Queenstown to Milford Sound Road Trip: Photogenic spots you must stop at!

The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is filled with some of the most spectacular views; so why not make it an epic road trip and admire the scenery along the way?

Think huge, towering mountains that loom vertically over you, raging waterfalls, flat plains, lakes, quaint towns and more! Here’s everywhere you’ll need to stop at, and the best picture spots too!

We travelled to Milford Sound after we were told it was an absolutely unmissable spot, and frankly, they were right. It’s the unofficial 8th wonder of the world, and it’s definitely one of the best sights on South Island.

And there were plenty of places to stop along the way that you shouldn’t miss on your journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, so keep reading!

This blog post may contain affiliate links.

Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand articles for attractions nearby on your South Island itinerary.

Not sure where to go? Have a look at my article on North VS South Island New Zealand, which is better?

• Omarama Clay Cliffs
• Wanaka lavender farm
• Lake Tekapo’s famous lupin flowers
• Tekapo Hot Springs
• Tekapo Star Gazing Dark Nature Reserve
• Onsen hot pools
• Akaroa Dolphin Watching
• Things to do in Lake Tekapo
• Queenstown to Milford Sound Scenic Road Trip
• Are there dangerous animals in New Zealand?
• Is New Zealand cheaper than Australia?

Best activities & tours on South Island

Here are some of the best New Zealand South Island tours! I always compare tours on Viator and Get Your Guide to check prices and different tour availability.

Queenstown to Milford Sound Journey

The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound has so many interesting and photogenic spots, so make sure you bookmark some of these incredible locations, so you know the best places to stop.

Milford Sound is it self is the unofficial eighth wonder of the world and honestly I can wholeheartedly agree with that title. The landscape from Queenstown to Milford changes quite drastically as you drive and so does the weather.

How to get to Milford Sound

Car Rental

Car rental / camper van hire might be the way to go if you’re an independent traveller exploring South Island. Depending on what time of year it can be really busy so it is worth looking at your stay well in advance. Bear in mind cost of hotels on your itinerary South Island New Zealand.

The Queenstown to Milford Sound bus

Public transport isn’t always available around New Zealand, but if you want to book a one way ticket you can do so with Intercity.

Milford Sound Day Tours

Have a look at tours that include a day trip from Queenstown to Milford sound:

Queenstown to Milford Sound Flight

One of the most incredible, iconic things to do in South Island is a flight – it’s a very common thing to do to witness Milford Sound by air, and I’d highly recommend if that is in your budget!

The region becomes more and more mountainous in the Fiordland National Park the closer you get to Milford Sound and therefore the weather is more changeable and cloudy closer to the mountains.

Because of the geological formation of the mountains, the clouds are often pushed up against the land, and the density of the crowd increases causing, more rainfall, meaning that it’s often very misty and very wet around Milford Sound.

We stopped at many of the photogenic road stops or scenic views alongside the road, and honestly, most of them have incredible views with dramatic, jutting mountains, deep valleys, Diamond, sparkling lakes and ancient woodlands with trees, covered in ancient moss and thick ferns reminiscence of Jurassic Park.

It’s very easy to imagine New Zealand as it was hundreds of thousands of years ago. Thanks to the thick and luscious green vegetation everywhere; the giant ferns, the towering, moss covered trees and glaciers that carved the landscape. You absolutely cannot miss this.

Originally we didn’t plan on going to Milford Sound because it was around four hours in the wrong direction from Queenstown as we plan to head up the east coast.

However, we had a ton of recommendations from Social Media and my relatives that live in New Zealand saying that we absolutely cannot miss Milford Sound so we decided to Fit it in and we can honestly say it was well worth a visit an absolutely should not be left off your visit list when visiting New Zealand.

The vast landscape is dramatic at every turn with clouds, sitting at the base of mountains, dramatic valleys, some of the largest and powerful waterfalls I’ve ever had a good fortune to come across and peaks that rise hundreds of meters, seemingly into nowhere above you.

I also read somewhere that Milford Sound is the land of 100 waterfalls and this is a deeply inaccurate description of the place. I wouldn’t say they were 100 waterfalls or even 1000… there must be at least 10,000 or more waterfalls, which is why this place is said to be the unofficial eighth wonder of the world.

It is incredible and reminiscent of the movie Avatar.

Everywhere you look they’re literally thousands of waterfalls tumbling off of mountains with sheer vertical drops. Some of the waterfalls look fantastical as they drop from an unseen peak above, and the wind whips the water away into mist above you. It’s a phenomenon quite unlike anything you might have seen before.

Jack’s point

Just 15 minutes outside of Queenstown is a small town called Jack’s point which is where we stayed on our first night upon arriving in New Zealand, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu near Wye Creek. As you drive through this town, you will notice the landscape changes quite dramatically with mountains looming to the left side of you and it’s a great place to stop and take a quick picture.

It’s extremely close to the airports, just around a 10 minute drive, and was an inexpensive place to stay upon arriving in Queenstown New Zealand.

It’s also around 15 minutes from Queenstown Centre where you can get the famous Ferg burger which is said to be the best burger in the world. We decided to give it a go with no expectations and were pleasantly surprised. It was indeed the best burger in the world. Or at least it’s the best burger we’ve ever tried.

Tip: take your Ferg burger to the Lakeside beach and eat it there with an incredible view and people watch as people swim and dive into the lake on hot summer days.

The devils staircase

One particularly popular and iconic photo spot is the devils staircase, which is around half an hour outside of Queenstown, and the perfect place to stretch your legs for five or so minutes whilst you admire the scenery.

Plenty of people stop to admire the view and it’s a great way of breaking up the journey, Overlook, scenic mountains, and vibrant blue water that sparkles like diamonds as the Sunshines.

There are plenty of flat boulders for visitors to sit on and admire the beauty of Mother Nature in front of you. As this is just a layby on the side of the road, you will find that this stock is a quick and cheerful 5 to 10 minutes maximum and you’ll be on your way in no time.

Kingston

Another 10 minutes on from Queenstown, you’ll find the small town of Kingston, which is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or refuel, if necessary, although bear in mind the more number of stops to make the longer the journey will be. As they say, life is about the journey not the destination!

Te Anau

Te Anau is a great stop over two hours into your journey from Queenstown on your way to Milford Sound. It is a quaint sleepy Lakeside town that has everything you need.

There are a number of motels and cabin and campsite options. Some of the campsites are directly opposite the shore of the lake and come with a sauna, barbecue, hot tub and mini spa.

This is the largest town on the way to Milford Sound and has stores and petrol stations so it’s highly recommended you stop here and grab anything you need as facilities from here on a quite sparse. It is the last petrol station before Milford Sound and the last convenient store so make sure you stuck up with everything you need.

It serves as a gateway to the stunning wilderness areas of Fiordland National Park, including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. It lies on the eastern shore of Lake Te Anau, the second-largest lake by surface area in New Zealand, and is surrounded by lush forests and remarkable mountain landscapes. This makes Te Anau a popular base for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those looking to explore the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures that Fiordland has to offer.

The town itself is quite charming with traditional wooden homes and scenic picturesque views of the lake.

Attractions and Activities in Te Anau

• Fiordland National Park: Te Anau is the perfect starting point for exploring Fiordland National Park, known for its dramatic fjords, pristine rainforests, and extensive hiking trails, including the famous Milford Track, Kepler Track, and Routeburn Track.
• Lake Te Anau: The town is situated beside Lake Te Anau, and I reccomend you go swimming! Failing that, you can go kayaking, cruising, and fishing. The lake’s western shores are also the entry point to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (there are glow worm caves on North Island too), a fascinating underground network of caves illuminated by glowworms.
• Te Anau Glow worm caves: A short boat trip from Te Anau takes visitors to this natural wonder, where guided tours explore the caves and their luminescent inhabitants.
• Wildlife: The area is rich in birdlife, including the opportunity to see the rare, flightless takahe at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.
• Walking and Cycling: There are numerous walking and cycling paths around Te Anau and along the lake’s shores, suitable for all fitness levels.

