Milford Road

The Milford Road runs 119 km from Te Anau along the lake, up the Eglinton Valley, over the 945 m summit at the Homer Tunnel and down to Milford Sound. It's one of the most-photographed roads in the country and works as a long day trip or an overnight. Winter brings avalanche closures and mandatory chains, so check conditions first.

The stops

1. Start

   Te Anau

2. Viewpoint

   Te Anau Downs

   Lake Te Anau and the start of the Milford Track boat

3. Viewpoint

   Mirror Lakes

   Short boardwalk to reflective ponds, roughly halfway

4. Nature

   Eglinton Valley

   Wide tussock valley beside the Eglinton River

5. Nature

   Lake Gunn

   Beech forest and a short nature walk

6. Landmark

   Homer Tunnel

   1.2 km unlined tunnel, highest point 945 m

7. Waterfall

   The Chasm

   Short walk to rock-carved falls

8. Viewpoint

   Milford Sound

   End of the road; cruises and kayaks leave from the terminal

9. Finish

   Milford Sound

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Te Anau

  Te Anau Holiday Park · Te Anau motels

• Night 2

  Milford Sound

  Milford Sound Lodge

When to go

Nov–Apr for easiest driving; winter needs chains and closures are common

On the road

Avalanche closures average about 8 days a year, mostly winter. No stopping in avalanche zones. Tunnel traffic lights cause delays in summer. Check NZTA before leaving.