Eglinton Valley & Milford Road Scenic Journey

Eglinton Valley on Milford Road is a breathtaking glacial valley surrounded by towering mountains, golden tussock fields, and ancient beech forests. Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, this picturesque stop offers stunning photo opportunities and a glimpse into New Zealand’s untouched wilderness. As one of the first major highlights on the journey to Milford Sound, Eglinton Valley is a must-visit for nature lovers and road-trippers exploring Fiordland National Park.

Location

• Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand
• Part of the famous road to Milford Sound
• Approximately 1.5 hours from Te Anau
• UNESCO World Heritage area
• Located along State Highway 94

Natural Features

• Vast U-shaped glacial valley
• Flowing Eglinton River with crystal-clear waters
• Ancient beech forests and native woodlands
• Alpine tussock grasslands
• Mountain peaks including the Earl Mountains and Ailsa Mountains
• Mirror Lakes with stunning mountain reflections

Tour Highlights

• Sweeping valley vistas framed by mountains
• Photo stops at designated viewpoints
• Mirror Lakes with perfect reflections on calm days
• Knobs Flat grassy clearings and wetlands
• Lake Gunn and Lake Fergus
• Diverse native bird populations

Tour Activities

• Guided interpretation of glacial landforms
• Short nature walks through beech forests
• Wildlife spotting (native birds, deer)
• Photography opportunities at scenic lookouts
• Fly fishing experiences (with permit)
• Picnic spots in pristine natural settings

Best Time to Visit

• Spring for wildflowers and waterfalls
• Summer for longer daylight hours
• Autumn for golden colors in the valley
• Winter for snow-dusted mountain views
• Early morning for wildlife and photography

Road Information

• Part of the 120km Te Anau to Milford Sound highway
• Sealed, well-maintained road
• Winter conditions may require snow chains
• Limited mobile coverage
• No fuel stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound

Tour Duration

• Quick drive-through: 30-45 minutes
• With photo stops: 1-2 hours
• With short walks included: 2-3 hours
• Full experience with all stops: 3-4 hours

What to Bring

• Camera
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting
• Insect repellent (summer)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (conditions can change rapidly)
• Snacks and water

Additional Information

• One of New Zealand’s most scenic drives
• Often included in guided Milford Sound day tours
• Avalanche risk areas in winter (July-September)
• Self-drive or guided tour options available
• Department of Conservation visitor information available at Te Anau

Location Details

Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand