Home / Our CompanyThe following is an itinerary for an independent day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound and is typical of the detailed itinerary information you will receive as part of the comprehensive documentation for your New Zealand itinerary from DesigNZ on Travel.
Queenstown to Milford Sound.
South Island, Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown.
Queenstown.
Early settlers and visitors to Queenstown came for the Otago gold rush of the
1860’s and the establishment of farming stations, but today it is the
breathtaking beauty of the Queenstown landscape and its recreational facilities
that draw people here.
Year round cruises operate on
Lake
Wakatipu to picturesque Walter Peak Station including evening trips that
include a buffet dinner at the station, travelling aboard the historic steamer
TSS Earnslaw. The Dart River runs into the lake at Glenorchy and is the venue
for half day jet boat tours or
Funyaks with Dart River Safaris
into the Mount Aspiring National Park, or a full day trip that includes
returning down river on inflatable kayaks.
White water rafting
on the Shotover River and Kawarau River, the Shotover River also has
jet boating and
in the upper reaches great white water rafting for
families.
Try the world famous bungy jump from the historic Kawarau Bridge.
Day trips to Fiordland National Park to visit
Milford Sound or
Doubtful Sound operate from
Queenstown by coach. To enjoy the full Milford Sound experience including a
cruise, but in a shorter time, consider one or both directions by plane with
fantastic aerial views of the National Park. Overnight trips to
Milford Sound and
Doubtful Sound can also be
taken from your Queenstown base.
From Queenstown you can connect to multi day hiking on the
Milford Track,
Routeburn Track and
Hollyford Track, plus there are
lots of shorter walks including a one day experience on the
Routeburn Track.
The Otago and Southern Lakes region takes top place for the most picturesque
vineyards in New Zealand with Gibbston Valley and Chard Farm located in the
spectacularly rugged Kawarau Gorge, other vineyards that may be visited include
Peregrine, Waitiri Creek Vineyards, Chard Farm Vineyard, Amisfield Cellars, Mt
Difficulty, Felton Road, Carrick, Akarua and Olssens vineyards. Whatever your
taste in wine, there is sure to be something to delight your taste buds, and of
course deliciously fresh food and produce to accompany. To make the most of your
wine experience join an
escorted wine tour.
Close to Queenstown is the village of Arrowtown, known for its historic cottages
and museum where you can learn about the hardships of life amongst the
goldfields. The village also boasts some great restaurants which, when added to
those in Queenstown and the nearby countryside, will leave you spoilt for
choice.
Golf Courses that boast fantastic scenery are located at; the venue for the
Centennial New Zealand Golf Open “The Hills” and at
Millbrook Country Club.
The Otago Region is a popular fly fishing destination and
local
guides can take you to the ‘special places’ hidden amongst the rugged
landscape.
In winter Queenstown is a magnet for skiers who delight in the diverse selection
of trails offered by the Remarkables Range and Coronet ski fields. Coronet Peak
also has a program of night skiing. For wonderful views of the mountains and
lake don’t forget a ride on the Queenstown Gondola.
Features:
- Highway 6, the southern route out of Queenstown follows the shore of Lake Wakatipu
- As you leave the Lake, note the Kingston turnoff, steam train rides in summer
- Past Mossburn, pass through an area known as The Gorge, (Gorge Creek)
- Cross barren tussock land known as The Wilderness.
- Views of Lake Te Anau
- Note the turnoff to Manapouri
Driving notes: Take a shortcut at Five Rivers (95km ex Queenstown, 11km out of Lumsden) to Mossburn, join Highway 94. Going through Lumsden adds 10km to the trip.
Te Anau
Dramatic, rugged and remote the Fiordland Region contains the Fiordland
National Park that covers more than 1.25 million hectares. Access is by just a
few roads and walking tracks – not surprising that the Takahe, one of New
Zealand’s intriguing flightless birds, remained hidden here and thought to be
extinct for more that 50 years, before being re-discovered in 1948. Some captive
Takahe (part of the species management program) can be seen at the wildlife
enclosure on the shores of Lake Te Anau.
Highlights for visitors to Fiordland include
Milford Sound and
Doubtful Sound that can be visited
as day trips, or you can overnight on a Real Journeys
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise or
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise.
Enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife spotting (watch for Fiordland Crested
Penguins, Bottle Nosed Dolphins, New Zealand Fur seals, Blue Penguins & Dusky
Dolphins). For day trippers you can travel to Milford and experience a day time
scenic or Nature Cruise, or take the full day excursion for a Doubtful Sound Day
Trip. Sea
kayaking Milford Sound is also a popular day trip. Milford sound and
Doubtful sound have their own special features and the make-up of their trips is
quite different. Milford sound being a 118km road journey through spectacular
countryside to the start of the sound, with its dramatic peaks. The trip to
Doubtful sound involves a short trip (21km), boat trip across Lake Manapouri, a coach trip underground into the
power station (whenever possible), and then over the Wilmot Pass, followed by the
boat trip on Doubtful sound.
