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Te Anau (Milford Sound)
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Te Anau (Milford Sound)

Gateway to Milford and Doubtful Sounds

Plan this trip
2 daysIdeal stay₹7,700From / night₹2,750Food / day₹6,050Entry

A lake town on the edge of Fiordland National Park and the base for Milford Sound (Piopiotahi), 120 km away up the Milford Road through the Eglinton Valley and the Homer Tunnel: about 2 hours' drive, longer with the stops. A cruise on the fiord passes Mitre Peak and waterfalls that run hardest after rain. Doubtful Sound, wilder and quieter, is reached by boat and coach from Manapouri, 20 minutes away. Te Anau's own glowworm caves are across the lake. In winter the Milford Road can close for avalanche risk, and drivers must carry chains.

Highlights

  • Milford Sound cruise past Mitre Peak
  • The Milford Road: Mirror Lakes and the Homer Tunnel
  • Doubtful Sound overnight cruise
  • Te Anau Glowworm Caves
  • Key Summit walk
  • Scenic flight back to Queenstown

Things to do

  • Drive the Milford Road and cruise Milford SoundMorning · 8h
  • Doubtful Sound day cruise from ManapouriMorning · 8h
  • Te Anau Glowworm CavesEvening · 2h 30m
  • Key Summit walk on the Routeburn TrackMorning · 3h
  • Lakefront walk to the bird sanctuary (takahē)Afternoon · 1h 30m

Tours & tickets

Tours & tickets in Te Anau (Milford Sound)via GetYourGuideTours & tickets in Te Anau (Milford Sound)via Klook

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When to go

Best time: November – April

Worth knowing

Milford Road Avalanche Season

⚠️ From about June to October (sometimes into November) the Milford Road beyond Te Anau can close at short notice for avalanche control, and every vehicle must carry snow chains. Don't stop in the signed avalanche zones. Keep a spare day for Milford Sound, check the road status (NZTA) each morning, and consider a coach tour or a flight, which are refunded if the road stays shut.

Heads up

Sandflies at Milford Sound

Milford Sound and the Milford Road stops are sandfly country: repellent, long sleeves and trousers, especially at the wharf and the Chasm. Rain makes the waterfalls; it doesn't stop the cruises.

Heads up

Milford Sound Cruises Sell Out

In summer the midday Milford Sound cruises fill first, and the car park at Milford fills by late morning. Book the cruise ahead and take an early (before 10:00) or late sailing, which are quieter and often cheaper.