The Road to Milford. Fiordland NZ

The Milford road is a section of the World Heritage Highway. It is a stunning scenic journey 119 kms in length from Te Anau to Milford. A non interrupted drive would take approx 2 hours but allow plenty of time to stop and discover the walks and viewing sites along the way. I hope this article shows you the road at it's best including driving through in torrential rain which Milford is renown for. The hundreds of waterfalls that appear from nowhere are amazing. This website gives excellent advice for anyone thinking of driving ... (more)

Near Manapouri
The rain clouds are gathering.

Lake Te Anau

Lake Te Anau
Near Te Anau Downs, the starting off point for the Milford Road and...

Mirror Lakes
The weather looked a little brighter here.

Mirror Lakes
Dark reflections of the Earl Mountains.

Mirror Lakes

Dark mountains
Here comes the rain.

Homer Tunnel
Waiting for the green light.

Homer Tunnel
Now the waterfalls are flowing.

Lonely Kea
It was very wet !

Hollyford River

Temporary waterfalls
These dry up almost immediately it stops raining.

Milford

Mitre Peak
A glimmer of hope that it will be fine in the morning ?

Milford
Two days later we made the return journey in brilliant sunshine.

Punga Fern

The Chasm
Short bushwalk to view the Chasm.

Nature

The Chasm
Over time the swirling waters of the Cleddau River have sculptured shapes and...

Tree Lichen

No waterfalls at the Homer Tunnel today.

Homer tunnel
The western side of the Homer tunnel as you look behind you.

Homer Tunnel
Waiting their turn as the tunnel is one way and controlled now by traffic...

Out into the sunshine.

Eastern side of the tunnel.

Alpine garden walk

Alpine walk
The flowering season is Dec/Jan but a few treasures can be seen out of season.

Alpine plants

Alpine plants
Libertia pulchella

Alpine Plants

Just rocks and water

NZ Kea
The world's only 'alpine parrot'. It plays and feeds above...

Mt McPherson and Mt Talbot

Hollyford River

Swing bridge to Lake Marion
Over the Hollyford river .

Hollyford
The small museum has collections from the early days of settlement,...

Gunn's camp
Where the sandflies give you a huge welcome !

Gunn's Camp
Origonally a public works camp, built in 1930.

Gunn's camp
Accomodation hut.

Hollyford Valley
Lookout Point

Humboldt Mountains

Lake Fergus

Lake Gunn

Gunn's lake
NZ's outdoor eco friendly toilets.

Beech Forest

Lake Gunn

Deer Flat

Mirror Lakes
Back to Mirror Lakes in sunshine.

The Mirror Lakes
The reflections of the Earl mountains are showing the debris at the bottom of...

Eglington Valley

Eglington River

Te Anau
We arrived back in time to see a beautiful sunset on Lake Te Anau.

Lake Te Anau

article published 04/16/2008

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Your excellent photos show why New Zealand is so famous for its scenery and landscapes.
— Liza, October 5, 2008

thanks Margaret for the beautiful photos. NZ is definitely a great place to visit for the scenery.
— Ben Hsu, July 8, 2008

Have now viewed all your new articles as I was away when they were posted. Wonderful N.Z. Super pictures Thanks
— Joan, May 9, 2008

Your beautiful photographs
Hi Margaret. Your pictures are absolutely beautiful. I sit here in awe and say "Wow" out loud. Gorgeous, with so many shades of green and such breathtaking scenes.All this natural beauty that you capture so brilliantly.Thanks again Margaret. I hope that World is Round continues so that we can continue to share and respect the beauty of our surroundings. Take care Margaret. Caroline.
— caroline thomson, May 4, 2008

Thank you all . I have added more details on the Homer tunnel above for your interest.
— Margaret Sherwood, April 21, 2008

Excellent
Sorry for my late comments on this article Margaret but I missed it when you published it. Top class photography as usual from you. I thought the Homer Tunnel through the mountain was fascinating. Do you know how long it is? This is armchair travelling at it's best. As always, will look forward to more. Thank you. Tony from England.
— Tony Ethridge, April 20, 2008

From another mariner
This (long-time) naval type thoroughly agrees with "TheSailor" below. That has to be one of the most pristinely beautiful places on earth, and your pictures certainly do it justice.
— Fred Perry, April 20, 2008

Pristine New Zealand
Lovely photos as usual...this is one country I want to visit...
— Thesailor, April 17, 2008

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