The Southern Scenic Route skirts the lakes on the edge of Fiordland National Park, including Te Anau. From here that you can explore some of the most gorgeous landscapes in New Zealand – from the fiords of Milford and two of the Great Walks. Today we’re looking at Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the Routeburn and Kepler walking tracks, with options for both day trips and longer excursions.
We want to say a special thank you to those who have provided photos for this blog. That’s @travelsfromedensor for Doubtful Sound and Kepler Track, @erinatravellover0103 for the Milford Sound, and Melanie Tollemache for the Routeburn.
Doubtful Sound
While Fiordland National Park is full of stunning fiords, only two of them (Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound) are accessible from the Great Southern Route. Doubtful Sound is the more peaceful of the two, and here you can spot New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland Crested Penguins on the small islets, as well as waterfalls around Deep Cove.
To reach Doubtful Sound, take a boat across Lake Manapouri and then a bus over Wilmot Pass. There are a number of ways to experience Doubtful Sound, including by kayak, scenic flight, day cruise or overnight boat.
Thank you @travelsfromedensor for photos from an overnight cruise.
Kepler Track and Lake Te Anau
The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, beginning and ending in Te Anau. While the Kepler is a 60km multi-day hike, you can also do the first section as a day walk. Hike up and back for a six to eight hour trek, or if you’re in the mood for a bit of extravagance (and want to avoid the long climb), get a helicopter to drop you at the top. Either way, the views are amazing.
Thanks again to @travelsfromedensor!
Routeburn Track
The Routeburn and Milford tracks are probably the premier Great Walks of New Zealand – the ones you’ll see in books with titles like ‘The World’s Best 100 Walks’. At 32km, the Routeburn takes two and a half days, so if you want to do the whole trip (and aren’t planning to run it), make sure to book accommodation well in advance. There are DOC huts and campgrounds, and even a glamping option.
For a shorter version, you can do a two to three hour walk from the Divide on Milford Highway up to Key Summit. The views from here are magical. If you have the time, from here you can continue on to Lake Howden and even Earland Falls before needing to turn around. If you access the Routeburn from the Lake Wakatipu end near Queenstown, you can also do a six to seven hour return trip up to Falls Hut.
Note: The Routeburn Track was badly damaged by weather in February, so check on DOC updates before planning your trip.
Thanks to Melanie Tollemache for these photos!
Milford Sound
There are many beautiful drives in New Zealand, but there’s no doubt that the drive from Te Anau to Milford is a serious contender for number one. The destination, Milford Sound, is one of New Zealand’s most unmissable stops, with waterfalls, mountains, seals and dolphins creating a mystical landscape. Make sure to book a spot on a boat in advance, and try to visit after a big storm for the best waterfalls.
Too many people rush their visit to Milford Sound, taking it as a long day trip from Queenstown and leaving only a few hours to explore. Instead, take your time and stay in Milford or on one of the overnight boats for a night or two. As well as spending more time at the Sound, you could walk part of the Routeburn Track or some of the other short walks around the Hollyford Valley.
Big thanks to @erinatravellover0103 who kindly provided these Milford Sound pics.
Want more South Island trip ideas?
Check out our recent posts about Stewart Island, The Catlins, Central Otago and Wanaka!