<p class="ql-block">Visiting Milford Sound is a must-do experience if you are visiting New Zealand. The road journey starts in Te Anau and ends in the world famous fiord of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a memorable 120km journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park and Te Wahipounamu - South-West New Zealand World Heritage Area, recognised by UNESCO.</p><p class="ql-block">The road into Milford Sound is almost as beautiful as the fiord itself. Make the most of the trip and explore some of Fiordland's best short hikes, including stops such as the Mirror Lakes, the Lake Gunn Nature Walk, and Monkey Creek. Be sure to allow enough time to stop for photo opportunities and walks.</p><p class="ql-block">The photos here came from two trips: Feb 2020 and Nov 2021.</p><p class="ql-block">Between the 1st and 4th of February 2020, the Milford Sound received 1124mm of rain causing floods and serious road damages. We drove the road on 8th Feb and can only proceed to Lake Gunn but no further.</p><p class="ql-block">In Nov 2021 after we walked Milford Track, we took a shuttle bus from Milford Sound to Te Anau. Hence we covered the whole route.</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p> <p class="ql-block">Te Anau: The picturesque township of Te Anau is the main visitor base for the glacier-carved wilderness that is Fiordland National Park. Start your journey here. </p> <p class="ql-block">Dawn at Lake Te Anau</p> <p class="ql-block">Dusk at Te Anau. A guy is practicing Kite Surfing.</p> <p class="ql-block">The Milford Road Scenery</p> <p class="ql-block">Lake Te Anau from the roadside </p> <p class="ql-block">The Milford Road scenery </p> <p class="ql-block">Lake Mistletoe: this track leads you through forest to peaceful Lake Mistletoe</p> <p class="ql-block">Te Anau Downs: 28km from Te Anau. Departure point for the Milford Track. We came back here in Nov 2021 to start walking the Milford Track.</p> <p class="ql-block">Te Anau Downs Historic Site: A historically significant site with information panels telling the history of pioneer farmers in Fiordland</p> <p class="ql-block">The Milford Road scenery. There are so many sheeps in NZ!</p> <p class="ql-block">Cows</p> <p class="ql-block">Walker Creek: 47km from Te Anau.</p> <p class="ql-block">Mackay Creek: 51km fro Te Anau</p> <p class="ql-block">Eglinton Valley: 52km from Te Anau. The first major highlight is the Eglinton Valley, which was once filled with glacier ice. The valley has steep rock sides and a flat, golden tussock floor - it's a surreal and very photogenic place. </p><p class="ql-block">The valley is shaped by the power of water. From Lake Te Anau, the Milford Road follows the route of a huge glacier whose birthplace was high in the mountains above the Homer Tunnel. This river of ice spilled over The Divide and carved the wide Eglinton Valley. It also contributed to the creation of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island and the second largest in NZ (after Lake Taupo). </p> <p class="ql-block">Mirror Lakes: 56km from Te Anau. Small tarns (mountain lakes) on the roadside provide outstanding reflective views of the Earl Mountains. </p><p class="ql-block">A good place to stretch your legs.</p> <p class="ql-block">Cascade Creek: due to flood damage. We couldn’t go further. Instead we did Lake Gunn Nature Walk which I’ll write in another article. </p> <p class="ql-block">Return trip from Cascade Creek back to Te Anau. </p><p class="ql-block">Upper Eglinton: 68km from Te Anau</p> <p class="ql-block">Knobs Flat: 72km fro Te Anau. Display panels show the effect of avalanches on the Milford Road and provide information on the wildlife of the Eglinton Valley. </p><p class="ql-block">Absolutely love the stunning landscapes here.</p> <p class="ql-block">Latitude 45 Degree South road sign</p> <p class="ql-block">The information map provided by Department of Conservation. We only did Te Anau to Cascade Creek section. There are many stunning stops from Cascade Creek to Milford Sound. Please refer to the map for details.</p> <p class="ql-block">Returned to Te Anau town, beautiful dusk under full moon. </p> <p class="ql-block">The below were photos taken in Nov 2021 when we were on the shuttle bus from Milford Sound to Te Anau after finishing The Milford Track. We couldn’t make the stops we’d like to explore due to time constraints and on public transport. </p><p class="ql-block">Waterfalls everywhere seen between Milford Sound and Hommer Tunnel. </p> <p class="ql-block">Hollyford Valley lookout.</p> <p class="ql-block">Routebur Track (either the beginning or the end) is also on the Milford Road.</p> <p class="ql-block">Safety tips:</p><p class="ql-block">This is a busy, winding road and takes much longer to drive than the distance suggests. If you do decide to drive yourself, you will need to take extra care and ensure that you are familiar with driving in New Zealand. Driving here is different to other countries. During winter, drivers must carry chains and be prepared for delays and road closures - be extra careful and do your research on winter driving if you're planning to drive in New Zealand between May and September. </p><p class="ql-block">Disclaimer: I wrote the series travel journals about Fiordland National Park for my friend Maggie who is going to visit the area with her Australian friends in May. I wrote in English as I have copied sources from NZ Department of Conservation, 100% Pure New Zealand and other websites. I’ll add Chinese translation at a later stage. All photos are mine. </p>