Fiordland National Park in Southland, New Zealand attracts millions of people on a yearly basis with Milford Sound being a favorite spot. There is only one way into Milford Sound and that is by driving the Milford Sound Road which is surrounded by pristine scenery and the sounds of a river or two rushing through the rainforest wilderness.
The journey winds over alpine roads and through pristine areas of Fiordland National Park with many points along the way which are worth exploring. Being one of the wettest regions in New Zealand, there can be 250 mm of rain falling within a 24 hour period creating a mass of waterfalls and rushing rivers. The area is prone to avalanches, moreso in the cold months when the snow falls regularly.
From Te Anau to Milford Sound, the road is approximately 121 kilometers in length taking approximately 2 hours minimum to drive. Leaving from Queenstown, New Zealand, travel time increases to over 4 hours as the distance is about 295 kilometers.
Pristine River along side the Milford Road, Darran Mountains, Fiordland National Park, Fiordland, South Island, New Zealand.
= click to scroll forwards/backwards