When travelling to Milford Sound take time to experience some of the many short
walks and photo stops along the way and to appreciate the fantastic feat of
engineering that the road itself represents.
The road out to Milford Sound requires concentration so for the driver to have a better experience and fully enjoy their day, consider one of the small group Trips N Tramps Milford Sound guided trips, locally based with many years experience they will give you a day out you will always treasure. Two options
For a more active expedition there are
Milford Track day walks
and multi day hikes into wilderness areas on the
Milford Track,
Hollyford Track, and
Routeburn Track.
The main accommodation base for trips to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound is Te
Anau, located 21kms from Manapouri, the departure point for Doubtful Sound, and
120kms from Milford Sound. At Te Anau you will find the departure point for
trips to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
that are accessed via a boat trip across Lake Te Anau.
The Te Anau Wildlife Centre, which focuses on native birds, including the rare Takahe, is situated on the Te Anau to Manapouri road.
Activities Te Anau
- Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. By boat across Lake Te Anau to Cavern House to view information displays then journey underground by path and small punt to view rock formations and the glow worm grotto
- Trips & Tramps. Offer a great selection of trips in small groups up to 12 persons with a local knowledgeable guide, this family owned business has been operating from Te Anau for many years so they know the secrets. Options include
- The relaxed day trip
- Adding a few hours walking in this stunning region
- One day guided walk on the Milford Track, up to 12 people, 10 – 12 km, 5 hours on the track plus launch cruise 1 ¼ hours each way to the head of Lake Te Anau
-
- Nature Cruises
- Scenic Cruises
- Overnight Cruises The Fiordland Underwater Observatory can be added to these trips as can lunch options Coach transport with commentary from and back to Te Anau is available.
- Day Wilderness Cruise
- Overnight Wilderness Cruise Coach transport with commentary from and back to Te Anau is available. Options are available from Queenstown
Features:
- Five-Mile Lookout over South Fiord
- Henry Creek Lookout over Middle Fiord
- Te Anau Downs, 45min return forest walk to Lake Mistletoe.
- Mirror Lakes, reflections of Earl Mountains, beech forest & wetlands (5 mins)
- Knobs Flat interpretational display, geology and wildlife.
- Lake Gunn Nature Walk easy access 45 min. loop track
- Pops View, lookout point.
- Homer Tunnel 1200m rock hewn tunnel, car park and nature walk, (15mins)
- The Chasm waterfall walk, waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks, (20 mins)
- Tutoko Bridge viewing point.
Return trip Milford Sound to Te Anau is by same route 118 kms allow 2 - 2½ hours
Milford Sound
The settlement at Milford Sound is primarily a disembarkation point for those arriving by road and air. Most visitors then take a scenic cruise into the fiord to best appreciate the spectacular scenery and wildlife. Watch for seals, dolphins and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Take warm clothing to wear on board the boat, binoculars, sunhat and glasses and personal insect repellent to ward off sandflies – and of course your camera and accessories.
The Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest covering an area of 1,251,924 hectares and encompasses a jagged coastline of many inlets and fiords (the two best known being Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound) as well as lakes, rivers, waterfalls and forest covered mountains. These mountains are home to the rare flightless bird the Takahe, thought to be extinct for more than 50 years before being rediscovered in 1948.
The Milford Road
The Milford Road is a unique journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park, part of Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Some of the most striking and significant features of the World Heritage Area are revealed along its route. Excellent short walks and sightseeing along this road
World Heritage Highway
The Milford Road is a unique journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park, part of Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Some of the most striking and significant features of the World Heritage Area are revealed along its route. It is 119 kilometres from Te Anau to Milford Sound. The sealed road takes about two hours to drive without stops.
While many travellers will be satisfied to admire the scenery through windows of a car or bus, others will be rewarded by stopping to discover the short walks or viewing sites along the way.
The road is occasionally closed from the Marian Corner due to adverse weather conditions, particularly in winter. Signs at each end of the road notify motorists of closure. The no stopping signs between Marian Corner and The Chasm should be observed during periods of avalanche danger.
Motorists are advised to fill vehicles with petrol in Te Anau, although Gunns Camp and Milford Sound can have supplies.
An Historical Journey
The first human inhabitants of New Zealand travelled along parts of what is now the Milford Road to gain pounamu, or greenstone from Anita Bay in Milford Sound. The Māori name for Milford Sound is Piopiotahi, after the native thrush - piopio - now probably extinct. Permanent Māori settlements were located in the Hollyford Valley and around lakes Manapōuri and Te Anau, linked by well-worn routes through territory rich with eels and forest resources.
Milford Sound was named by a Welsh sealing captain John Grono after his birth
place, Milford Haven. The first permanent European resident was Donald
Sutherland, a Scottish prospector, sealer and ex-soldier, who arrived in 1878. A
fjord and waterfall are named after him and he helped cut the Milford Track with
Quintin Mackinnon, establishing a land link with the interior and a tourist
route.
