11 October 2026
A few showers, clearing in the afternoon and becoming fine in the evening. Light winds, but afternoon northwesterlies.
9° / 17°
Loading outdoor place details…
KiwiTools
Search KiwiToolsFind tools, guides and categories in one place.
Loading photo
1 / 12Fiordland National Park
Milford Sound Lookout Track
Enjoy impressive views of stunning Milford Sound from a lookout on this short, easy walking track.
Distance
0.4 km
Walking time
20 min
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Milford Sound forecast
Issued 11 Oct 2026, 11:30 am
12 October 2026
Cloudy with occasional drizzle. Northwesterlies.
11° / 18°
13 October 2026
A period of rain with heavy falls in the morning and afternoon, otherwise a few showers. Northerlies, dying out in the evening.
10° / 16°
14 October 2026
Rain, easing for a time in the afternoon. Light winds.
7° / 14°
15 October 2026
A few showers. Southerlies developing in the afternoon.
5° / 15°
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Milford Sound Lookout Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Milford Sound Lookout Track
The track starts at the carpark behind the petrol station near the café. From here there is a sign indicating the start of the track. This short track starts near the grave of Donald and Elizabeth Sutherland. These two early settlers set up what they called the “City of Milford” and ran accommodation for people walking the Milford track in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Sutherland Falls on the Milford Track is named after Donald who was the first European to see them. There are a number of steps uphill to gain some height that opens up to a platform with fantastic views over Milford Sound on a clear day. From here return the same way to carpark.
Essential information for Milford Sound Lookout Track
There are public toilets at the carpark opposite the Café There are a lot of carparks in the area although near the track starts it is currently $10 an hour to park. There is free parking at the deep-water basin turn off as you first approach Milford Sound. From here there is a track that will take you past the airport to the start of the Milford Foreshore Walk or there are park and ride buses that will stop here and take passengers to the Café and boat terminal building Dogs are not permitted in Fiordland National Park Walk not suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
Getting there for Milford Sound Lookout Track
This walk begins near the main Visitor Carpark area opposite the Café in Milford Sound. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is 120 km on SH 94 and is best to allow 2 hours each way for driving time. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Milford Sound Lookout Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Milford Sound Lookout Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.