The drive to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Everywhere you look you’ll see breathtaking beauty and stunning vistas. We firmly believe that the drive to Milford Sound is just as important as the cruise on the fiord itself. Take plenty of extra time to explore this unique area. This drive guide will give you estimated driving times, a couple of handy tips for comfort on the road and your own personal tour guide for the day.
In this guide you will find our personal favourites for stops along the way to Milford Sound. If you discover something amazing that’s not on this list but you think we should share with other guests please email us at info@cruisemilfordnz.com.
Want to relax and leave the car behind for a day? No problem, just book one of our day tour packages from Queenstown or Te Anau. Our local driver-guides will make sure you get to see it all.
Instructions for downloading the map to your Google Map.
To save map on your phone open this page in your phone’s web browser.
You can click on the little star next to where it says Cruise Milford Drive Guide. This will save it to your Google Map (You will need a Google Account for this).
- Go to your Google Map App on your phone
- Click on the Menu button (3 lines in the search bar), Go to Your Places.
- Scroll across and click on the Maps tab and you should see Cruise Milford Drive Guide there.
- Click on it and it’ll load the place markers onto the map for you.
- Now when you are in the Menu you should see Cruise Milford Drive Guide just above the Traffic option now
We have a set of directions Starting at Te Anau Downs to Gunns Camp and Museum then on to The Cruise Milford Visitors Centre.
**Please be aware that Google will tell you the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is 3.5hr long, this is incorrect. Google Maps will not take into account that the last hour of the drive is very steep and windy.
From Queenstown the drive will take you at least 4hrs and from Te Anau to Milford Sound 2hrs. We recommend factoring in one extra hour for photo stops and short walks either on the way there or back.
Fuel
Make sure you have a full tank of fuel before leaving Te Anau as there are no fuel stations until Milford Sound. Please be aware that the fuel pump at Milford Sound is limited to certain credit cards with pin number access only.
Phone Coverage
There is no cell phone coverage after leaving Te Anau. Telephone services are available at Knobs Flat (card phone), Homer Tunnel (satellite phone – emergency use only) and the Milford Sound Visitor terminal (card phone).
Chains
Over the winter months you might be required by law to carry snow chains in your vehicle.
Te Anau
Te Anau is considered to be the walking capital of the world. We also consider it to be the gateway to the Fiordland National Park. This very scenic town with a population of 2000 lies nestled on the edge of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s biggest lake with the deepest point recorded at 417 metres.
Te Anau offers a wide range of activities and attractions for tourists such as hunting, fishing, hiking and of course sightseeing. It is the perfect place to experience true New Zealand hospitality and connect with nature.
For any advice on what to do and where to stay in Te Anau give us a ring on 0800 MILFORD (645367).