Milford Sound is at the end of State Highway 94, the Milford Road — one of the most spectacular drives in New Zealand. The road runs 120 km north from Te Anau through beech forest, past the Mirror Lakes, through the narrow Homer Tunnel, and down to the fjord. Allow two to three hours each way and stop frequently — the scenery along the road is itself a reason to drive rather than coach.
The Homer Tunnel is a single-lane alpine tunnel and often requires a wait. The road can be closed in winter due to avalanche risk; check conditions before setting out.
Coach services run from Queenstown and Te Anau, usually as part of day-tour packages that include the fjord cruise. Scenic flights from Queenstown are another option and give a very different perspective on the landscape.
There is no public transport to Milford Sound. A rental car from Queenstown or Te Anau is the independent option.