Milford Sound Driving Times & Distances

Milford Sound driving times is something to familiarise yourself with before setting out on the journey. A must-visit destination on New Zealand’s South Island, there are many popular towns and cities within a day’s driving distance. Here are the driving times and distances from Milford Sound to several destinations:

Te Anau:
Te Anau is the closest town to Milford Sound and is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. The drive from Milford Sound to Te Anau takes about 2.5 hours and covers a distance of 119 km. The road is winding and scenic, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes.

Queenstown:

Queenstown is a popular tourist destination and the adventure capital of New Zealand. The drive from Milford Sound to Queenstown takes about 4-5 hours and covers a distance of 287 km. The road has several opportunities to stop and take in the panoramic views along the way.

Wanaka:

Wanaka is a picturesque resort town located on the southern end of Lake Wanaka. The drive from Milford Sound to Wanaka takes about 4.5 hours and covers a distance of 337 km. The road passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in New Zealand, including the Crown Range and the Cardrona Valley. There is alternative route from Wanaka to Queenstown via the State Highway. This avoids the high Crown Range pass but adds 25 mins to the journey.

Invercargill:
Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand and is the gateway to the scenic Catlins region. The drive from Milford Sound to Invercargill takes about 4.5 hours and covers a distance of 319 km.

Dunedin:
Dunedin is a historic university city located on the east coast of the South Island. The drive from Milford Sound to Dunedin takes about 5.5 hours and covers a distance of 433 km. The road passes through local towns like Gore and Balclutha.

Timaru:
Timaru is a charming town located on the east coast of the South Island. The drive from Milford Sound to Timaru takes about 7.5 hours and covers a distance of 605 km. The road passes through scenic locations like Lake Tekapo, and Fairlie, with opportunities to stop and take in the stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and valleys.

Lake Tekapo:
Lake Tekapo is a stunning glacial lake located in the Mackenzie Basin. The drive from Milford Sound to Lake Tekapo takes about 5.5 hours and covers a distance of 388 km. The road passes through the Lindis Pass.

Christchurch:

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and is the gateway to the Canterbury region. The drive from Milford Sound to Christchurch takes about 9 hours and covers a distance of 680 km. The road passes through Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, and the town of Geraldine before arriving in Christchurch.

It’s important to note that these driving times and distances are estimates and may vary depending on the weather, road conditions, and traffic. New Zealand roads are single lane and distances covered will be less than you might to expect to cover in your home country. Visitors should also take into account the time needed for stops and sightseeing along the way, as there are many beautiful locations to explore in the South Island of New Zealand.

Tags: Driving, Milford Road