The road to Milford Sound - Te Anau - TravBuddy

The journey to Milford Sound is just as amazing as Milford Sound it self and well worth the drive.

Starting in Te Anau, the road heads north and follows the edge of Lake Te Anau before entering into the Fiordland National Park. You will be amazed at the many mountains, lakes, streams and waterfalls...I lost count.

As I find in most of New Zealand the road is well sign posted and gives you plenty of direction on places to stop and view the scenery. My favorite stop is the Mirror Lakes.

TIPS FOR THE TRIP:

** I recommend staying in Te Anau if you plan on visiting Milford Sound. There are coaches that come in from Queenstown which is about a 5 hour journey one way. It makes for a really long day.

** The journey from Te Anau one way takes about 2 hours with out stopping. So allow your self plenty of time to get to Milford, especically if you are booked on one of the boats.

** Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you leave Te Anau as there are none on the way or in Milford. Unless you choose to take one of the tours that is, I am sure the bus driver will remember to fill up!

** Pack a lunch and/or snacks and drinks as I only counted one small cafe in Milford. Some of the boat tours offer packed lunches.

** Check the weather, especially in the winter months. The road will close if there is a lot of snow due to possible avalanches. It is the only road that will take you to Milford.

** Dress in layers and bring rain gear. Best to be prepared.

** Charge your camera batteries or bring extra as you will want to take hundreds of photos. Oh, and plenty of film for those that have yet to go digital.

** Keep an eye out for the Kea parrots. These arctic parrots are quite beautiful but are known to like rubber. When you are busy looking at the scenery they may get busy at pecking at the rubber around the windscreen of your car with their beaks.

** And lastly be prepared to be awe inspired by this beautiful piece of the world!! And that is all before you even get to Milford Sound.