Milford sound Hwy
Milford sound Hwy
5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Milford sound Hwy and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
5 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
251 reviews
Excellent
206
Very good
37
Average
8
Poor
0
Terrible
0
enaidnosnibor
Sydney, Australia71 contributions
Dec 2022
We drove ourselves up and down this road several times, always stopping off at fabulous Mirror Lakes. There are tons of native birds here and they are used to people so you can get decent shots - South Island robin, tui, bellbird and fantail are some of the species you see, plus ducks on the water and eels in the water. We saw bats here at dusk but they wheeled around too much to photo. The lakes were gorgeous. We also did the Lake Gunn walk where there were also lots of birds. We stopped off at the waterfalls, and at Monkey Creek always saw the cheeky keas who were lots of fun - great birds. We danced among the lupins - they are weeds but so pretty. The walk to Humboldt falls and the Marian Creek walk are both worth it. Very beautiful. Loved this road.
Written March 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A B
Wellington, New Zealand41 contributions
Nov 2021
You hear so much hype about Milford Sound I was doubtful it could live up to expectations. I was so wrong. The drive from Te Anau to Milford is the most ridiculously scenic road you can imagine. The Homer Tunnel is spooky as you enter the narrow dark entrance and see the raw, unlined tunnel. The only blemish in the entire trip was the daylight robbery of a $25 car park fee to go on any of the day tours ($50 for overnight).
Written November 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
themanfromearth
Singapore, Singapore1,594 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We went with Jucy tours. Absolutely fantastic drive up to Milford and back. The best part was not the sound but the bus driver. I am so upset i forget his name but he was a prolific speaker and an absolute legend. He is ex army & His father had an integral role in the making of the road to Milford and he had also lived and he himself worked in the region in conservation roles. Fabulous commentary on history, people, making of the road, the hardships - absolutely heart warming and tragic at times. Kudos to Jucy for keeping such a TOP quality guide. Loved it!
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
guennie3
Cambridge, UK460 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This is a most beautiful drive and the best way to get to Milford Sound. We drove one way in the rain and saw so many amazing temporary waterfalls in addition to the permanent sights. We stayed overnight at the campsite in the rainforest and then returned next day in the sunshine with blue skies making our return views spectacular in a different way. Almost too many amazing photo ops. Take this road rather than a plane or helicopter for the full Milford experience. Better even than by coach tour as you can stop as often as you like whenever you choose.
Written November 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pauline Puratan... G
Hamilton, New Zealand40 contributions
Oct 2020
The drive from TEU to MFN is very beautiful and you need to make sure that if you are driving you do not get distracted. The roads are well maintained and sealed. However there are always roadworks due to the ever changing weather in this area.
If self driving take extra care because this is a busy stretch of road for cars, motorhomes and tour buses. Do not speed and drive to the conditions at all times.
Travelling on a tour is a good option.
If self driving take extra care because this is a busy stretch of road for cars, motorhomes and tour buses. Do not speed and drive to the conditions at all times.
Travelling on a tour is a good option.
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toon
Eindhoven, The Netherlands300 contributions
Nov 2019
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound (120 km) takes about 2.5 hours and I think it is one of the most beautiful in New Zealand. It is really breathtaking. So many beautiful views, lakes, mountains, rivers, waterfalls and trees. There are several places where you can stop to enjoy the beautiful scenery and to take pictures. If you're lucky also from the Kea. It can be very busy on this road, give fellow road users the space to pass. At the Homer tunnel there is a chance that you will have to wait a while (traffic light). Enjoy the view while you wait. About halfway along the route and at Milford sound there are toilets. There are no gas stations, make sure you have refueled before you go. It was a great experience and absolutely recommendable.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicky Silve
Abbadia Lariana, Italy684 contributions
Jan 2021
New Zealand is known as “the less known land in the world”; well, Peter Jackson had a great idea to shoot “The Lord of The Rings” here, it’s thanks to him that this country is now well-know among cinema enthusiast.
Well, this is for sure one of the Natural Wonders of the World, as Rudyard Kipling said. You have to experience it on your skin to understand.
Well, this is for sure one of the Natural Wonders of the World, as Rudyard Kipling said. You have to experience it on your skin to understand.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Breeze_NZ
Christchurch, New Zealand480 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
Driving through to Milford Sound along the highway may seem long and tedious but worth it! The mountains and majestic landscapes makes you feel so in awe of how amazing nature can be. It was raining when traveling through but don't let that discourage you. The perks of the wet weather is the multiple cascading waterfalls coming off the mountains. We were lucky to have a bit of snow in January and a visit from a friendly kea before we hit the tunnel. Will be happy to travel back here again.
Written January 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renee
Tauranga, New Zealand39 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
Once you enter the National Park you are blown away by the amazing scenery. Our first stop was at the Mirror Lakes, an easy five minute walk along boardwalks with good spots to take photos that reflect the mountains on a clear day. There were plenty of other lovely places to stop and enjoy the views, which are well sign-posted so you know when to turn off the road. Besides being wowed by all the beautiful mountains, we saw Kea in the wild, and enjoyed the drive through the Homer tunnel. It doesn't feel like a 2-hour drive (with short stops) from Te Anau when you're immersed in such beauty.
Written January 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David L
San Francisco, CA575 contributions
Dec 2019
Some say this road is best experienced by self-driving. I can see why. There are multiple places I would have liked to stop to take photos. However, I was on a motor coach ride from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Reflections and glare on the large windows often spoil photography, and a first-timer wouldn't know whether one side of the coach or the other would afford better photo opportunities. If the weather is inclement, or during winter snow season, the coach is probably a better choice as the road is winding and steep as you descend to the sound.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing