Queenstown to Milford Sound Drive: Ultimate Road Trip Guide & Best Stops
So, you’re planning to drive yourself from Queenstown to Milford Sound? Yay! This is one of the most beautiful drives on New Zealand’s South Island and a fantastic day trip from Queenstown.
Most visitors opt to join a small group tour to Milford Sound, but driving to Milford Sound is a brilliant option. The drive from Queenstown and Milford Sound is truly beautiful, and driving yourself gives you the freedom to stop and take in all of the magnificent views.
Milford Sound is a true gem in New Zealand. Far from a secret, Milford Sound draws millions of visitors annually. 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 Queenstown to Milford Sound road trip is stunning in its own right.
In this guide, I’ve shared everything you need to know about driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound, including all of the best stops along the way.
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.
For even more beautiful scenery, consider a trip to Doubtful Sound.
Quick FAQ about driving to Milford Sound
Driving Distance: Queenstown to Milford Sound
Milford Sound is about 186 miles (300km) from Queenstown. Google Maps tells 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 – driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back in one day is doable. It’s a popular choice for many. Just be aware that you’ll drive about 186 miles (300km) each way. It’s a four-hour drive, and that’s without traffic or stopping.
I’d consider staying in Te Anau the night before to give yourself more time and to split the 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 an early Milford Sound cruise the following morning before all the buses arrive.
Is driving to Milford Sound difficult?
The roads in New Zealand are well-maintained, and the Milford 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 complicated, but you must be confident. 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.
Having said that, I found the road much easier to drive on than many of the roads in the UK.
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 times the road will close is when there is a high avalanche risk or 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.
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 March 2025, parking at Milford Sound costs $10 NZD per hour.
Thankfully, you can park for free at Deepwater Basin. It’s a 25-minute walk from the ferry terminal, but it’s well worth it if you don’t want to pay for parking.
Is there a gas station at Milford Sound?
It’s essential to ensure your vehicle has enough fuel before leaving Te Anau. This is the last place where you can refill your car.
There is a self-service station in Milford Sound, but this is expensive and unreliable.
Can you stay in a campervan at Milford Sound?
Unfortunately, Milford Lodge has recently closed its camping grounds, so there is no place to park your campervan overnight. However, there are plenty of DoC-owned campsites along the Milford Sound Road. I 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.
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.
Can you stay in Milford Sound?
Yes. You have two options for staying in Milford Sound. Both are great options if you want to take your time driving there to make the most of the scenery.
- Milford Sound Lodge is the only accommodation option in Milford Sound. Understandably, it’s very pricey, but it’s well worth it if you want to take your time exploring the area.
- The other option is to take an overnight cruise. This gives you the chance to sleep on a boat and spend more time exploring Milford Sound—how incredible!
If you plan to spend more time here, consider kayaking in Milford Sound.
Queenstown to Milford Sound: The best road trip stops
In this next section, I’ll take you through where to stop when driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound.
You’ll need to give yourself at least six hours before your cruise to make most of these scenic stops. If you plan to do it all in one day, I suggest leaving early in the morning (around 7 a.m.) to beat the coaches. Book an afternoon cruise (around 2 p.m.) to give yourself plenty of time to get there.
Some of the hikes, such as Lake Marian or Key Summit, require a full day.
[ux_html] [/ux_html]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 with 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 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 7 a.m. You’ll beat the coaches and the mad rush for toilets and coffee.
Te Anau Viewpoint
How long to spend here: 5 minutes
This is a quick stop to see the beautiful Lake Te Anau and the mountains. Lake Te Anau is the second largest lake in New Zealand, so it’s well worth a quick stop. It’s also your first glimpse at the beautiful New Zealand Fiordland National Park.
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 Fiordland 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 Fiordland 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 heading 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 Fiordland. 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, and one of my favourites!
The lake is famous for reflecting the mountains in the background (hence the name), which is especially beautiful in the winter when the snow is on the mountains.
Allow yourself at least ten or fifteen minutes to stroll along the boardwalk and make the most of the viewing points. There are some information boards along the path 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 hanging over the lake, which makes for 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 a fantastic hiking opportunity in Milford Sound.
The 4.2-mile (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 Track. 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 ensure you don’t miss your cruise.
If you’re doing this hike in the winter, check the DOC’s website ahead of time for any alerts. Avalanches can frequent the area, so it’s essential 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 pull over and walk out onto the platform. You could also consider making this stop on the way back when there will be fewer 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) Lake Marian track requires some scrambling but is worthwhile. If you want views of Lake Marian without the scrambling, consider the Key Summit 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 you will need to drive past them 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.
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 Fiordland 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 it is almost like driving through 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 New Zealand.
If it’s recently rained, there will be 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. You can see the falls and 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 the Cleddau River and some incredible 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 that ends with great views of the river.
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, clouds and pouring rain. There 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: Ensure you have enough fuel to reach 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 that receives lots of snow, and it’s not uncommon for the road to close. You can check the conditions here. If you need to carry snow chains, Te Anau is a good option for renting them.
- Pull over safely: Be sure to park your car in designated spots. I see so many tourists pulling over in random spots, which is incredibly dangerous. The Milford Sound road is full of viewpoints and places to pull over safely.
