So, you’re planning to drive yourself from Queenstown to Milford Sound? Yay! This is one of the most beautiful drives in New Zealand and a fantastic day trip from Queenstown. Most visitors choose to take a coach or small group tour to Milford Sound, but driving yourself is a fantastic option which offers lots of flexibility.
In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound including all the best stops along the way.
Milford Sound is a true gem in New Zealand. Far from hidden, Milford Sound draws in millions of visitors every year. In fact, Milford Sound is one reason many people choose to visit New Zealand. It’s nicknamed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ and for very good reason.
While Milford Sound is breathtaking, the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is stunning in its own right. If you drive yourself there, you’ll have the flexibility to take in all the magnificent scenery along the road to Milford Sound.
For even more beautiful scenery, consider a trip to Doubtful Sound.
I’ve had the opportunity to drive to Milford Sound several times and it never gets old. It’s truly incredible. The Queenstown to Milford Sound drive is filled with endless viewpoints and hiking opportunities. In the below post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound. This includes all the unmissable stops on the Milford Sound road.
Driving Distance: Queenstown to Milford Sound
Milford Sound is about 186 miles (300km) from Queenstown. Google Maps will tell you this drive will take 3 ½ hours. However, with traffic, windy roads and the Homer Tunnel, it’s realistically going to take at least 4 hours without any stopping.
Can you drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound in one day?
Yes – it’s doable to drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back in one day. It’s a popular choice for many. Just be aware that you’ll be driving about 186 miles (300km) each way. It’s a four-hour drive each way, and that’s without traffic or stopping.
I’d consider staying in Te Anau the night before to give yourself more time driving to Milford Sound. Alternatively, spend one day driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound and stay overnight in Milford Lodge – the only accommodation available in Milford Sound. Then you can book on an early cruise the following morning ahead of the coaches arriving.
The journey to Milford Sound is beautiful, you really don’t want to rush it.
Is driving to Milford Sound difficult?
The roads in New Zealand are well-maintained and the Milford Sound Road is no exception. Each day, thousands of visitors use the road to access Milford Sound so keeping it safe is a high priority. The road is constantly monitored for any hazards.
Driving to Milford Sound is not overly difficult but you need to be a confident driver. The roads can be steep and windy, especially after the Homer Tunnel. If you’re visiting in the winter, there is also the risk of snow and ice and you may be required to carry chains.
Can you drive to Milford Sound in the winter?
Yes. The road to Milford Sound is open all year round and the boat cruises operate every day. The only time the road will close is when there is a high avalanche risk or there is heavy snow. The roads are cleared very quickly, but in very heavy snow they can be closed for a day or two.
Road conditions are available to check online.
Tip: In the winter, always check conditions before leaving just in case you’re required to carry snow chains for your vehicle.
Where to stop on a road trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound
In this next section, I’ll take you through all the best stops on a road trip between Queenstown and Milford Sound.
To do most of these stops, you’ll need to give yourself at least six hours before your cruise. If you’re planning to do it all in one day, I’d suggest leaving early in the morning (around 7am) to beat the coaches. Book an afternoon cruise (around 2pm) to give yourself plenty of time.
If you want to do some of the hikes such as Lake Marian or Key Summit, you’ll need a full day.
Devil’s Staircase Lookout
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
Your first stop is the Devil’s Staircase lookout. This is as you leave Queenstown and drive alongside the Remarkables.
It’s a beautiful spot which gives you stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Te Anau
How long to spend here: 20 minutes (rest stop)
A couple of hours after leaving Queenstown you’ll reach Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound. This sleepy town is where the true road trip to Milford Sound begins.
Many visitors opt to stay in Te Anau the night before visiting Milford Sound to reduce driving time. If you’ve come from Queenstown, Te Anau is a great rest stop before starting the drive to Milford Sound. It’s the last sign of civilization you will see for a long time, so if you need fuel, food or the toilets, this is your chance.
I’d recommend the Sandfly Café, the Wapiti Café, or the Alpine Centre.
Tip: try to leave Queenstown before 7am. You’ll beat the coaches and the mad rush for toilets and coffee.
Te Anau Viewpont
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
This is a quick stop to see the beautiful Lake Te Anau and mountains. Lake Te Anau is the second largest lake in New Zealand so this is well worth a quick stop. It’s also your first glimpse at the beautiful New Zealand Fjordland.
