Milford Road - Scenic Route - South Island
Milford Road
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/ Cloudy fjord Milford SoundPhoto: Bernard Spragg. NZ, CC0, flickr.com
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/ View of the idyllic lake Te AnauPhoto: Steve Collis, CC BY, Wikimedia Commons
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/ Entering the mountain area on Milford RoadPhoto: Leigh Nlackall, CC BY, flickr.com
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/ At the shore of Lake Te AnauPhoto: barni1, CC0, pixabay.com
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/ Mitre Peak, Milford Sound's highest pointPhoto: Pseudopanax, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
This stunning route takes you to New Zealand’s most original spots and offers an impressive scenery for nature lovers and appassionate drivers alike. Among the places worth seeing is the fjord Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most important touristic site.
In the southwest of New Zealand you will find what is possibly the island’s most picturesque scenic route. It’s natural beauty galore on more than 120 km from the small town of Te Anau to the breathtaking fjord Milford Sound. Alongside the highway there are crystal-clear lakes such as the scenic Mirror Lakes or the beautiful lake Fergus. Besides, you’ll even get to see a few of the island’s mountains: At Homer Tunnel, for instance, you can discover Homer Saddle, a spectacular peak towards the end of the route.
Author’s recommendation
Take a boat tour through Lake Te Anau to see the Waitomo Caves on the western side of the lake.
Safety information
Please check road conditions before starting the tour.
Equipment
For the stopovers along the road you’ll need sturdy shoes with a good profile, warm clothes and rainwear.
Tips, hints and links
Alongside Milford Route there are neither petrol stations nor shops. Hence, you should fill up the tank beforehand and take along supplies.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Departing from Te Anau in northeastern direction on Milton Road which is officially signed as SH 94 (“State Highway 94”), we follow Lake Ter Anau northwards for about 25 km. Then we continue on SH 94 in northeastern direction and leave the shore of the river. After about 30 km we pass by Mirror Lakes which are located next to the highway. After further 25 km we reach Lake Gunn and Lake Fergus. 2 km further, we follow the road in northwestern direction and reach Homer Tunnel after 16 km. Passing the 1.300-meter-tunnel, we get to see Cleddau river after 7 km. Following the river in northern direction, after approximately 10 km we reach our destination, the fjord Milford Sound.
Public transport
Public transport friendly
From Frankton, at about 1 km from Queenstown Airport, we take the bus line “Queenstown – Milford Sound“ to Te Anau. The journey is about two and a half hours.
Getting there
From Queenstown Airport to Te Anau on State Highway 6 and State Highway 94. The distance is about 170 km and takes approximately two and a half hours.
Parking
Alongisde Milford Road there are signposted parking areas.
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