Te Anau
- Milford Sound
117 km (73 miles)
Approximately 1.5 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
Te Anau township sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau. From here, the delights of the Fiordland National Park are within easy reach, including the start of the Milford Track. Cruise on the lakes, walk the tracks and visit the Department of Conservation wildlife centre. The Te Ana-au Caves are an excellent adventure.
The road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. The rough hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak.
A cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your time in Fiordland, or you can get up close and personal in a sea kayak. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces and seals are some of the things you’ll remember. The underwater observatory is an option with most cruises.
Scenic Highlights
Routeburn Track
In pre-European times, Maori frequently used this route during journeys to collect pounamu (jade) from west coast rivers.
The Milford Road
The road journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic experiences you can have on four wheels.
Milford Sound
When it rains in Milford Sound, and it often does, dozens of 'temporary waterfalls' cascade down the cliff faces, some as long as 1000 metres.
Hollyford Track
Step into the dramatic Hollyford Valley and enter a world that looks the same today as it did thousands of years ago.
Fiordland National Park
This remarkable natural environment features dramatic fiords, spectacular waterfalls and snow-capped peaks.
Fiordland's Marine Reserves
In parts of Fiordland National Park, natural environments are protected from the peaks of mountains to the depths of the fiords.
Lake Te Anau
An early European explorer described Fiordland as ""utterly useless except for mountaineers"", and that's why it's still so pristine.
Milford Track
Is Milford Track "the finest walk in the world" To know for sure, you'll have to pull on your hiking boots and find out for yourself.
Activities
Fiordland
Boat Cruises (14),
Fishing – Fresh Water (3),
Fishing – Salt Water (1),
Walking/Trekking (12)
Tour and Sightseeing
Fiordland
Boat Cruises (4),
Walking/Trekking (1)
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