordingly!

Location: ​​Key Summit Track

11. Pop’s View (Hollyford Valley) Lookout

• Type of stop: lookout/viewpoint
• Time for stop: 5 minutes

For a gorgeous view over the Hollyford Valley, you’ve got to make the quick stop at Pop’s Lookout.

The views from the lookout are absolutely beautiful: you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the Hollyford River and Valley, which was carved by glaciers many, many years ago.

Speaking of birds…keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for kea, New Zealand’s cheeky alpine parrot—they often fly overhead (and sometimes visit) this viewpoint. You’ll have more opportunities to spot kea on this drive, too—keep reading and you’ll find out where!

As Pop’s Lookout is on the right-hand side of the road, it’s probably easiest to stop here on your drive back to Te Anau from Milford Sound. On a low-visibility day, you won’t see much here, but if it’s clear enough for views, then don’t miss a quick stop at Pop’s.

Location: Pop’s View Lookout

12. Lake Marian Track

• Type of stop: Short walk OR day hike
• Time for stop: 20 minutes to 3 hours
• Walk difficulty: Easy (short walk) to Moderate/Hard (day hike)

The Lake Marian Track is one of the best stops to make along the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound, whether you want a short, easy walk or a longer day hike.

Basically, you have two options here, so let’s break them down!

Option 1 – Marian Falls (20 minutes return; easy) 

To get to Marian Falls, you’ll first cross a swingbridge over the blue, blue Hollyford River and then walk for about 10 minutes to beautiful Marian Falls (the falls are really more of cascade than a true waterfall, but they’re stunning nonetheless).  When you reach the long wooden platform (or “gantry”), you’ll get an amazing overview of the falls. 

This will be your turnaround point, so make your way back to your car via the same track.

If you don’t have the time (or energy) for the full hike to Marian Lake, then definitely consider stopping for the short walk to Marian Falls—it’s a great little leg-stretch stop to break up the drive to Milford Sound.

Option 2 – Lake Marian (3 hours return; moderate/hard)

Lake Marian is a pristine alpine lake in a hanging valley, carved out by glaciers many years ago.

With its gorgeous aquamarine water and ring of snow-dusted mountains, Lake Marian is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful day hike destinations in New Zealand.

That being said, this hike isn’t for everyone—it’s a hard tramping track, with lots of rocks and roots to maneuver. If you’re fit and nimble, though, then you will absolutely love this hike. 

If it’s a rainy day, then skip the hike to Lake Marian—the track would not be enjoyable in wet, muddy conditions. On a fine day though, this will be a day hike you’ll never forget.

Make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks before embarking on this hike, and just know that you’re probably going to want to swim when you get there!

Location: Marian Falls and Lake Marian Tracks

13. Christie Falls (Falls Creek Falls)

• Type of stop: short walk to a waterfall
• Time for stop: 5-10 minutes

Christie Falls (also known as Falls Creek Falls) is a roadside waterfall with absolutely gorgeous blue water. 

You’ll catch a glimpse of the waterfall from the car, but it’s nice to stop and get a better look at it. 

I like to stop at Christie Falls on the drive back to Te Anau from Milford Sound—the parking area is on the right-hand side of the road (if you’re driving to Milford), so it’s easier to access on the return trip.

Location: Christie (Falls Creek) Falls

14. Monkey Creek

• Type of stop: parking area next to a pristine creek
• Time for stop: 5-10 minutes 

Monkey Creek is a beautiful glacier-fed spring with pure water that many people like to drink straight from the source. It’s a popular stop for tour buses—most tour bus drivers will stop here so their passengers can get out and fill up their water bottles. 

The large parking area at Monkey Creek is also a great spot for spotting kea—they often like to hang out here and will come right up to your car.

A note about the name: there are, of course, no monkeys in Fiordland—the name is attributed to an early European settler’s dog named Monkey.

Location: Monkey Creek

15. Gertrude Valley Walk

Just before the Homer Tunnel, you’ll spot a sign for the Gertrude Valley Lookout. This is where the rough tramping track for Gertrude Saddle begins.

Gertrude Saddle is a serious tramp that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, and only after checking in with DOC about the conditions.

But what no one seems to mention is that the walk to and from Gertrude Valley is absolutely lovely, and much more accessible than Gertrude Saddle! I only learned about this walk due to my favourite NZ guidebook—NZ Frenzy by Scott Cook—which I highly recommend to absolutely any outdoor-lover who’s visiting New Zealand.

