Planning Your Trip to Milford Sound
You are about to embark on one of the most beautiful journeys in the world.
We want to make sure you're prepared. Here's everything you need to know about travelling to (and staying) in Milford Sound.
How to get to Milford Sound Lodge
Milford Sound Lodge is located within Fiordland National Park, approximately 120 km (75 miles) from the nearest township, Te Anau. The lodge is a five-minute drive from the Milford Sound Cruise terminal.
Most guests arrive at Milford Sound Lodge by car or campervan, travelling along the spectacular State Highway 94. This is the only road access in and out of the area.
The road to Milford road is not your standard highway! Single-lane and remote, as well as steep and windy in many sections, it is a drive which requires great care and vigilance at all times. You will pass through the Homer Tunnel, which is a one-lane only tunnel and is prone to closures due to weather.
Find out more about the Homer Tunnel here.
During winter, the Milford road is sometimes subject to weather-related closures. Be vigilant and check the Milford road conditions before you leave. Regardless of the time of year, we advise you to check the road status before beginning your journey. If you are travelling between April and September, ensure you have snow chains in your vehicle. These can be hired from service stations in Te Anau or Queenstown.
While the road can be challenging, it is also an essential part of the Milford Sound experience. It's a spectacular drive and provides many places to pull over and explore your first glimpses of Fiordland National Park.
While the drive can be done in two hours, we recommend you allow longer to explore the many short walks and photo stops along the way.
Find out more about sightseeing along the Milford road here.
What's the weather like in Milford Sound?
There is no bad time of year to visit Milford Sound. It is spectacular in summer, winter and everything in between. Summer brings warm temperatures and a mixture of all weather conditions – everything from sunshine to torrential rain can be experienced in a single day. Winter is known for blue skies and amazing visibility, with spectacular starry nights.
Whatever the weather, Milford Sound is worth the visit. The rainy days deliver an abundance of waterfalls and sunny days are your chance to capture that perfect photo.
Discover more about Milford Sound weather here.
Check the weather in Milford Sound right now.
Getting fuel in Milford Sound
There are no service stations (fuel stops) along State Highway 94, the road to Milford Sound. We strongly encourage you to fill up in Te Anau before heading to Milford Sound. You should also check your vehicle's water and oil levels before heading off, as a breakdown will cause a major headache. There is a chance that petrol and diesel may be available for purchase from the self-service station in Milford Sound, but we don't recommend you rely on this option.
Shops and Dining in Milford Sound
There are two options for dining in Milford Sound. These are Pio Pio restaurant at Milford Sound Lodge and the Discover Milford Sound Information Centre & Cafe located near the Cruise Terminal.
Guests at Milford Sound Lodge also have the use of a well-equipped guest kitchen available 24 hours a day. If you are planning on cooking in our guest kitchen, you will need to buy your groceries in Te Anau as there is no supermarket in Milford Sound. Te Anau offers two supermarkets - Fresh Choice and Four Square, both easily located in the centre of town.
Pio Pio restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The seasonally-inspired and locally-sourced dinner menu is sure to satisfy the weariest of adventurers!
Booking Milford Sound Activities
Our team are Milford Sound experts and are well-experienced in all there is to do in Fiordland. When you arrive, feel free to have a chat and ask any questions about activities, or contact us now for more information.
We can book all of your Milford Sound activities, including kayaking trips, guided hiking, the full range of Milford Sound cruise options and other local activities and experiences.
Check-In and Check-Out
You can check in anytime between 3 pm and 8 pm. Please let us know in advance if you plan on arriving any earlier or later. Check out time is 10am.
See the facilities available at Milford Sound Lodge here
And finally, what makes Milford Sound so special?
The word iconic is often overused when describing New Zealand's dramatic landscapes. But Fiordland and Milford Sound truly are iconic New Zealand landmarks. There is no shortage of information about the area's unique and precious attributes, such as its geology and flora and fauna.
Browse our news articles for further exploration of this World Heritage area.
Need more help?
Visit our FAQs page, or contact us:
Email: bookings@milfordlodge.com
Phone: +64 (0)3 249 8071
Where to find us
Milford Sound Lodge is located on State Highway 94, Piopiotahi, Milford Sound
(Look for the sign on your left, as you approach town)
