Fiordland and Glenorchy offer some of New Zealand's most dramatic scenery. This 3–5 day itinerary covers Queenstown, Glenorchy, Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Quick Overview
| Route | Distance | Recommended Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queenstown → Glenorchy → Te Anau → Milford Sound | ~600 km | 3–5 days | Fiords, waterfalls and mountains |
Fiordland Route Map
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Route Overview
Take the scenic road to Glenorchy, return to Queenstown and drive south to Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive the lakeside road to Glenorchy and walk the Routeburn Track entrance.
Return through Queenstown to Te Anau.
Drive the Milford Road and take a fiord cruise.
Stop at the Chasm and Mirror Lakes.
Best Time to Go
Summer has the best weather. Rain is frequent year-round.
Cost Overview
Campervan Tips
Book cruises
Milford cruises fill in summer.
Leave early
The Milford Road is busy mid-morning.
Carry chains in winter
Required on many days.
Where to Stay in Fiordland
Te Anau is the main base for the Milford Road, with several holiday parks, DOC campgrounds nearby and a wide choice of cafes and supermarkets. Milford Sound itself has very limited accommodation, so most visitors drive in for the day. Glenorchy has a few holiday parks and DOC campgrounds close to the Routeburn and Rees-Dart tracks.
- Book Te Anau and Glenorchy ahead in summer.
- Carry food, water and fuel for the Milford Road.
- Check DOC alerts for road closures.
Experiences Worth Booking
Milford Sound
Cruises last 1.5–2 hours and often include waterfalls and wildlife. Overnight cruises are also available.
Glow worm caves in Te Anau
Boat tours across Lake Te Anau take you into the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
Routeburn Track day walks
You can walk a section of the Routeburn from Glenorchy without committing to the full track.
Lord of the Rings locations
Glenorchy and the surrounding valleys were filming locations for Middle-earth.
Driving the Milford Road
The road is sealed but winding, with steep sections, tunnels and rockfall zones. Allow 2 hours each way from Te Anau and stop often at lookouts such as Mirror Lakes and the Chasm. In winter, avalanche risk can close the road and chains may be required. Our best campervan travel apps guide helps with planning.
Seasonal Guide
- Summer (Dec–Feb): the best weather and the busiest period
- Autumn (Mar–May): fewer visitors and settled conditions
- Winter (Jun–Aug): possible snow and road closures
- Spring (Sep–Nov): waterfalls are at their best after rain
Budget
Milford cruises start from around NZ$100, and campsites range from DOC fees to holiday park rates. See how much campervan hire costs for further planning.
Extending Your Trip
Continue the adventure with our South Island guide.
Campsites on the Milford Road
Camping options between Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound are a mix of holiday parks and DOC campsites. There is no overnight camping at Milford Sound itself, so plan your base in Te Anau or along the Milford Road.
- Glenorchy: a holiday park and small village with food and fuel, set at the head of Lake Wakatipu.
- Te Anau: lakefront holiday parks, motorhome parking and shops for supplies.
- Eglinton Valley and Lake Gunn: DOC campsites such as Kiosk Creek and Cascade Creek along the Milford Road.
- Knobs Flat and nearby sites: simple campsites for self-contained vans, with limited facilities.
- Queenstown: holiday parks at either end of the trip.
More Ideas for Your Fiordland Itinerary
Queenstown and Glenorchy
- The scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy along Lake Wakatipu
- Paradise and the Routeburn Track entrance for short walks
- Lake Sylvan and the Glenorchy walkway
Te Anau and the Milford Road
- Te Anau glowworm caves by boat
- Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn Nature Walk and the Chasm
- Key Summit walk for views over the Hollyford and Greenstone valleys
- Homer Tunnel and wildlife such as kea
Milford Sound
- A scenic cruise past Mitre Peak and waterfalls
- The Milford Discovery Centre and underwater observatory
- Kayaking on a calm morning
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Queenstown to Milford Sound take?
About 4.5 hours each way.
Is it worth doing in a day?
Better to overnight at Te Anau.
Can campervans drive the Milford Road?
Yes.
Where to stay at Milford?
Limited camping; Te Anau is the base.
What is Glenorchy known for?
Lord of the Rings filming and hiking.
Can I do Milford Sound as a day trip from Queenstown?
Yes, but it is a long day of around 12 hours. Staying in Te Anau is more relaxed.
Is the Milford Road safe?
Yes in good conditions, but allow extra time and check weather and road alerts.
When is the best time for Milford Sound?
Waterfalls are most dramatic after rain, while sunny summer days offer the best views.
Can I camp at Milford Sound?
Options are very limited, so most travellers stay in Te Anau.
Where can you camp near Milford Sound?
There is no camping at Milford Sound. Stay in Te Anau or at a DOC campsite on the Milford Road, such as Cascade Creek or Kiosk Creek.
How long is the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound?
About two hours each way without stops, but allow a full day with walks and a cruise.
Do I need chains for the Milford Road?
In winter you may be required to carry chains. Check the road status and ask your campervan supplier for advice.
What is the best time to visit Milford Sound?
Summer for easier driving and long days, and winter for fewer crowds. Rain can make the waterfalls spectacular.
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