Milford Sound Red Boat Cruises

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About the Sound

In this section:

About Fiordland

The Road to Milford Sound

Te Anau

Mirror Lakes

Knobs Flat

The Chasm

Homer Tunnel

Scenic Flights

Scenic FlightFly from Queenstown over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound on one of the most magnificent flights in the world!

Find out more
The Rd 2 Milford

Drive of a lifetime...

River, Fiordland National Park
Experience magnificent scenery

The Milford Road offers a stunning scenic journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound into the heart of the Fiordland National Park.

From Queenstown you’ll drive south through the rolling countryside to Te Anau, the gateway to the World Heritage, Fiordland National Park.

From here as you take the jouney into Milford Sound you’ll experience magnificent scenery as you drive over alpine roads. Take time to stop at the many points of interest along the way.

For further information on Fiordland National Park visit the Department of Conservation.

Milford Road Highlights

Driving Times

The following driving times may help you plan your trip. For a a detailed driving map please click here.

From Distance (Kilometres) Driving Time (Hours)
Queenstown to Milford Sound 307kms 5hrs 5mins
Queenstown to Te Anau 172kms 2hrs 45mins
Invercargill to Te Anau 159kms 2hrs 25mins
Dunedin to Te Anau 292kms 4hrs 15mins
Te Anau to Milford Sound 121kms 2hrs 20mins

Important notes to remember:

  • Make sure you have a full tank of fuel before you head to Milford Sound. The last fuel stop is in Te Anau and a round trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound is 242kms.
  • Lake Gunn to Milford Sound is an alpine road and great care should be taken. Obey all road information for your own safety.
  • During winter months snow chains must be carried. (May – November). These can be hired from petrol stations in Te Anau or Queenstown and the Te Anau Hire Centre.
  • During the summer months entrance to the Homer Tunnel is controlled by traffic lights. However, during the winter months traffic lights do not operate due to the risk of avalanches. For more detailed information on weather conditions on the Milford Road click here.

Arriving at Milford Sound

  • On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark. Please allow 10 minutes to walk from the carpark to the Milford Wharf Visitor Centre.
  • Alternatively a complimentary shuttle service to Milford Sound Red Boats is provided.