We stayed in a campsite for one night and the facilities are excellent; there are multiple places to do laundry.

There were plenty of clean, hot showers & toilets. It also had a kitchen area with plenty of seats and a TV lounge room with various games to keep you entertained, especially if the weather is bad outside.

The campsite also had fairly fast Wi-Fi and we were able to do work on our laptops in the common areas in the evenings without any issues.

Te Anau has a lovely clear lake where you can do plenty of waters ports. Te Anau now is also famous for the Glow worm caves, which can book onto Tours.

There are a ton of amenities in the town, such as quaint restaurants, parks, a gym, bars and convenience stores.

Consider stopping to eat at the Fat Duck restaurant!

Eglinton Valley

Eglinton Valley is a beautiful little stock around an hour outside of Te Anau.

The Eglinton Valley is a strikingly beautiful and dramatic landscape located within Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand.

This valley is part of the scenic route to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions, making it a well-traveled path for those heading to see the fjord.

The Eglinton Valley is known for its wide, flat floor, steep mountains, and the Eglinton River that meanders through it, creating a picturesque setting that is often described as looking like something straight out of a fantasy novel (or, if you fancy, Lord of the Rings – have a look at filming locations here).

This is another viewpoint which will take you about 5 to 10 minutes and is a great place to take photos. You get an entire view of the whole valley and often wide clouds hugging the size of the mountains.

The road is also extremely long and straight, meaning you can take some incredible photographs but just be wary of traffic. When we were here there was very little traffic which meant we were able to safely take photographs.

Mirror Lakes

Another 20 minutes on from Eglinton Valley is Mirror lake, which is another five minute stopover on the side of the road which many visitors stop at.

You also might sometimes find pop-up coffee stores and baristas serving coffee to tourists which is a great idea as there are few facilities in between Te Anau in Milford Sound.

This is an opportunity not just to admire the geographical scenery, but to spot some wildlife as well. Take a short five minute walk through the boardwalk through the trees to the edge of the stream and you will spot lots of different types of wildlife like freshwater eels birds and more.

The viewpoint is just as iconic, and the landscape only becomes more and more dramatic as you drive on from Mirror Lake.

Lake Gunn

A little further on from Meera lake is lake Gunn which is another short scenic stop if you fancy another stretch of your legs. It is another iconic viewpoint of the mountains in Eglinton Valley.

It’s known for:

• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by dense native beech forest and the towering peaks of the Fiordland mountains, Lake Gunn offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. The lake’s reflective waters provide stunning mirror images of the surrounding scenery on calm days.
• Nature Walks: One of the highlights near Lake Gunn is the Lake Gunn Nature Walk, a short and easy loop track that takes visitors through lush forest, offering glimpses of the lake and opportunities to spot native birds and plants. This walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it a perfect family activity.
• Key Summit Track: For those seeking a more challenging hike, the nearby Key Summit Track branches off from the Routeburn Track and leads hikers to an alpine wetland with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This track is more demanding but rewards hikers with some of the best views in Fiordland National Park.
• Photography: The area’s natural beauty makes it a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts. The combination of the lake, forest, and mountains offers diverse photographic opportunities, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the landscape is bathed in warm hues.

Gertrude saddle route

The Gertrude Saddle Route is one of the walking trails and pit stops on the side of the road where you start to see some of the incredible waterfalls iconic to Milford Sound.

You’ll start to notice there are thousands of waterfalls to be seen in every direction, if it has been recently raining. If you fancy a hike, then consider the Gertrude saddle route.

The Gertrude Saddle Route is a challenging and rewarding day hike located in Fiordland National Park, on the South Island of New Zealand.