To access Gertrude Valley from the trailhead, it’ll take you about 3.5 kms (roughly one hour one-way). There’s no signage for the valley itself, but basically, you can walk as far as you’d like until the climb for Gertrude Saddle begins (this is where I’d turn around).

The trail itself does have some rocky bits and isn’t all smooth-sailing, but if you’re nimble on your feet, you should be just fine.

The views from the valley are absolutely epic, with waterfalls pouring down towering cliff faces and tussock meadow all around you.

From the valley, you simply retrace your steps back to your car. This is a great little walk on a sunny or cloudy day, but I don’t recommend it if it’s raining a lot, as I find the rocks can get quite slippery.

Location: Gertrude Valley Track

16. Homer Tunnel

• Type of stop: Traffic light-monitored stop at the entrance to a one-way mountain tunnel
• Time for stop: Up to 20 minutes, depending on traffic

The Homer Tunnel is an impressive feat of engineering. This 1.2km-long (.75 mile) tunnel pierces the Darren mountain range to allow vehicles to get to and from Milford Sound—without it, you’d be limited to accessing Milford Sound on foot or in the air!

The tunnel only allows one-way traffic, which means you’ll need to wait at the stoplight until it’s your turn to drive through. Wait times can sometimes be up to 20 minutes long, depending on the time of year and how busy the road traffic is.

The thing is—you’ll want to have to wait at Homer Tunnel. It’s hard to imagine a more scenic place to be stopped at. You’ll be treated to a panoramic waterfall show, with countless falls trickling down from the mountains surrounding you. 

This is also one of the best places to see a kea. Kea love to visit cars waiting at the tunnel entrance, and they’ll likely hop on your vehicle and try to peel off every bit of plastic or shiny thing they can find (remember though—don’t feed them!).

When you do drive through the tunnel, make sure you take off sunglasses and turn your headlights on. There are no lights in the tunnel and there’s not a lot of room for error—the road is narrow in there.

After you drive through the Homer Tunnel, you’ll emerge to views over the Cleddau Valley. Expect your jaw to drop as you wind down the steep road, with gorgeous views of the valley and sky-piercing mountains ahead. Waterfalls pour down from almost every direction you look. 

If you thought the earlier bit of the Milford Road was stunning (as it is), well—wait till you get to this part!

Location: Homer Tunnel

17. 1855 Lookout

• Type of stop: Lookout/viewpoint
• Time for stop: 5 minutes (or more if you’re snapping lots of photos!)

This lookout is one of the best places to pull over after you exit the Homer Tunnel. It’s not signed, but there’s a gravel parking area on the left hand side of the road where you can safely pull over.

If it’s drizzly out, you’ll be treated to countless waterfalls pouring over the mountains around you. On a clear day, you’ll get the most amazing views over the Cleddau Valley.

Kea like to frequent this stop, too, so keep your eyes out for them!

Location: 1855 Lookout

18. The Chasm

• Type of stop: Short, easy walk
• Time for stop: 30 minutes

The Chasm is a super cool spot where you can see a river rushing through a water-sculpted rock gorge.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing this, the viewpoint that overlooks the Chasm is closed due to major storm damage (although it’s expected to reopen in the future).

However, the forested walk here is still well worth doing, as it’s short, easy, and quite pretty! Plus, the carpark is often a haven for kea—so if you haven’t spotted one yet, this might be your chance.

Tip: I like visiting this spot on the drive back to Te Anau from Milford Sound, after doing a cruise on the sound. It tends to be less busy in the afternoon after all of the tour buses have already stopped here on their way to Milford Sound.

Location: The Chasm Walk

19. Deepwater Basin 

• Type of stop: free parking for Milford Sound

Head to Deepwater Basin if you want free parking near Milford Sound.

If you park at Deepwater Basin (which is what I always do!), you’ll need to walk for 20-30 minutes to reach the Milford Sound cruise terminal. 

The only other parking option for Milford Sound will cost you $10 per hour, so it’s well worth allocating a bit of extra time to park and walk from here if you can!

And one more note: Deepwater Basin is the departure point for kayak tours on Milford Sound, so if you’ve booked in for a kayak trip, you’ll want to head here.