Lake Mistletoe
How long to spend here: one hour
This is one for those who have plenty of time and aren’t planning to do a cruise on the same day as their drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Lake Mistletoe is a beautiful lake in Fjordland National Park. Once you reach the lake, there is the option to do a 45-minute return walk.
Eglington Riverside
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
As you enter Fjordland National Park, you drive alongside the Eglington River. There are a couple of epic spots to pull in and take in the views. You can often spot trout or eels in the water so keep an eye out for these.
Eglington Valley / Eglington Flats
How long to spend here: 10 minutes
It’s hard to miss this spot. Before you head right into the mountains, you drive through a flat and open landscape with incredible views of the mountains ahead of you.
This is a popular spot for a photo, but there are several places to pull over and get that famous road shot of Fjordland. It truly is beautiful.
Mirror Lakes
How long to spend here: 15 minutes
Mirror Lakes is a gorgeous spot on the road to Milford Sound. The lake is famous for reflecting the mountains in the background. It’s especially beautiful in the winter when the snow is on the mountains.
Allow yourself at least 10/15 minutes here to stroll along the boardwalk and make the most of the viewing points. There are some boards along the path which share some information about the local wildlife.
Lake Gunn
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
Just off the main Milford Sound road is Lake Gunn, another magnificent lake to see on the drive to Milford Sound. It’s an incredibly peaceful spot and is home to a 1.4km walk through the red beech tree forest. I’d suggest going to the North Viewpoint for the best views.
Lake Fergus
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
Lake Fergus is another cute little viewpoint with a stunning mountain backdrop. If you go in the right weather, you’ll get the perfect reflections in the water.
I’d suggest making this stop on the way back as it will be easier to spot the viewpoints. There are several places you can pull your car into.
One stop has a fallen tree which hangs over the lake, it makes a great photo!
Key Summit Hike (the Routeburn Track / Divide car park)
How long to spend here: 4 hours
If you have the time, the Key Summit hike (part of the Routeburn Track), is an amazing hiking opportunity in Milford Sound.
The 4.2mile (6.8km) hike takes you through a mossy forest and rewards you with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s one of the best parts of the Routeburn walk. You can also see the famous Lake Marian.
The hike is about 3-hours return, so you’ll need to carefully build this into your itinerary to make sure you don’t miss your cruise.
If you’re doing this hike in the winter, be sure to check the DOC’s website ahead of time for any alerts. Avalanches can frequent the area so it’s important to know the conditions.
Hollyford Valley Lookout (Pop’s View)
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
This is another highlight of the road to Milford Sound and really can’t be missed. The Hollyford Valley Lookout is a magnificent little spot giving you stunning views of the valley.
There is some space to safely pullover and walk out on to the platform. You could also consider doing this stop on the way back when there will be less people.
Lake Marian
How long to spend here: 3 or 4 hours
Lake Marian is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Southland area. And thankfully, you can hike here and see it for yourself.
The 3.8 mile (6km) track requires a bit of scrambling but is worthwhile. If you want views of Lake Marian without the scrambling, consider the Routeburn Track which is a little less challenging.
Falls Creek Falls
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
Another quick viewpoint stop, Falls Creek Falls (also known as Christie Falls), is a beautiful waterfall along the Milford Sound Road. You can’t stop at the falls themselves, so will need to drive past the waterfall and park on the right-hand side in the parking spot. There is a walkway for pedestrians.
This is also a spot where you can sometimes see the kea birds too.
Monkey Creek
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
This famous viewpoint shows off the area’s pristine beauty, including its clear glacial fed waters. Many people opt to drink the water here as it’s said to be 100% clean and pure. This is another popular spot for seeing the famous cheeky kea bird.
Gertrude Valley Lookout
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
This is your final viewpoint of the valley before heading to the Homer Tunnel. If you’re lucky, you may spot the famous glaciers here. The stop shows off the incredible scenery of Fjordland and is some of the best on the road from Queenstown to Milford Sound.
Homer Tunnel
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
The Homer Tunnel is one of the most famous tunnels in New Zealand. The 1.3km long tunnel opened in 1953 and was dug out by hand. Driving through this is almost like a giant portal. When you emerge from the other side, the scenery is somehow even more magnificent.
