Milford Sound - A Self Driven Road Trip from Queenstown

Wave goodbye to Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, it's time to continue onwards to Te Anau, the last settlement before Milford Sound.

This part of the drive (a good 2 hours) isn't that exciting, just lots of farm land with friendly cattle and goats. So put on some music and chill out until you reach Te Anau.

Te Anau is the last settlement before Milford Sound and the perfect place to stretch your legs.

Make sure you stock up on anything you've forgotten before continuing! There's no more shops or gas stations from this point onwards.

Important Note.

All of the following points of interest are stunning road trip stop options on route to Milford Sound. You don't have to do them all on the way there, in fact I would recommend saving a few (or even half) for your return journey, so that you arrive in Milford Sound with time to explore it a little by foot before tucking in for the night. Optionally do the Lake Marian Hike if you've got the time and fitness level! (3 hours return, steep terrain.)

Late Afternoon/Evening

Well, what did you think of the drive? Pretty spectacular right!

If you've managed to get an accommodation (and restaurant) booking at the Milford Sound Lodge then it should be time to check in, charge up all your devices (and perhaps yourselves with a power nap) before adventuring out for late afternoon or sunset. Most of the tour buses leave in the late afternoon, so you'll be able to explore the foreshore of the sounds with very few people.

If you're feeling exhausted from your road trip you can always do these tomorrow instead!

Don't forget your mosquito repellent.

PS. If you've managed to arrive on a very rare sunny day, then have a google of sunset times.. The sun sets very late in the South Island during summer, but the mountains surrounding the sounds means it can disappear earlier. When in doubt, ask a local like a member of the hotel staff.