Location: Deepwater Basin carpark

20. Milford Foreshore Walk

• Type of stop: Short, easy walk
• Time for stop: 30 minutes

The Milford Foreshore Walk is a must-do walk when you’re in Milford Sound.

This lovely walk takes just 20-30 minutes return and gives you great views of Mitre Peak and Milford Sound. 

If it’s a clear day, don’t miss this short, easy walk! 

You can also look for the famous Milford Sound Swing along this walk (although it’s not very comfortable to sit on, despite what those instagram images might show 😂).

Tip: If I’m doing a Milford Sound cruise, I’ll usually save this walk for after the cruise (on the way back to my car parked at Deepwater Basin) so I can take my time and enjoy it.

Location: Milford Sound Foreshore Walk

21. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)

So you’ve made it to Milford Sound!

What to do now that you’re there?

To be honest, there isn’t a lot to do at Milford Sound besides either taking a cruise or kayak tour.

But that’s okay, because cruising or kayaking on Milford Sound is an absolute dream!

When you’re out on the water at Milford Sound, you’ll get incredible views of mountains, waterfalls, and—if you’re lucky—wildlife like seals, dolphins & maybe even penguins.

Whatever you do, book your cruise or kayak tour before arrival to avoid disappointment.

Where to stay in Milford Sound

Accommodation options are extremely limited in Milford Sound, and to be honest, I usually prefer staying in Te Anau because the sandflies are prolific around Milford Sound.

However, it’s quite special to stay in Milford Sound if you’re willing to splash out on acccommodation or brave the sandflies at a campsite. The whole place is so quiet after the tour buses leave, and it feels magical out this way.

Accommodation in Milford Sound

There is only one accommodation option at Milford Sound itself, and that’s the Milford Sound Lodge. 

If you’re up for a splurge and book well in advance, this is a stunning place to stay. Choose from one-bedroom riverside or mountain view chalets, or for more room, go for the 2-bedroom garden suites.

Milford Sound Lodge also has campsites for self-contained campervans; see more on that in the camping section below!

Camping in (and near) Milford Sound

• Milford Sound Campervan Park: There’s only one camping option at Milford Sound itself, and that’s the Rainforest Campervan Park at Milford Sound Lodge. 
  
  The campervan park is—as you might’ve guessed from the name—only for campervans; unfortunately, you can’t tent camp here. This campsite doesn’t come cheap, but you’ll get to camp in a beautiful setting with Milford Sound at your doorstep.
  
  Make sure you book your campsite well in advance, is this is an extremely popular spot.
  
  
• Cascade Creek DOC Campsite: This is the closest DOC campsite to Milford Sound, located about an hour away along the Milford Road. The facilities here are basic (basically, just non-flush toilets) but the setting is stunning, with mountains and rivers surrounding the campground. I think this is one of the best DOC campsites in the South Island simply because of its location!

Where to stay in Te Anau

Because of the limited accommodation options in Milford Sound (and the horrendous sandflies), I normally recommend staying in Te Anau and day-tripping to Milford Sound. 

There are way more accommodation options in Te Anau, and the sandflies are far more bearable.

I’ve stayed in a lot of places around Te Anau, and these are my picks of the bunch.

Accommodation in Te Anau

• Budget: Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers
  
  This hostel has options to suit everyone, from rooms (shared or private) to cabins to glamping. Located just steps away from Lake Te Anau and within close walking distance to town, this spot is highly rated for good reason!
  
  
• Mid-range: Tasman Holiday Park Te Anau
  
  The motel units at this holiday park are comfortable, clean, and good value for money. It’s a quick walk to town from the property if you want to dine out, or you can make use of the spacious communal kitchen if you’d prefer to self-cater.
  
  
• Higher-end: Radfords on the Lake
  
  If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay in Te Anau, book a room at Radfords on the Lake. This modern motel really stands out from the rest. 
  
  The rooms all have beautiful views of lake Te Anau and come equipped with kitchenettes. To top things off, they have complementary mountain bikes for guests to use.

Camping in Te Anau

There are some great camping options in Te Anau. Note that you won’t find any freedom camping in Te Anau.

Here are the campgrounds I recommend in Te Anau.

• Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park
  
  This spacious, well-run campground is right across the road from Lake Te Anau. They have a modern bathroom block and clean, tidy camp kitchens.
  
  Tip: When you camp here, make sure to head down to the Marakura Wharf for sunset, and get some frisbee golf discs to play disc golf in the park next door (the Ivon Wilson Recreational Reserve)! You can buy discs from Outside Sports in Te Anau if you don’t have your own—you’ll be able to use them at multiple disc golf courses around the South Island.
  