During the day, the traffic through the tunnel is one way and you might need to wait a significant amount of time at traffic lights. This is your chance to jump out and take in the scenery.
Note: you may be required to stay in your car if there is an avalanche risk.
Hundred Falls (1855 lookout)
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
As you drive down the steep switchbacks after the Homer Tunnel, you’ll be rewarded with one of my favourite views in all of New Zealand. However, the view behind you of the mountain itself is also incredible.
If it’s rained, there will waterfalls coming down all around you. It’s not called Hundred Falls for no reason. The safest and easiest spot to pull over is the 1855 viewpoint. Not only can you see the falls, but you’ll get a breathtaking view of the valley you’re about to drive through.
Note: this viewpoint will be closed if there is a risk of an avalanche.
The Chasm
How long to spend here: 20 minutes
This 400m return walk takes you to see the Cleddau River and some great rock formations. Unfortunately, part of the walk was destroyed in a storm in 2020, meaning you can only walk part of it now.
Despite the damage, stretching your legs at the Chasm is well worth it. It’s a pleasant walk through the native rainforest ending with some great views of the river.
Can you see Kea on the drive to Milford Sound?
Yes, every time I’ve driven to Milford Sound I’ve seen the cheeky Kea. They cause havoc by the Homer Tunnel or right after. You generally don’t get them at lower altitudes.
Remember not to feed the Kea. They are wild animals and human food can hurt them.
Te Anau to Milford Sound
If the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is too long, you could opt to stay in Te Anau the night before (or night after). This reduces the journey by a significant amount.
Can you stay in Milford Sound?
Yes. To stay in Milford Sound you have two options. Both are a great option if you want to take your time driving there to make the most of the scenery.
- Milford Sound Lodge: this is the only accommodation option in Milford Sound. Understandably, it’s very pricey but is well worth-it if you want to take your time exploring the area.
- Overnight cruise: a popular option is to opt for an overnight cruise in Milford Sound. Arrive late afternoon, spend the evening exploring the Fjord then stay overnight. It’s a bucketlist experience for sure. There’s a great guide on the overnight cruise here.
If you are planning to spend more time here, consider kayaking in Milford Sound.
Tips for driving to Milford Sound
Here are a few additional tips for your drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound
- Leave early: set off as early as you can. This means you can make the most of one of the world’s most beautiful road trips. It also means you will beat the coach loads of people heading the same way as you.
- Embrace the weather: I’ve done this drive in the sunshine, snow, cloud and pouring rain. There really isn’t a bad time to drive to Milford Sound (as long as you’re a confident driver). Milford Sound is beautiful in all types of weather. Don’t be put off if it’s a cloudy or rainy day.
- Fuel up: make sure you have enough fuel to get to Milford Sound and back. There’s a small pump near the visitor centre, but it’s very expensive and not always available. Te Anau or Mossburn are the best options for fuelling up before you head to Milford Sound.
- Check the roads: always check the road conditions before you leave. You’ll be driving through a high mountain pass which receives lots of snow and it’s not uncommon for the road to close. You can check conditions here. If you need to carry snow chains, Te Anau is a good option for renting them.
- Pull over safely: be sure to use designated spots to park your car. I see so many tourists pulling over in random spots. This is incredibly dangerous. The Milford Sound road is full of viewpoints and places to safely pull over.
Is there parking at Milford Sound?
Yes, there is ample parking at Milford Sound for those who choose to drive there.
The paid parking is a ten-minute walk from the ferry terminal. As of Aug 23, it’s $20 to park at Milford Sound.
Thankfully, you can park for free at Deepwater Basin. This is a 25-minute walk from the ferry terminal but well worth it if you don’t want to pay for parking.
Can you stay in a campervan at Milford Sound?
Unfortunately, Milford Lodge has recently closed their camping grounds. This means there is no place to park your campervan overnight. There are plenty of DoC owned camp sites along the Milford Sound Road, however. I’d suggest using the CamperMate app to get the latest info.
Can you buy food at Milford Sound?
The visitor centre has a small cafe selling light food options. Some boats also offer food on board. It’s a sensible idea to stock up before your drive to make sure you don’t go hungry.
Check out my guide on Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound.
