Milford Sound Epic Adventure

Getting There

From Queenstown to Milford Sound it takes about 4 hours each way. It is possible to do this in a day. However, I recommend spending 1 or 2 nights in Te Anau or Milford Sound.

Make sure that you get everything you need before you pass Te Anau, this includes petrol, food and drinks. Buying things in Milford Sound can be significantly more expensive.

After Te Anau, the road is very windy with sheer drops off the side. The spectacular views can be very distracting for drivers so be alert.

There are many scenic stops along the way and I recommend stopping here:

Mirror Lakes

Located directly next to the road. The mountains reflect off the calm water.

The Chasm

A 15 min return walk through the forest to a 22m deep ravine. The Cleddau River has carved fascinating formations into the rock. A bridge takes you directly above this waterfall.

Homer Tunnel

At the highest point on the Milford Road is the Homer Tunnel. This impressive engineering feat goes 1.2km through the mountain range. Beside it, you can see a glacier with several waterfalls running from it.

Milford Sound Cruise

The best way to experience Milford Sound is on a boat cruise. Milford Sound is one of the wettest on places on earth so everything is lush and green. The rain creates hundreds of waterfalls.

I went on the Southern Discoveries Discover More Cruise and highly recommend.  The boat takes you directly under the Stirling Falls. If you stay on the deck, you will get soaked. The boat gets so close to the cliffs that you can touch overhanging branches. If you're lucky you will see wildlife including seals and dolphins.

The boat stops at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory. You learn about the geology and wildlife of the region. Downstairs is the observatory where marine life could come and go as they please.