This hike offers some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the region, including panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and, on a clear day, Milford Sound itself.

The track is known for its steep, rocky terrain and requires a good level of fitness and some hiking experience, especially in alpine environments.

Track Details

• Length: The return journey is approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) in total.
• Duration: Expect to spend around 4 to 6 hours to complete the hike, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the saddle enjoying the views.
• Difficulty: The route is considered challenging due to steep, rocky sections, and it can be slippery when wet. There are also sections where you need to use your hands to climb or descend, and there are fixed ropes in places to assist hikers.
• Best Time to Go: The best time to attempt the Gertrude Saddle Route is during the summer months (November to April) when the track is mostly free of snow and ice. However, weather conditions in Fiordland can be unpredictable year-round, so always check the forecast before setting out and be prepared for changing conditions.

Safety Considerations

• Weather: The weather in Fiordland National Park can change rapidly. Be prepared for cold, wet, and windy conditions even if you start your hike in good weather.
• Avalanche Risk: During winter and spring (June to October), there is a significant risk of avalanches in the area. Hikers should check the avalanche forecast and avoid the route if there is any risk.
• Experience Required: Due to the challenging nature of the terrain, it’s recommended that only experienced hikers with good navigation skills attempt this route. It’s also advisable to hike in groups.

Knobs flat

Knobs Flat is located on the route to Milford Sound within Fiordland National Park and is a perfectly serene stopover you must make so you can admire New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes.

This area is a great place for anyone exploring the region’s natural beauty and a good place for a stopover. The views of the vast mountains and lush rainforests is pretty spectacular.

Christie Falls & Lake Marian Track

This is a great place to stop! The waterfalls here are an absolute torrent and it’s amazing to watch!

The Lake Marian Track is a popular hiking trail just before Christie Falls in the Fiordland National Park just off Milford Sound Highway. This track offers a stunning journey through native forest, leading to the beautiful alpine Lake Marian, an alpine lake tucked away in a hanging valley formed by glacial action. Here are some key facts about the Lake Marian Track:

1. Location and Access: The track starts from the Hollyford Road, off the Milford Road (State Highway 94), which is the road to Milford Sound. The trailhead is located at the Lower Hollyford Road, near the Marian Corner, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Te Anau.
2. Difficulty and Duration: The Lake Marian Track is considered a moderate to challenging hike, primarily due to its steep sections and uneven terrain. The hike to Lake Marian and back takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, covering a distance of around 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) return. The first section of the track, leading to a series of waterfalls (Marian Falls), is relatively easy and takes about 20 minutes one way.
3. Landscape and Scenery: The track offers a diverse range of scenery, from lush beech forests and impressive waterfalls to the stunning alpine scenery surrounding Lake Marian itself. The lake is set in a glacial cirque, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
4. Best Time to Visit: The best time to hike the Lake Marian Track is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is more stable, and the track is generally snow-free. However, the track can be accessed year-round, weather permitting. Always check the weather forecast and track conditions before setting out, as mountainous areas are prone to sudden weather changes.
5. Wildlife and Vegetation: The Fiordland National Park is home to a variety of native birds, and keen observers may spot species such as the famous kea (a native parrot), the South Island robin, and the bellbird. The forest around the track is predominantly beech, with lush ferns and mosses.
6. Preparation and Safety: Proper preparation is essential for anyone planning to hike the Lake Marian Track. Hikers should carry adequate water, food, and layers of clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended, as the track can be slippery, especially after rain. Always inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
7. Conservation Efforts: The Fiordland National Park is part of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding natural values. Conservation efforts in the area focus on protecting its unique ecosystems, controlling invasive species, and maintaining the natural habitat.
8. No Facilities: There are no facilities at Lake Marian itself, so hikers need to carry in all they need and carry out all their rubbish. It’s important to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the area’s natural beauty.

