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Please also see the access page in this website
Te Anau is accessible by State Highway (SH) 6 & 94 from Queenstown (2 ˝ hrs drive), SH’s 1 & 94 from Dunedin (4 hrs drive) or via two options from Invercargill the Southern Scenic route or State Highway 1 & 94 (both between 2 –3 & 1/2 hrs driving). Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill all have regular scheduled domestic flights. Regular coach connections are also available from each of these centres. Te Anau airport also has three inbound DC3 trips three times a week over peak season connecting with Queenstown, plus charter flights available.
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Sounds or Fiords? |
Fiordland's West Coast is deeply indented by 14 fiords spanning 215 km of coastline. A true "Sound" is a river valley that has been drowned due to the land sinking below sea level. Fiords are created by glacial action that produces u-shaped valleys with steep cliffs. Fiords are also characterised by shallow entrances that slope quickly seaward to deep water. Although the famous Sounds continue with the misname, the region was renamed Fiordland to recognise this error.
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Do I need to book in advance? |
In the Peak period between October and April it is very important to book your accommodation and activities in advance to ensure you secure these. Te Anau can get particularly busy in Febraury and it is a long way to the next town if you have not already made accommodation bookings. There are times over the summer months when both Te Anau and Manapouri accommodation properties fill up.
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Te Anau has two supermarkets operating seven days a week and two banks. Medical and dental services are available along with 7 day a week pharmacy. Visitor Information and activity bookings are available seven days as are petrol and gas stations. Te Anau also has a range of service clubs, churches and community organisations, legal, accountancy and real estate services.
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People struggle to choose which of the Fiords they should visit when they have limited time available, but the reality is that Milford and Doubtful Sounds offer very different experiences.
Milford Sound is a popular and scenically stunning place to visit. The drive into Milford is a journey in itself in terms of the beautiful scenery you will view en route. Milford’s abruptly carved peaks are majestic, and everyone recognises the dramatic figure of Mitre Peak rising from the fiord. Because of the road access and popularity of this area, Milford can be a very busy place in summer and visitors should realise that they will be sharing their experience with others. This does not however distract from the sheer beauty of the area.
Doubtful Sound on the other hand is more subdued. The rounded hills put up a greater resistance to glaciation so are not as dramatically carved into the abrupt cliff faces that appear in Milford, but the scenery is still awe inspiring.
The difficulty of accessing Doubtful Sound creates a limitation to the number of people who go there, so you are more likely to have a more “remote” experience. Wildlife is slightly more abundant here so you have a higher chance of seeing the resident pod of dolphins or penguins and seals.
A visit to both fiords will not disappoint. |
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Drivers who are confident on New Zealand roads should not have trouble negotiating the Milford Road. Drivers do however need to be aware that this is a busy route (so they will be sharing the road with cars, coaches, campervans and mini-buses), and congestion can be a problem in the peak season (October-April) around key sights at the busiest times of the day. There is less traffic over winter months (May –September) but road conditions require more caution, and drivers should note regulations relating to winter driving conditions.
Petrol must be purchased before leaving Te Anau, as the fuel is only available on a limited basis within Milford Sound. The return journey from Te Anau to Milford is 240km (144miles). Driving this route one way on a non-stop direct drive will take a minimum of 2-hours to complete. An eight hour day is required if you plan to take in the scenic stops along the way and enjoy a cruise or activity within Milford. For comfort and enjoyment it is recommended that the return trip be planned from Te Anau.
The most intimidating part of the journey to inexperienced drivers can be the Homer Tunnel. Completed in 1953 the tunnel is 945metres above Sea Level, 1.2 km long and has a gradient sloping towards Milford. There is limited internal lighting within the tunnel, so drivers need to turn their vehicles lights on and remember to take off their sunglasses. Traffic lights installed in 2004 control traffic flows over peak periods within the summer months. Outside of peak time drivers need to be aware of that the tunnel has two narrow sections with a passing bay at either end for larger vehicles.
If you do not feel confident to drive this route by yourself, there are a range of local operators who offer coach or minibus transport connecting with most cruise options within Milford. Many provide a commentary outlining the highlights and history of the area, and will undertake brief stops at key sights. This allows you to enjoy the journey and watch the scenery (not the road!!)
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There is limited accommodation in Milford on the overnight boats, during the summer season (October to April) and at Milford Lodge Backpackers, which also offer tent and campervan sites.
The Department of Conservation has basic self-registering campsites along Milford Road; there is motel and backpacker accommodation at Knobs Flat, and backpacker, B&B and motel/hotel accommodation is approximately 20 minutes drive along the Milford Road from Te Anau at Te Anau Downs.
Aside from the options listed above, Te Anau is the closest township to Milford with good accommodation offering over 4000 beds over a range of accommodation options.
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Where is the carpark in Milford Sound? |
The carpark in Milford Sound is approximately 10 minutes walk away from the boat departure terminal. Parking there is free. Visitors are recommended not to leave valuables in their vehicles.
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Can I drive on the Milford Road in winter? |
Yes. However chains must be carried during winter months - May to November. When chains are essential, signage is in place.
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NO! The journey to Doubtful Sound begins with a 45 – 50 minute cruise across Lake Manapouri to West Arm. A coach section follows across Wilmot Pass before descending to Doubtful Sound.
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What kind of weather can I expect in Milford/Doubtful Sound? |
Weather in Fiordland can be extremely difficult to predict. Visitors should always be prepared for all weather and include warm and windproof layers of clothing.
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What rainy activities are there? |
See rainy day activity suggestions here.
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Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sound on a wet day? |
YES! Milford and Doubtful Sounds come alive with waterfalls on a rainy day and are truly spectacular places to visit - wet or fine.
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Can I drive to the Glowworm Caves? |
NO! It is a 40 minute cruise across Lake Te Anau to reach the Glowworm Caves, these cannot be reached any other way.
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Can I drive to West Arm Power Station? |
NO! This must be reached via boat cruise across Lake Manapouri.
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How long does it take to drive to Manapouri & is there a carpark? |
It is a 20 minute drive from Te Anau to Manapouri. There is carparking available next to the visitor centre at Pearl Harbour and also off View Street in the terrace above the visitor centre (with walking access to the boat departure point below). We encourage visitors to be as security conscious as possible, and to ensure that they do not leave valuables in vehicles. Another option is to leave the vehicle with Safer Parking Services in Te Anau and use coach transfers to connect with your cruise option. |
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