Road Trip Queenstown to Milford Sound Drive: A Scenic 3-Day Itinerary

First things first, take some time to enjoy what Queenstown has to offer before you set out on the trip! Whether you’re in the mood to relax or be adventurous, here are our top recommendations.

Ski fields

You don't have to travel far from the city centre to hit the slopes of Queenstown’s famed ski fields.

With one of the longest ski seasons in the southern hemisphere, it isn't hard to enjoy a great day of snowboarding or skiing!

Book your single-day pass at a field like The Remarkables or Coronet Peak to avoid any hassle.

Queenstown Botanic Gardens

For a family-friendly experience, stroll through the botanical gardens along Lake Wakatipu. This easy trail is ideal for families who want to see a wide variety of trees and plants while getting your steps in.

The area has benches along the way for you to take in views of locations like Lake Wakatipu, the Kelvin Peninsula and Cecil and Walter Peak. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the South Island’s breathtaking scenery.

Onsen Hot Pools

Maybe you had a long flight or just want a quiet day to slow down before shifting gears tomorrow. Either way, we can’t recommend the Onsen Hot Pools enough!

They’re best known for their hot pools that boast a stunning view of Shotover River. Treat yourself to their tranquil day spa with its high-quality therapists and treatments.

This leg of the trip truly shows that the journey can be just as rewarding as the destination. You have plenty of time to make stops along the way, turning your journey from good to great.

Drift Bay (17 kms – 20 minutes from Queenstown)

Your first glimpse into the South Island’s finest views on the road is Drift Bay. This stunning location is a classic South Island example of the rugged meeting the scenic.

You can find a picnic area overlooking the water a few kilometres from Frankton after the Lakeside Estate turn-off. This spot is also perfect for relaxing, fishing, or strolling. It's the perfect location for a quick pitstop.

Devil's Staircase Lookout (17 kms – 15 minutes from Drift Bay)

Where else can you find a lookout view of Lake Wakatipu, Frankton, and the Southern Alps all in one spot? The lookout is aptly named after the Devil's Staircase, a winding road that snakes its way down the hillside to the lake.

As it is a short drive from the town, this spot is worth a stop for the view alone.

Te Anau (137 kms – 1 hour 30 minutes)

Just like that, you’ve made it to your day 2 destination! Te Anau is the ideal place to stay for the night as you’ll have plenty of accommodations and shops to choose from. Whether you’d like to rest up and enjoy the small-town vibes or explore the Fiordland wilderness, it’s worth taking the time to explore.

Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is a great choice for families looking to see the unique bird species native to New Zealand. Be sure to check out the Takahe, a rare flightless bird with a dwindling population of approximately 500.

You can book a guided tour in advance through the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. While there is no entry fee, the sanctuary does appreciate gold coin donations.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Take a guided cave tour of the astonishing display created by native glowworms.

This tour will give you an unforgettable perspective on the cave system where they live. It's well worth taking the time for this remarkable experience.

Lions Lookout Point

If you plan to head out early the next morning, we suggest making a pit stop at Lions Lookout Point. 360° views of Lake Te Anau and the Southern Alps are worth the 5-minute detour to get there.

As you get closer to Milford Sound, the drive from Te Anau holds plenty of exciting stops of its own. Spend the morning finishing off any activities you didn't get around to yesterday before hitting the road.

Te Anau Downs (33 kms – 25 minutes from Te Anau)

After a short drive from Te Anau you’ll reach Te Anau Downs. It’s a stop worthy of its own day trip itinerary if you have the time. While there are heaps of places to visit, here are a few of our top picks:

Eglinton Valley

If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you probably recognised the mountains in Eglinton Valley as Misty Mountains on-screen. This Instagrammable location boasts a stunning assortment of vibrant colours.

The valley is notable for its beautiful rocky mountains covered in native beech forest. It's also home to famous local golden tussock grass.

Lake Mistletoe

Sometimes nature walks on the South Island are so good, that you just have to squeeze more than one on the trip! The track from Milford Road to Lake Mistletoe takes you on a peaceful trek through luscious green forest and crystal-clear water.

Taking less than an hour, it's easy to squeeze this walk into your itinerary.

Mirror Lakes Walk

This short, accessible walk is the perfect way to stretch your legs before carrying on your drive toward Milford Sound. Named after the reflective lakes which provide a second perspective on the Earl Mountains, this walk enables you to stroll through beech forest and enjoy the serene scenic sights of Fiordland National Park.

Pop's View Lookout (53 kms – 45 minutes from Te Anau Downs)

This famed lookout offers a remarkable perspective of Hollyford Valley and the distant mountain peaks of the region. Keep a sharp eye out, as Pop’s View is also a prime spot for encountering the elusive and endangered kea. The South Island’s iconic alpine parrot is on the bucket list of any wildlife enthusiast.

Milford Sound

You’ve finally made it! The crown jewel of Fiordland National Park, its features continue to be pristine and untouched due to its remote location. Once you see its captivating landscapes, you'll be glad you made the journey to visit Milford Sound.

You can look at as many photos as you like, but there's nothing quite like seeing it in person. Here are some of our favourite activities to enjoy once you arrive at Milford Sound:

Milford Sound Cruise

One of the most popular options to enjoy Milford Sound is to take a boat cruise around the Sound. There are plenty of options to choose from based on your preferred duration, price, amenities, and locations to visit.

Cruises can range from small intimate boats to bigger cruises that offer onboard meals. Book these cruises early to avoid disappointment, especially during the peak times of the year.

Scenic Flights

If sea travel isn’t for you, how about soaring through the skies? Milford Sound flights might be the most glamorous way to travel around the area. There are plenty of businesses offering daily flights, allowing you to enjoy a stunning birds-eye perspective on the Sound.

Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

New Zealand's only floating underwater observatory offers an unforgettable glimpse into the Sound’s underwater environment. While you’re there, you can also visit the Milford Sound Discovery Centre to learn more about the local history of the area.

Explore the origins of the region, including Maori and European settlement and the building of the Homer Tunnel. Visits to the Milford Sound Observatory and Discovery Centre must be pre-purchased as part of a cruise package.

Kayaking Tours

Want to explore the waters of Milford Sound with virtually no limit? A kayaking tour is perfect for you. Similar to cruises, you have an array of choices for the tour based on your preferences.

Choose from short half-day tours to multi-day expeditions to discover Milford Sound your way.