te anau - queenstown

MILFORD SOUND - QUEENSTOWN (Via Te Anau, Lumsden & Kingston)

Driver Information
Travel distance is approximately 289kms (181 miles).
Allow at least 3.75 hours drive time (not including stops).

One of the highlights of driving to/from Milford Sound is the famous Milford Road, offering a stunning alpine drive with plenty of places to stop to take photos of the amazing scenery. Drivers must note that all vehicles on the Milford Road are required by law to carry chains for their vehicles over winter months and that there are no petrol stations or services between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

The drive from Kingston follows Lake Wakatipu into Queenstown - New Zealand’s tourist Mecca!

Some notable stops along the route to Queenstown include:

KEY SUMMIT TRACK
Accessed from Milford Road, the Key Summit track is an ideal introduction to the impressive scenery and natural features of Fiordland National Park. This is a great walk, taking approximately 3 hours return. The track starts at The Divide carpark and follows the Routeburn Track for about an hour. It then branches off on a 20-minute climb to Key Summit, where there is a self guided alpine nature walk.

BRACKEN HALL - MOSSBURN
A terrific Kiwi gift shop and cafe with homemade scones, muffins, Devonshire teas, fresh Venison pies and more. Huge range of quality gifts and collectables including plenty of NZ made products.

LUMSDEN
This beautiful rural township is located in Northern Southland and is a great place for trying your fishing skills against the famous Brown Trout.

THE KINGSTON FLYER
New Zealand's most famous vintage steam train is located in the small township of Kingston on the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu. The Kingston Flyer operates twice daily on a 14km stretch of track and consists of two AB Pacific Class steam locomotives that run from the start of October to the end of April.

QUEENSTOWN GOLF CLUB
Internationally regarded as one of the more picturesque golf courses in the world, even if you don't play golf a slight detour on route to Queenstown to Kelvin Heights is worth it just for the stunning views at this 18 hole golf course. On-site cafe and bar.

QUEENSTOWN
Once you have visited Queenstown it will come as no surprise that Queenstown has an international reputation as the world's favourite adrenaline destination! However not everything is wild, there is plenty to see and do that doesn't have to raise your heart rate... much!

Considered New Zealand's premier 'year round' lake and alpine resort, this stunning town is nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by majestic mountains.

You will have no problems finding suitable accommodation! From ultra luxurious romantic resorts to holiday houses, self catering apartments, luxury hotels, motels, bed & breakfast or camp grounds... it’s all here!

As far as dining goes... where do you start? Cheap takeways to first class, award winning dining, its all here for the tasting! Along with the normal choices of fast food options, there are a great range of cafes and restaurants offering some of the best local cuisine.

Highly recommended Queenstown tourist attractions include...

Queenstown Gondola & Luge - Located high above the town is the distinctive outline of the Skyline complex, home to the best views in Queenstown! Reputed to be the steepest lift in the Southern Hemisphere, the gondola carries visitors high above Queenstown to the Skyline complex located on Bob's Peak. For the more adventurous you can choose to come back down at a hurtling pace on a luge!

Jet Boating - Rev up your excitement in Queenstown with a thrilling jet boat ride on the spectacular Shotover River, including the world famous 360º spins!

Bungy Jumping - Queenstown is home to AJ Hackett bungy jumping and there are an impressive six very different experiences in Queenstown to be had, including the Nevis Arc, Nevis Highwire Bungy, Kawarau Bridge Bungy, The Ledge Bungy, The Ledge Sky Swing and the Bungy Tours.

High Country Horse Trek - Experience the high country with High Country Horses located in the Rees Valley, Glenorchy. Ride into the hills for stunning views across the river valley or meander along the valley floor following snow-fed river channels. Totally relaxing and enjoying!

TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruise - Cruise across the beautiful Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, also known as 'The Lady of the Lake'. Transporting goods to remote settlements since 1912, now you have the chance to enjoy a lake cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

White Water Rafting - A chance to experience New Zealand's white water river rafting at its best! Choose from a range of numerous rafting packages to suit your timeframe and adrenaline level! Exciting rafting trips are available on the Kawarau and Shotover River's.

Ski-ing & Snowboarding - Queenstown is one of the most popular places for winter fun! With some of the best ski fields in the world, visitors flock from around the world to hit the slopes of Coronet Peak, Cardona and more!

Guided Nature Walk - Enjoy a half or full day eco-sensitive guided nature walk with an experienced guide in a small group.

Wine Tour - Enjoy a wine tour of the premium vineyards of Central Otago. A range of tours are on offer, from small group tours to luxury wine tours and even Jet Boat wine tours!