Eglinton Valley

The basics

Guided day tours to Milford Sound, either from Queenstown or Te Anau, typically stop in Eglinton Valley for photo opportunities; the Mirror Lakes are especially beautiful. The area also attracts fans of The Lord of the Rings movies, who come to see the Eglinton Mountains, which featured in the films as the Misty Mountains. The valley’s forests are home to a number of rare species, including kaka parrots, mohua birds, and native long-tailed and short-tailed bats.

Things to know before you go

• The valley has a couple of Department of Conservation-run and private campsites.

• The scenic Mirror Lakes are a short walk from the parking lot beside the highway, which is accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers.

• Knobs Flat is another handy stop in the valley and is the last place you’ll find flushing toilets until you reach Milford Sound.

How to get there

The Te Anau Milford Highway (State Highway 94) runs through the Eglinton Valley, so it’s easy to reach. The valley is about a 40-minute drive from Te Anau and one hour from Milford Sound. If you’re self-driving, stop at the Knobs Flat Visitor Centre to check the road conditions further toward Milford Sound. This is a sensible place to attach snow chains to your vehicle, if needed.

When to get there

The mountain views in the valley will be best on a clear, dry day, but these are few and far between in Fiordland, which is New Zealand’s wettest region. Instead of waiting for a fine day that may be a long time coming, aim to enjoy Fiordland in any weather. Summers are typically mild and wet, while winters are cold but more likely to be clear, though there may be snow and ice on the roads.

Do the Lake Gunn Nature Walk

While you’re driving between Te Anau and Milford Sound, stop for an easy 45-minute loop walk at Lake Gunn, further up the road from the Eglinton Valley. The nature trail is suitable for both kids and wheelchair users, and passes through beech forest on the way to a stony beach at Lake Gunn. Listen out for native birds.