Milford Sound

You’ll reach Milford Sound through the homer tunnel, and when you come out the other end it is stunning! Milford Sound itself has some great hiking routes that you want to explore if only to admire the views. If you’re stretched for time, the easiest one is along the fjords and takes 20 minutes.

Milford Sound Car Park

1. Limited Spaces: The car park at Milford Sound can fill up quickly, especially during the peak tourist season (November through March). It’s advisable to arrive early in the day to secure a parking spot.
2. Free Parking – find free parking here, but it’s about a 20 minute walk. This is an easy option, unless it’s raining.
3. Parking Fees: If you decide to park right by the tourist information centre, there will be a parking fee for using the car park. These fees help manage the area’s environmental impact and maintain facilities. Check the latest information as policies and fees can change.
4. Road Conditions: The road to Milford Sound (State Highway 94) is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives but can be challenging, especially in winter. It passes through mountainous terrain and includes the Homer Tunnel, a one-lane tunnel that can have significant wait times. Check road conditions and weather forecasts before you travel, and be prepared for changing conditions, and if it’s snowing, carry snow chains.
5. Facilities at Milford Sound: Besides parking, Milford Sound offers various facilities, including a visitor terminal with restrooms, cafés, and souvenir shops. From here, you can embark on boat cruises to explore the fiord.

Milford Sound Cruises

There are a tonne of cruises around Milford Sound that will take you out into the Fiordland national park and it’s well worth a visit.

There’s nowhere else in the world quite like it! Most say that the boat cruise on the South Island is probably the most significant highlight of their New Zealand / Aotearoa trip.

When we went, a severe weather storm rolled in meaning that a lot of the waters were choppy and the captain turned around, however we were still able to appreciate the beauty of the place before it became too foggy. It’s one of the plenty of great day tours that you might want to consider doing.

Accommodation Milford Sound

Read my full guide on accommodation at Milford Sound here!

There’s not a lot of options for accommodation in Milford Sound, so you’ll need to ensure you book in advance! But the accommodation that is available is stunningly beautiful! There’s the beautiful Milford Sound Lodge, have a look at the photos below for some stunning scenery!

You can also choose to stay on an overnight cruise (recommended!!!). When we went we thought it would be ok to do a 90 minute cruise but it was during a weather warning and it was absolutely rubbish because we couldn’t see anything! An overnight cruise is a much better option if you want time to enjoy the views and scenery.

South Island Weather

Here is the average weather on the South Island by each month. The South Island of New Zealand experiences a diverse climate, with the west coast receiving high rainfall and the east coast being drier and cooler.

Seasonal temperatures vary widely, from warm, sunny summers to cold, snowy winters, especially in the mountainous regions.

South Island Weather in January

Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
Average sunset time: 9:30 PM

South Island Weather in February

Average temperature: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainy days: 7
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:00 PM

South Island Weather in March

Average temperature: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 8:15 PM

South Island Weather in April

Average temperature: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 11
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:45 PM

South Island Weather in May

Average temperature: 6°C (43°F)
Average rainy days: 10
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

South Island Weather in June

Average temperature: 4°C (39°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:15 PM

South Island Weather in July

Average temperature: 3°C (37°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

South Island Weather in August

Average temperature: 5°C (41°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 10
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:00 PM

South Island Weather in September

Average temperature: 7°C (45°F)
Average rainy days: 10
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:30 PM

South Island Weather in October

Average temperature: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 13
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 7:45 PM

South Island Weather in November

Average temperature: 11°C (52°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
Average sunset time: 8:30 PM

South Island Weather in December

Average temperature: 13°C (55°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:15 PM

Quick links

Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand articles for attractions nearby on your South Island itinerary:

• Omarama Clay Cliffs
• Wanaka lavender farm
• Lake Tekapo purple flowers: the famous Lupins
• Tekapo Hot Springs
• Tekapo Star Gazing Dark Nature Reserve
• Onsen hot pools
• Akaroa Dolphin Watching
• Best travel adapter for New Zealand