Milford Road short walks
See also:
Other tramping tracks and routes requiring a high degree of preparation and fitness can be accessed from Milford Road.
Contact the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre for more information.
Short walk
Getting there
The Milford Road covers 119 kilometres from Te Anau to Milford Sound. The sealed road takes about two hours to drive without stops.
About the area
The Milford Road section of the World Heritage Highway is a unique journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park. You can admire the scenery from a vehicle or stop to discover short walks or viewing sites along the way.
Fiordland National Park is a vast, remote wilderness and heart of Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.
Description
The Mirror Lakes, Chasm and Piopiotahi/Milford Foreshore walks all have wheelchair access.
Lake Gunn Nature Walk
Time: 45 min round trip
The Lake Gunn Nature Walk is an easy 45 minute loop walk suited to all ages and accessible to wheelchairs.
The walk provides an introduction to tall red beech forest and birdlife typical of the Eglinton Valley. Side trips can be made to several lake beaches and sheltered fishing spots.
Knob’s Flat
Here an interpretive display has been provided to show the effect of avalanches on the Milford road and give some information on the wildlife of the Eglinton valley. Toilets are available here.
Mirror Lakes
Time: 5 min
A good place to stretch your legs during the drive to Milford Sound. Small lakes provide outstanding reflective views of the Earl Mountains. Water fowl and wetland plants can be seen against a backdrop of beech forest.
The Chasm
Time: 20 min return
Two foot bridges over the Cleddau River offer spectacular views of a series of waterfalls. Thousands of years of swirling water have sculpted round shapes and basins in the rock.
Piopiotahi/Milford Foreshore Walk
Time: 30 min
At the entry to the main visitor carpark at Milford Sound you will find the start of this short loop walk.
Walk through beech forest to viewing points with access to the beach. These viewing points have some of the best views of Mitre Peak as well as great views up the Arthur Valley. There are several panels along the way to help you interpret your surroundings.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a short walk:
- Easy walking for up to an hour
- Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes
- Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness
- Stream and rivers crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes required
back to top