In 1889 William Homer discovered the saddle now named after him. The section of
road from Te Anau to the Divide was completed by government work scheme gangs in
the 1930s. Work on the Homer Tunnel began in 1935 but difficult conditions and
interruption by the Second World War delayed its completion until 1954.
In 1992 the last section of State Highway 94 was sealed and new visitor facilities were completed at Milford Sound.
A Natural Journey
The Fiordland Mountains are comprised of hard rocks like gneiss, diorite and granite. The Milford Road begins on the ridges of rock debris deposited to the side of a glacier that once filled Lake Te Anau.
The U-shape of the valleys and the steep bare walls have been formed by the grinding and rounding action of glaciers. Just before the Homer tunnel the road enters a cirque basin, carved by ice into a steep walled amphitheatre.
High mountains stand in the path of prevailing westerly moisture laden winds that bring heavy rain and snows falls to the area. Plants and trees here have adapted to this very wet environment. On the dry terraces east of Lake Te Anau fire modified shrublands of manuka, bracken and young beech are very different to the forests to the west of the mountains.
As the road enters the Eglinton Valley red beech becomes the dominant tree, interspersed with important remnants of native grasslands and wetlands.
Walkers may see bush birds like tomtits, grey warblers, fantails, chaffinches and brown creepers. Rarer birds like riflemen, robins, yellow-heads (mohua) and parakeets are also relatively common. Native long-tailed bats and recently discovered short-tailed bats are active around dusk in summer, near streams and borders of the forest.
Beyond Lake Gunn silver beech trees are stunted because of the harsh climatic conditions. Mountain ribbonwood, hebe and fuchsia grow on ground laid bare by frequent snow avalanches.
Kea, our cheeky mountain parrots, are frequently seen around the Homer
tunnel. Here buttercups and daisies grow among alpine shrubs and tussocks.
On the descent into Milford Sound/Piopiotahi occasional native conifers like
rimu rise above the silver beech. Tree ferns, under-storey shrubs, mosses and
ferns thrive in the wet conditions.
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi stretches 16 kilometres to the open sea and is 265 metres deep in places. The very high rainfall creates a permanent freshwater layer on the sea surface. Below this layer - stained a tea colour by material washed out of the forest - there is a concentrated 40-metre band of unusual marine life growing on and around the sheer rock walls.
For information about the Milford Road and a map showing the highlights we provide our clients with maps and a route guide:
Walks on the Milford Road
For Milford Road Walks we provide our clients with a brochure
Key Summit - 3 hours return
The Key Summit track is an ideal introduction to the impressive scenery and
natural features of Fiordland National Park.
The track starts at The Divide carpark and shelter and follows the Routeburn Track for about an hour. It then branches off on a 20-minute climb to Key Summit, where there is a self-guided alpine nature walk.
Walkers will pass a range of native vegetation: beech forest, sub-alpine shrublands, and alpine tarns and bogs. Birdlife is prolific and tomtits, robins, wood pigeons and bellbirds are commonly seen.
Key Summit provides panoramic views over the Humboldt and Darran Mountains. During the last ice age, which ended about 14,000 years ago, a huge glacier flowed down the Hollyford Valley and overtopped Key Summit by 500 metres, with ice branches splitting off into the Eglinton and Greenstone Valleys.
Lake Marian - 3 hours return
The Lake Marian Track is signposted from a car park area about 1 km down the
Hollyford Road. The track crosses the Hollyford River/Whakatapu Kā Tuku by
swing-bridge then passes through silver beech forest to a spectacular series of
waterfalls, reached after 10 minutes. The track then becomes steep and sometimes
muddy during the 1.5 hour ascent through forest to Lake Marian.
Lake Marian is in a hanging valley, formed by glacial action, and this setting is one of the most beautiful in Fiordland. The lake is above the bush line and reflects the Darran Mountains which surround it.
Lake Gunn Nature Walk - 45 minute round trip
The Lake Gunn Nature Walk is an easy 45-minute loop walk suited to all ages and
accessible to wheelchairs.
The walk provides an introduction to tall red beech forest and birdlife typical of the Eglinton Valley. Side trips can be made to several lake beaches and sheltered fishing spots.
Knob’s Flat
Here an interpretive display has been provided to show the effect of avalanches
on the Milford road and give some information on the wildlife of the Eglinton
valley.
Mirror Lakes - 5 minutes
A good place to stretch your legs during the drive to Milford Sound. Small lakes
provide outstanding reflective views of the Earl Mountains. Waterfowl and
wetland plants can be seen against a backdrop of beech forest.
The Chasm - 20 minutes return
Two foot bridges over the Cleddau River offer spectacular views of a series of
waterfalls. Thousands of years of swirling water have sculpted round shapes and
basins in the rock.
Bowen Falls - 30 minutes return
A boardwalk skirts the steep rockwall shoreline beyond the Milford Sound launch
terminal. NOTE: Check to see if this Bowen Falls walk is closed due to
geological instability. An alternative option is the Piopiotahi/ Milford
Foreshore Walk, an interpretive walk of up to 30 minutes, starting from the main
visitor carpark.
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