Top 3 Short Walks on the Way to Milford Sound
- Alice Neilson - Fiordland Enthusiast & Writer
- Jun 22
- 6 min read
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is well known for its scenic stops, and the short walks along the way are a great chance to stretch your legs while soaking in some of Fiordland’s forest scenery.
The walks along the Milford Road give you a more immersive feel for the journey beyond the roadside viewpoints, with the native trees all around, the sound of surrounding rivers and waterfalls, and the opportunity to spot native birdlife.
This guide covers three of our favourite short walks on the Milford Road, including where to find them, how long they take, and what you can expect when you get there.
Key Takeaways
The Lake Gunn Nature Walk, Marian Falls Track, and The Chasm Walk are all free, easy, and accessible short walks along the Milford Road.
All three walks are on the route between Te Anau and Milford Sound, with carparks just off the Milford Road.
On a Luxe tour, you'll do at least one of these walks for around 20–30 minutes, depending on the day and conditions.
The Chasm Walk is currently undergoing track renovation following flood damage and is expected to fully reopen in September 2026.
Comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and insect repellent are recommended for all three walks.
If you're self-driving, allow about 50% more time than the standard walking time to enjoy the walks without rushing.
Lake Gunn Nature Walk
Also often referred to as the "fairy forest,” the Lake Gunn Nature Walk takes you through a tranquil forest of beech trees draped in moss and lichen, giving the forest a mystical quality.
The track winds through the forest before opening onto a stony beach at the edge of Lake Gunn, where you'll get a clear view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Along the way, you may spot native birds, including tomtits, riflemen, South Island robins/kakaruai, and yellowhead/mohua. Interpretation panels along the track give you more information about the area and its ecology.
Where it is: The walk starts from the Cascade Creek carpark on the Milford Road, about 78km from Te Anau.
How long it takes: About 30 minutes for the full loop.
Marian Falls Track
The Marian Falls Track follows the Hollyford River through native forest to a viewing gantry over the Marian Falls.
The track starts with a swing bridge crossing, before continuing through the forest to a series of tiered waterfalls cascading over water-carved rock.
Where it is: The track begins from the Lake Marian carpark, which is about 1km down the unsealed Hollyford Road. To get there, turn off the Milford Road at Marian Corner, around 87km from Te Anau.
How long it takes: About 10 to 15 minutes to the gantry, and another 10 minutes back.
A Note on the Full Lake Marian Track
If you continue past the gantry, the track turns into the full Lake Marian Track, which leads up to Lake Marian itself. This is a much more challenging hike, with around 90 minutes of steady uphill climbing.
We don't recommend doing the full track if you're on the way to a Milford Sound cruise, as it will likely make you late.
The full Lake Marian Track is best left for a dedicated hiking day with good preparation, fitness, and time. If you're keen on it, plan to do it on a separate day rather than as a side trip on the way to Milford Sound.
Safety Tip
Marian Creek is swift, and the rocks beside it are slippery. Stay on the track, and keep clear of the creek edge. If you're walking with children, keep them within arm's reach.
The Chasm Walk
The Chasm Walk takes you through native forest to a viewing point above the Cleddau River, where thousands of years of swirling water have carved deep pools and sculpted the surrounding rock. The volume and force of the water give you an appreciation for just how much rainfall the Milford Sound area receives each year.
Where it is: The Chasm carpark is well signposted, about 109km along the Milford Road from Te Anau, around halfway between the Homer Tunnel and Milford Sound.
The carpark is one of the more reliable places along the Milford Road to spot kea, the world's only alpine parrot. They're curious birds and often appear in areas people stop at frequently.
How long it takes: About 5 minutes each way.
A Note on the Track Renovation
The Chasm Walk is currently undergoing renovation, with new viewing bridges being installed after flooding damaged the original bridges a few years ago. The full walk is expected to reopen in September 2026. Until then, you can still visit the carpark and walk a shorter section of the track, but you won't be able to access the full Chasm viewpoints.
What to Bring
Comfortable Walking Shoes
The tracks have leaves, roots, and other debris underfoot, and there can be muddy patches if it's been raining. Sneakers or light walking shoes work well. Heels and sandals are not recommended.
Jacket
Weather in Fiordland can change quickly, and even on warm days, the forest can feel cool. A light waterproof jacket covers most situations.
Insect Repellent
Sandflies are persistent in Fiordland, especially near water. As long as you keep moving, they tend not to bother you, but as soon as you stop to take in a view, they'll come for you. Insect repellent makes it possible to actually enjoy the scenery rather than swatting your way through it.
Camera or Phone
All three walks provide photo-worthy scenes, like the mossy beech forest at Lake Gunn and the sculpted rock at The Chasm.
Milford Road Walks on Tours
Many Milford Sound Day Tours will include a short walk or two, depending on the day.
The Lake Gunn, Marian Falls, and Chasm walks are all options on our Luxe Tours from Te Anau and Queenstown. Which walk we do on the day depends on the weather, track conditions, and how the day is running.
The walks are always optional, so you can stay back at the van if you prefer. All three walks are easy, accessible walks rather than strenuous ones, and we usually spend around 20–30 minutes at whichever one we stop at. The time isn't spent continuously walking. Your guide will pause along the way to talk about the surrounding forest, wildlife, and landscape, and to give you time to take in the scenery. So the walks are suitable for most fitness levels.
Self-Driving Tip
If you're self-driving, schedule around 50% more time than the standard walking time for each walk. This gives you time to stop and read the interpretation panels, take photos, and enjoy the spots properly without having to rush to make your cruise time.
The Lake Gunn Nature Walk, Marian Falls Track, and The Chasm Walk are all easy additions to a Milford Sound day trip, while offering slightly different experiences along the way.
Whether you’re self-driving or on a tour, these short walks all provide a chance to spend a little more time in Fiordland's forests and river valleys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Milford Road short walks suitable for children?
Yes, the shore walks are flat or gently graded and suitable for children of most ages. The Marian Falls Track is the one to take the most care on, as the swing bridge and creek edge need close supervision.
Are there toilets at the walking spots on the Milford Road?
There are long-drop toilets at the Cascade Creek carpark for the Lake Gunn Nature Walk, as well as in the carpark for the Marian Falls walk.
The easiest option for toilet facilities is to stop at Knobbs Flat, around 65km (1 hour drive) from Te Anau, to use the last flushing toilets on the road before reaching Milford Sound.
Can you do the Milford Road walks in the rain?
Yes. Fiordland receives frequent rainfall, and the walks remain accessible in most weather conditions. In fact, spots such as Marian Falls and The Chasm are often at their most impressive after rain. Just make sure you bring a waterproof jacket and take extra care on wet surfaces.
