If you’ve ever asked yourself “how long does it take to drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound?”, or “Is it better to drive or fly?”, you’re not alone. This iconic journey through Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. It is also a fairly long drive, so deciding whether to drive or fly can be a big decision. I’ve done this route countless times, so here’s some insider advice on the best way to experience it, without missing a single photo opportunity.
Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound: The Scenic Route
Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound is an adventure in itself. The road follows the path of Lake Wakatipu, then through quaint towns, farms, rolling hills and mountains with great stops along the way for photos and an experience of Lake Te Anau (the lake and the cute town itself).
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Queenstown to Te Anau: ~2 hours 15 minutes (117 km)
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Te Anau to Milford Sound: ~2 hours (120 km)
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Queenstown to Milford Sound direct: ~4 hours 30 minutes (236 km)
Why Driving is Worth It
The journey from Queenstown to Te Anau takes you along Lake Wakatipu to Kingston – scenery you’ll never forget. Stop for a world-class coffee in Garston, or just stretch your legs and enjoy the little shops here.
Te Anau is a delightful little town with charming cafes, shops and lakeside mountain views. Consider staying overnight at Fiordland Lodge if you want a luxurious escape.
Also, there are endless photo opportunities along the route – seriously, every turn is Instagram-worthy.
Drawbacks
Driving of course is longer than flying, so it’s not realistic to return to Queenstown in the same day, especially if you plan a Milford Sound boat cruise while there.
The weather can make the roads trickier in winter and returning is via the same route.
Flying from Queenstown to Milford Sound
Short on time? A scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound is a spectacular alternative. You’ll see glaciers, waterfalls, and towering peaks from above – a completely different perspective.
Pros of Flying
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Fast: round-trip flights take just a few hours.
- You can touch down in Milford Sound, take a Milford Sound scenic boat cruise and return to Queenstown by air, all in one day.
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Incredible aerial views you simply can’t get from the road.
Cons
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You miss out on Te Anau and the journey along Lake Wakatipu.
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Weather-dependent; flights can be delayed or cancelled.
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Typically more expensive than driving.
Combining Driving and Flying: The Best of Both Worlds
For those wanting the ultimate Milford Sound experience, my favourite approach is to travel by road one way to Milford Sound and fly back to Queenstown. This is achievable in a single day while capturing the best of road and sky (and water). For those who want to stay a night or two in Te Anau, traveling by road one way and flying back is still a great option.
Option 1: Drive one way, fly back in one day
Of course for these drive and fly options, I don’t mean drive yourself. Instead, book a small group tour in a comfortable van from Queenstown to Milford Sound, pausing in Te Anau en route. Enjoy a Milford Sound boat cruise, followed by a scenic flight back to Queenstown.
Option 2: Overnight in Te Anau
Travel by road (coach or van transfer) from Queenstown to Te Anau, book dinner (I highly recommend Redcliff or Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso) and spend a night at a lodge or hotel. Enjoy a Milford Sound scenic cruise the next day, then fly back to Queenstown. This gives you more time to soak in Fiordland without rushing.
Milford Sound Scenic Cruise vs Scenic Flight
Milford Sound Scenic Cruise: Up-close views of waterfalls, wildlife, and the dramatic fiord. Perfect for photographers or anyone wanting a relaxed experience on the water.
Milford Sound Scenic Flight: Sweeping aerial perspectives, ideal for those short on time or wanting a “wow” moment from the sky.
Recommendation for the best overall experience:
Drive, cruise AND fly Milford Sound from Queenstown:
The great news is that there’s a tour the combines all three modes of transport into an incredible single-day Milford Sound tour. Driving from Queenstown to Te Anau, then on to Milford Sound for a boat cruise, returning by fixed wing plane to Queenstown. Better yet, Splendid South can arrange it for you.
Pros and Cons at a Glance:
| Mode | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | Scenic stops, Te Anau visit, photo ops, flexible pace | Longer, weather-dependent |
| Fly | Quick, spectacular aerial views | Miss Te Anau, weather-dependent, higher cost |
| Drive + Fly | Best of both worlds, scenic & fast | Higher cost |
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound?
A: Direct driving takes ~4 hours 30 minutes. With stops in Te Anau and Garston, plan for 5–6 hours.
Q: How long does it take to drive from Queenstown to Te Anau?
A: About 2 hours 15 minutes (117 km). Plenty of spots to stop for coffee or photos along Lake Wakatipu.
Q: Is it better to drive or fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound?
A: Driving gives you incredible scenery and the chance to explore Te Anau. Flying is faster and offers stunning aerial views. Many travellers combine both for the best experience. Talk to us about the best Milford Sound tours from Queenstown.
Q: Can you do Milford Sound in a day from Queenstown?
A: Yes! Drive one way, take a Milford Sound scenic cruise, and fly back.
Q: Are overnight options available along the route?
A: Absolutely. Te Anau has some lovely hotel and apartment accommodation. Fiordland Lodge offers a luxurious stay for those wanting the experience of once of New Zealand’s best luxury lodges.
