Day 4 of our New Zealand South Island campervan trip! On this day, we took the breathtaking drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound, one of the most scenic routes in the country. Along the way, we stopped at Eglinton Flats, Christie Falls, Monkey Creek, and Pop’s View Lookout, taking in stunning landscapes before passing through Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. We joined a 2-hour cruise, the easiest and most popular way to explore Milford Sound, with waterfalls, towering cliffs, and occasional wildlife sightings. After the cruise, we had to rush back to our campervan and clear Homer Tunnel before its nightly closure—anyone who misses it has to stay in Milford Sound for the night! Join us as we navigate this incredible journey, capturing the best views and moments along the way.

Date visited: Nov-2024

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Things to do (Day 4): Milford Sound

1: Eglinton Flats (Map)

A picturesque open valley along Milford Road in Fiordland National Park, known for its vast golden tussock plains framed by towering mountains. It’s one of the first major scenic stops when driving from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

2: Christie Falls (Map)

Small but scenic roadside waterfall along Milford Road. Located near Eglinton Valley, it cascades down a lush, moss-covered rock face, making it a refreshing and peaceful stop on the drive to Milford Sound.

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3: Monkey Creek (Map)

A crystal-clear glacier-fed stream along Milford Road. It’s a popular stop where visitors can fill their bottles with pure mountain water and take in stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Kea, the rare New Zealand alpine parrot, is frequently spotted in the area.

4: Homer Tunnel (Map)

Homer Tunnel is a 1.2 km-long, one-lane tunnel that cuts through the Darran Mountains, connecting Te Anau to Milford Sound via Milford Road. Opened in 1954, this is the only road access to the fiord. Traffic is one-way and alternates between directions, controlled by traffic signals. It is important to note that the tunnel closes overnight (check the relevant website for latest schedule), so timing your return trip out from Milford Sound is critical.

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5: Milford Sound (Map)

Milford Sound is a breathtaking fiord in Fiordland National Park, renowned for its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic scenery. Often called the “eighth wonder of the world,” it is one of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions. The fiord receives heavy rainfall, creating stunning temporary waterfalls that plunge from sheer rock faces into the deep waters below. It is also home to diverse wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and rare Fiordland crested penguins.

The easiest and most popular way to explore Milford Sound is by cruise, offering up-close views of its majestic landscape and waterfalls like Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls. Adventurous visitors can also experience the fiord by kayaking or take in aerial views on a scenic flight, revealing the vast wilderness of Fiordland from above.

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6: Pop’s View Lookout (Map)

Pop’s View Lookout is a scenic viewpoint along Milford Road, offering panoramic views over the Hollyford Valley. The lookout is named in memory of Robert Alister Andrew, affectionately known as “Pop,” who tragically lost his life in an avalanche in 1983. Established to honor his connection to the area, the lookout provides travelers with a safe spot to pause and appreciate the breathtaking alpine landscape.

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