New Zealand, Fiordland
The Milford Road
Distance
119 km
Time
2h 40m
Driving score
8.8
We choose the roads, waypoints are preserved so Google Maps follows the intended route.
Editorial
Why drive it
The road runs from tussock flats into the Eglinton Valley, then climbs to the Homer Tunnel through a wall of rock with waterfalls coming off it. Beyond the tunnel the descent into the Cleddau is the best part and almost nobody stops on it.
It is a dead end, which keeps the traffic honest. Drive in early, take the boat, and drive out in the evening when the valley empties and the light goes long.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Road width
- Two lanes, single lane through the Homer Tunnel
- Surface
- Very good, ice in the shaded sections
- Best direction
- Te Anau to Milford Sound
- Best time of day
- Leave by 06:30, the tour coaches follow at eight
- Best season
- November to April
- Elevation
- 940 m at the Homer Tunnel portal
- Community rating
- 4.9 / 5
Proprietary scoring
The numbers
The journey
Route highlights
Start
Te Anau
Fuel here, there is none beyond
Photo Spot
Mirror Lakes
Five minutes, still water, reflections
Viewpoint
Eglinton Valley
Flat straight through beech forest
Coffee
Knobs Flat
Last shelter before the climb
Mountain Pass
Homer Tunnel
Single lane, dripping, unlit
Finish
Milford Sound
Mitre Peak straight out of the water
Where to stay
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From the members
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