  
• Tasman Holiday Park Te Anau
  
  Close to town and close to the lake, this campground has awesome facilities and is particularly well set up for campervans. Their complimentary sauna is such a bonus after a long day of driving and hiking (book ahead at the front desk!).

Tips for Driving from Te Anau to Milford Sound

• Take it slow: There are so many amazing stops on this road; give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the drive! It’s also worth noting that this is a winding, narrow road in parts, so make sure you’re paying attention to the road as you drive (it can be hard to do so when there is so much amazing scenery around).  
  
  
• Use pullouts: If you’re wanting to snap photos on this drive (and you will!), make sure to pull over in designated pullouts/viewpoints. Don’t be that person who stops in the middle of the road to take a photo; it’s not safe for you or others. Also, if you’re driving slowly, make sure to pull over in safe pullouts to allow faster vehicles to pass you.
  
  
• Leave Te Anau by 8am or after 11 am. Most tour buses leave Te Anau mid-morning (between 9 am and 10 am) to make it to Milford Sound in time for a 1 pm boat cruise. So, if you want to avoid masses of people along this drive, I recommend either leaving early in the morning, or after 11 am (when most buses will have already departed).
  
  
• Fill your car with petrol before embarking on this drive. There are no petrol stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound, so make sure you leave Te Anau with a full tank!
  

• You won’t get cell service along some of this drive. I recommend downloading an offline map from Google Maps before leaving Te Anau so you don’t miss any stops you’d like to see.
  
  
• Don’t feed the kea! These cheeky alpine parrots are frequently spotted along the drive to Milford Sound. If you stop along the drive—especially near Homer Tunnel—they’ll likely approach your car. They’re such entertaining (and mischievous) birds, but make sure you don’t feed them; human food is not good for kea. I recommend keeping your car doors closed at stops, because kea will hop in and take anything that strikes their fancy!

Driving from Te Anau to Milford Sound in Winter

I don’t typically recommend driving yourself to Milford Sound in winter.

Winter and early spring (May to November) is avalanche season along this drive, and road conditions can be snowy and icy. The road will often close in winter. 

If you do choose to drive to Milford Sound in winter, make sure you are an experienced winter driver. Please also consider the following safety tips:

• Carry snow chains (they’re required from May to November).
• Only drive between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm (to avoid black ice).
• Check road conditions before you leave.

In winter, it’s usually a better option to book a coach (tour bus) rather than driving yourself. 

Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound

The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is approximately 287km (180 miles) and technically takes around 3.5-4 hours. That’s one-way, and without any stops. 

In reality, the one-way drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound will take you longer. Plan for 6-7 hours (or more) one-way if you want to stop anywhere and do a boat cruise at Milford Sound.

I’ve seen so many websites recommend a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back. In all honesty, it’s not good advice.

It’s too long for a self-drive day trip, and you won’t have any time to enjoy the sights along the way! You’re looking at a day trip of around 12-14 hours if you choose to do a return drive from Queenstown.

Instead, drive from Queenstown to Te Anau, and base yourself in Te Anau for a couple of nights.  Do a day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound, rather than Queenstown to Milford Sound. It’s going to be so much more enjoyable that way.

Alternatively, if you’d like to visit Milford Sound as a day trip from Queenstown (which is a great option if you’re visiting Queenstown without a car!), I recommend booking a tour.

Choose from a scenic flight-cruise-flight combo from Queenstown to Milford Sound (best option), or a coach (bus) tour from Queenstown (so you can rest up on the bus on the drive back!).

Some FAQS for Driving from Te Anau to Milford Sound

Thanks for reading my guide to the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound!

I hope this guide has helped you plan an epic road trip to Milford Sound.

As always, feel free to reach out in the comments if you have any questions or feedback about this article—I always love hearing from you!

Want More South Island Adventures? 

• If you’re planning to visit Queenstown, another must-see scenic road is the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy.
  
  
• For a longer road trip, check out my guide to the best way to drive from Christchurch to Queenstown.
  
  
• Looking for where to go after you visit Fiordland? Consider a trip to the Catlins—it’s a stunning, wildlife-filled area at the bottom of the South Island. Don’t miss the numerous waterfalls in the Catlins when you’re there!

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