11 Places to Explore Around Milford Sound

The Road to Milford (SH94)

Before you even reach Milford, the journey itself is unforgettable.
Honestly, we think it’s one of the most scenic drives on earth — think Mountains, Mirror Lakes, Alpine meadows, Crystal rivers, Native Forest, and epic valley views around every bend.

We have done this drive in both a rental car and a campervan — and hands-down, having your own wheels makes all the difference.
We booked both through Motorhome Republic, easy as, and filtered for exactly what we needed.

1. Lake Te Anau & the Town

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland and makes a perfect base.
We often relax here between adventures — great cafes, a laid-back vibe, and lakeside sunset walks.

If you’re picking up your camper here (which we’ve done before!), it’s a great spot to stock up before heading to the wilderness.

2. Eglinton Valley

This wide-open valley is straight out of a movie (literally – parts of LOTR were filmed here).
Golden grass, dramatic cliffs, and those classic low-hanging clouds that roll in over the mountains… we stop every time.

There's plenty of space to pull over, have a cuppa, and take it in — a huge perk when you’ve got a camper.

3. Mirror Lakes

A super short walk off the highway — but totally worth it.
On a calm day, the lake reflects the Earl Mountains perfectly. We have taken some of our best road trip photos here.

This is what we love about camper travel — you can stop at places like this, breathe it in, and not be on someone else’s schedule. Another reason we always book with Motorhome Republic.

4. Lake Gunn Nature Walk

We always stretch our legs here — it’s an easy loop through mossy beech forest and close to some of our favourite DOC campsites.

One of our best nights was spent parked up nearby in a campervan, just us, the bush, and a sky full of stars.
If that’s your vibe, you’ll love hiring through Motorhome Republic – you can pick self-contained campers that let you freedom camp legally and comfortably.

5. The Homer Tunnel

Driving through the Homer Tunnel is an experience. It’s a 1.2 km tunnel carved straight through solid granite.
We often see Kea (NZ's cheeky alpine parrots) hanging out near the tunnel entrance, too!

It's steep and narrow, so having a vehicle you're confident in makes all the difference. We always check reviews and specs on Motorhome Republic before choosing.

6. Cleddau Valley Lookout

Just after the tunnel, you drop into this jaw-dropping alpine valley.
We stopped here with coffee in hand, sat on a rock, and just stared for a while — it's that dramatic.

Another reason we love campervanning — these roadside moments become trip highlights. And with the right van booked through Motorhome Republic, you don’t have to rush.

7. The Chasm

Just 10 minutes down a forest trail, you’ll find a wild, thundering gorge where water has sculpted the rock into smooth, surreal shapes.
When the river is roaring after rain — it's absolutely incredible.

There’s a handy carpark for vans or cars, so easy to swing in during your Milford drive.

8. Milford Sound Foreshore Walk

Once you’re in Milford itself, don’t skip this short walk near the boat terminal.
You’ll get those iconic views of Mitre Peak from the shore, and it’s usually quieter than the cruises.

We often do this walk first thing in the morning after staying overnight in our van — peaceful, no crowds, just the sound of birds and waterfalls.

9. Milford Sound Cruise

You can’t come all this way and not cruise the fiord. We have done both the 2-hour and the overnight cruise — both were unreal.
Waterfalls pour down cliffs, seals sunbathe on rocks, and if you're lucky, dolphins will follow the boat.

Parking your camper at the lodge nearby and heading out onto the water? 10/10 experience. Trust us, we have done it more than once!

10. Bowen Falls Walk (when open)

Bowen Falls is the big waterfall you see from the boat terminal — and if the walking track’s open (seasonal), it’s a short but exciting way to get right up close.
We did this walk barefoot once, just for fun, and ended up drenched from the waterfall mist — worth it.

Having your own vehicle booked through Motorhome Republic means you’re free to explore things like this on a whim.

11. Stay Overnight at Milford Lodge

Most people rush back to Te Anau — we say, stay the night if you can.
Milford Lodge has campervan sites, and waking up here in the heart of Fiordland, surrounded by native forest and cliffs?
Easily one of the best stops there is on the road.

We booked a fully self-contained camper for this exact reason — and Motorhome Republic made it simple to filter for the right size, power hookups, and price.