Head to head
New Zealand's South Island. Scenic dead end or the high pass?
Our pick is the Milford Road.
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Verdicts weigh road quality, scenery, traffic and how likely you are to actually enjoy the drive on the day. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 31 March 2026
The numbers
| Measure | Milford Road | Crown Range Road |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers Atlas rating | 9.6 | 9.5 |
| Driving score | 9.2 / 10 | 9.3 / 10 |
| Scenery score | 9.9 / 10 | 9.6 / 10 |
| Length | 119 km | 70 km |
| Where | Fiordland | Otago |
| Season | Avalanche closures in winter, carry chains | Snow and ice, chains may be required in winter |
Verdict
The road into Milford Sound is one of the great scenic drives on earth, and the Homer Tunnel approach is unlike anywhere else.
It is an out and back with buses and avalanche closures. The Crown Range is the better pure drive and takes a fraction of the time.
The roads