The Milford Road
The Milford road, also known as State Highway 94, is one of the highest and most scenic state highways in New Zealand. The road peaks at its highest point at 940 metres (3084 feet) above sea level and takes you from Te Anau through the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound.
Although Milford Sound is world famous, one of the highlights of a trip is the journey getting there. The road can be narrow in places and windy around the mountain passes. Transit New Zealand recommend taking an organised coach trip if you are not familiar with the driving conditions especially during winter or icy days.
All the drivers for Kiwi Discovery are fully trained and experienced in the winter driving conditions, and will put the chains on the wheels if needed (while you sit back in the comfort of the warm coach!).
The Homer Tunnel can be very narrow and campervans should exercise caution through the 1270 metre long tunnel as there are parts with a low roof at the sides. The Homer Tunnel also runs on a steep gradient into Milford Sound. Traffic lights were only fitted in 2004 and help alleviate the problem of two larger vehicles trying to pass each other inside the tunnel.
It is at the Homer Tunnel that the avalanche risk is highest and the road status can be checked on the transit website.
The History of the Road
During the 1930s depression, the government employed the surplus of unemployed men and set about building the road and the Homer Tunnel.
Many workers were killed by the harsh conditions including avalanches and floods, and finally in 1952 the road was completed. Road conditions during the winter were (and are still) treacherous and it wasn't until the 1970s that the road was opened year round having previously been closed for the winter. Today it is still a requirement that your vehicle carries chains with a $750 fine if police find motorists without them during the winter.
Times and Distances to Milford Sound
- Queenstown to Te Anau is 172km (107miles). Non stop is 2 hours.*
- Te Anau to Milford Sound is 121km (72 miles). Non stop is 2 hours.*
- Queenstown to Milford Sound is 293km (586km return journey) or 179 miles return.
* Times are based on good weather and driving conditions.
There are no petrol stations (or cell phone coverage) on the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound, and motorists are advised to fill up before their trip.
Maps of Milford Sound and Fiordland
The Coach to Milford Sound
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For the Milford Sound tours, Kiwi Discovery use a luxury 51 seater coach with plenty of leg room and big windows for viewing, dual exits and reclining seats with 2 DVD screens for the return journey. FREE WiFI access - our coach now boasts free wireless internet between Queenstown and Te Anau and back. |
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