Morning Light Cleaddau Valley Douglas Thorne
8 unmissable stops on the Milford Road
Morning Light Cleaddau Valley - Douglas Thorne

It’s not all about the destination, in this case, the adventure starts the moment you enter Fiordland National Park and ends at one of the world’s finest sights. Check out our eight unmissable stops on the Milford Road, in preparation for your visit to the 'Eighth wonder of the world'

Date 06 Jan 2021

Rudyard Kipling did us a favour way back when he unofficially named Milford Sound the 8th natural wonder of the world and to this day Fiordland National Park is full to the brim of wonders. Many of those can be found on the Milford Highway, named one of the most scenic drives in the world, we really do have it all. Here is your head start to some of our must-stop locations on route to Milford Sound. 

Lake Gunn

This loop track starts at the Cascade Creek car park and takes you through the red beech forest to the shores of Lake Gunn. Keep your eye out for the variety of mosses and native birds that frequent here.

Eglinton Valley

This wide-open vista gives you a real sense of the grandeur awaiting deeper into Fiordland. Once carved by glaciers this vast open landscape is the perfect introduction to the National Park.

Mirror Lakes

A short roadside stop to stretch your legs, here you will find a boardwalk leading to small tarns, famous for their mountain reflections in calm weather.

Mirror Lakes - Martin Silva

Hollyford Lookout (Pops view Lookout)

Providing spectacular roadside views over the Hollyford Valley, you must stop here. The Hollyford Valley is home to one of the most scenic hiking tracks in Fiordland.

Monkey Creek

Monkey Creek is surrounded by spectacular mountains and offers one of the finest photo opportunities in the national park. This is a great place for kea sightings, they love to hang around and pop down for a visit.

Monkey Creek - Sophie Piearcey

Homer Tunnel

The Homer tunnel is 1.2km’s in length and officially opened in 1953. The tunnel was constructed straight through the Darran mountain range, under the Homer Saddle, and took 19 years to complete. The view of the Cleddau Valley on the other side is pretty remarkable.

Mount Tutoko lookout

Fiordland’s highest mountain standing a mammoth 2723 meters tall. The Tutoko Suspension Bridge, built in 1940 is the last remaining steel suspension bridge on the Milford Road. From the bridge, you’ll see fine views of the Tutoko river.

Mitre Peak

The Jewel in our crown, Mitre Peak is arguably one of New Zealand’s most photographed mountains. Rising 1692 metres from the ocean it is a truly incredible sight, best seen from the foreshore walk or during a cruise through Milford Sound.

Milford Swing - Gemma Heaney

The advantage of driving through the national park is the flexibility you have with your time, however if driving is not your thing, sit back, relax and let one of our local operators drive the road for you. During a guided tour of through Fiordland you will learn about our rich history, native bush, wildlife and more.

Stay a little longer, explore a little deeper, and embrace all the spectacular sights and hidden gems we are so proud to have in our backyard.

You will find more information about activities, experiences, accommodation, and Fiordland right here on our website.

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