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Milford Sound Scenic Drive

Te Anau - Milford Sound

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Road conditions Road conditions
Comfort Comfort
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Milford Sound Scenic Drive ACTIVATE MAP Stages1 km118 h/stage1.7

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Milford Sound Scenic Drive in New Zealand?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 27EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 189EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 243EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 297EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 117EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 323EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 440EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 165EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 390EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Milford Sound Itinerary

Experience the stunning beauty of New Zealand with the Milford Sound Scenic Drive. Starting in Te Anau, this 73mi drive takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. The winding roads and narrow passes provide an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to capture some of the most amazing views. The best time of year to take this drive is during the summer months, when the snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes are at their best. Along the route, you will experience lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and a range of wildlife. The excellent road conditions make this a great drive for all levels of drivers, and it can be managed with a moderate budget. Make sure you plan at least one day to complete this drive as there is so much to take in and explore. Get ready for a lifetime of memories from the Milford Sound Scenic Drive.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 118 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Te Anau

Distance 118 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: fast 35.4 kWh Airports TEU , ZQN
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Te Anau is an ideal starting point for the Milford Sound Scenic Drive, a spectacular journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. Situated on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake, Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the Southern Alps. With its picturesque setting, the town itself offers a variety of attractions and activities. Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and take a boat ride through the caves to view the luminous glowworms. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Lake Manapouri, a popular destination for boat cruises, fishing, and kayaking. For a unique experience, take a guided tour of the Kepler Track, a 60-kilometer alpine walking route around the lake. Te Anau is also a great base for exploring nearby Milford Sound, the jewel of Fiordland. Closest international airport to Te Anau is Queenstown Airport (ZQN). Car rental is available at the airport. So start your journey in Te Anau and explore the wonders of the Milford Sound Scenic Drive.

1 Te Anau - Milford Sound

Distance 118 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: fast 35.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on a road trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound and experience the beauty of New Zealand's South Island! This wondrous 73 mile (117 km) journey will take you less than 2 hours of driving, and will be filled with spectacular sights to behold. Along the way, marvel at the picturesque landscapes and meandering roads, unfold before you. Be sure to be extra careful while driving, as some sections of the road are very winding and narrow. Don't forget to take plenty of photos, as you will be passing through some of the most beautiful areas of the country. Keep an eye out for the Mirror Lakes, where the reflection of the surrounding mountains can be seen in the still waters. As you reach the outskirts of Milford Sound, the awe-inspiring view of the mountains and waterfalls will take your breath away. Make sure to take some time to explore the area and enjoy the serenity of the majestic fjords. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

  Milford Sound

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Milford Sound, located in New Zealand's South Island, is the end of the spectacular Milford Sound Scenic Drive, a journey that takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. From the lush rainforests of Fiordland National Park to the rugged alpine passes, this drive is sure to take your breath away. Once you arrive in Milford Sound, you can experience the majestic beauty of the area. Take a boat cruise to see the unique wildlife, including fur seals, dolphins, and penguins. You can also take a kayaking adventure to explore the many caves, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. For the more adventurous, try taking a helicopter or seaplane tour to get an even better view of the stunning landscape. Milford Sound is also home to a wide range of activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing. You can also visit the Milford Sound Visitor Centre to learn more about the area's history and culture. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and accommodation options available if you're looking for a place to stay. The closest international airport to Milford Sound is Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), located about three hours away by car. If you're driving to Milford Sound, you can enjoy the majestic scenery while you go. Milford Sound is a must-see destination for any traveler looking for a stunning landscape and plenty of outdoor activities. Take the Milford Sound Scenic Drive and experience the beauty and adventure of this unique destination.

Milford Sound at a glance

Facts for safer driving in New Zealand

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 110 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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