Milford Road
State Highway 94 from Te Anau to Milford Sound, cutting through glacial valleys in Fiordland National Park and the Homer Tunnel, often ranked among the world's most beautiful roads.
The Milford Road (State Highway 94) runs from Te Anau deep into the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, ending at the Milford Sound wharf. It is about 119 km long and is the only road to Milford Sound. The first half follows the northern shore of Lake Te Anau into the broad Eglinton Valley. Along the way are Mirror Lakes, which reflect snowy peaks on calm days, the Gunn Lake nature walk, and The Divide, the starting point for the Routeburn and Kepler tracks. The second half climbs more steeply and passes through the Homer Tunnel, a single-lane tunnel about 1.2 km long at an elevation of about 945 metres. The road then winds down the far side. Drivers can stop for The Chasm walk, a gorge trail, before reaching Milford Sound for a boat cruise. Driving time without stops is about 2 to 2.5 hours. Allow a full day with stops and a cruise, or stay two nights in Te Anau. There are no fuel stations within 120 km along the road, so fill up in Te Anau before leaving. Avalanche risk is high in winter and spring, and some sections prohibit stopping. Carry snow chains and check NZTA road reports. Kea parrots are often seen at the Homer Tunnel entrance. Do not feed them.