Eglinton Valley on Route to Milford Sound

The Eglinton Valley viewpoint is a very popular stop along Milford Road on the way to the world-renowned Milford Sound. This vast glacial valley offers visitors captivating panoramic views of its expansive grasslands and surrounding mountain peaks. The Eglinton Valley provides a stunning backdrop and a serene atmosphere for visitors to take a few peaceful moments in nature before heading along the road to explore the wonders that await further in Fiordland National Park.

In this article, we explore the formation and history of Eglinton Valley, its location and accessibility, some of the rare wildlife that live in the area, and how you can experience this iconic Milford Road stop.

What is The Eglinton Valley?

Formation and History

The Eglinton Valley is a remarkable example of a glacial valley, shaped by the immense power of ice over thousands of years. Around 20,000 years ago, massive glaciers carved out this impressive U-shaped valley as they slowly flowed down the mountains out to sea, leaving behind steep walls and a flat valley floor when they retreated.

European explorers first ventured into the area in the 1860s and named the valley Eglinton Valley after the British Earl of Eglinton. Later on, the construction of the Milford Road in the 1930s allowed the valley to become more accessible to visitors.

Today, the Eglinton Valley is one of the only glacially-carved river valleys accessible by road within Fiordland National Park. The valley floor, covered in golden tussock grasslands, is flanked by the imposing Earl Mountains to the west and the Livingston Mountains to the east, both adorned with lush native beech forests that climb their steep slopes.

Popular Milford Road Stop

The Eglinton Valley is renowned for its stunning vistas that showcase the dramatic results of glacial activity from thousands of years ago. If you’re taking a tour to Milford Sound, your guide will likely stop near the main Eglinton Valley viewpoint so you can take in the views and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Most people driving themselves to Milford Sound will also stop here for at least a few minutes, which can lead to the area becoming quite busy during peak times. As you enter the valley, you're greeted by vast open grasslands surrounded by large forested mountains. The golden tussock grasses of the valley floor and the deep green of the surrounding forests create a striking contrast that sees the valley featured in many a Fiordland photograph. 

On clear days during the cooler months, visitors can often spot snow-capped peaks in the distance, and on particularly wintery days, layers of fog and mist may descend into the valley, adding an air of mystery to the area. 

A Backdrop for Middle-Earth

The Eglinton Valley's spectacular scenery has not only captivated tourists but also caught the eye of filmmakers, with it serving as a filming location for Peter Jackson's “The Fellowship of the Ring,” part of the acclaimed "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The valley's vast, open landscapes and surrounding mountains provided the perfect backdrop for a setting in Middle-earth. The Earl Mountains on the western side of the valley served as the Misty Mountains in the film, and are often a particular point of interest for fans of the franchise.

As you gaze up at the Earl Mountains from down in the Eglinton Valley, you might find yourself transported to the world of hobbits, elves, and wizards. This connection to one of the most beloved fantasy franchises makes it a must-visit location for both nature enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.

Location and Access

Eglinton Valley Location

The Eglinton Valley stretches for about 50 kilometres along Milford Road on your way to Milford Sound.  Within the Eglinton Valley, you’ll also find other popular Milford Road stops such as Mirror Lakes and Knobbs Flat. However, the main Eglinton Valley viewing area in the Eglinton Valley is the best spot to gaze out at the expansive valley landscape and surrounding mountain ranges before heading further into the valley. This main viewing area is located at the beginning of the Eglinton Valley flats on your way to Milford Sound, around a 40-minute drive from Te Anau. 

Accessing Eglinton Valley

All Day Free Access

The Eglinton Valley viewpoint is open to the public year-round, 24 hours a day. However, you won’t be able to access the area if Milford Road is closed for any reason, such as unsafe traveling conditions in winter. Like other stops along Milford Road, no costs or special permissions are required to visit the Eglinton Valley viewpoint. If you're visiting the area on a tour, your tour guide pays a concession fee (at no additional cost to you) which goes towards maintenance and conservation efforts in the area.

Safety

The main viewing area is easily accessible and suitable for all ages and abilities. There is space at the side of the road for parking and accessing the viewing area. As long as you are mindful of traffic, especially during busy times, and keep away from the road when enjoying the views, you will have a safe and relaxing experience in the crisp mountain valley air. Tip: you may need a warm layer when standing outside enjoying the scenery, as the air in the area can be quite cool, even in summer, and a warm outer layer will be essential in winter to enjoy the scenery comfortably. 

Note: There are no toilets at this stop. The nearest toilet facilities are located at Knobs Flat, around a 10-15 minute drive further along Milford Road.

What Can You See At Eglinton Valley?

The Eglinton Valley viewing area offers a panoramic view of the glacial valley landscape. Visitors can admire the vast expanse of the valley floor, covered in golden tussock grasses, and the surrounding hills and mountains. The Eglinton Valley is also one of the few large lowland areas where you’ll see mixed southern beech forests in New Zealand. These dark green beech trees that cloak the mountainsides provide rich colours that contrast beautifully with the scorched tussock grasslands of the valley floor. On clear days in colder months, the snow-capped peaks of the mountains add another layer of interest to the dramatic backdrop.

Rare Wildlife of Eglinton Valley

While you may not see them during your visit to the Eglinton Valley viewpoint, there are some rare native species that call the Eglinton Valley home. During your time admiring the valley views, you may hear some of the following species in the surrounding forests.

Native Bats/Pekapeka

The Eglinton Valley is one of the most crucial sites in New Zealand for native bat conservation. It's home to both long-tailed bats and the rarer lesser short-tailed bats. The short-tailed bat population here is one of only two known on mainland South Island.

Long-tailed bats are most active around dusk and dawn, often seen near streams and forest borders. While the short-tailed bats, discovered in the area in 1997, are seldom seen, keen-eared visitors might hear their calls deeper in the forest.

Yellowhead/Mohua

The yellowhead, or mohua, is a small, insect-eating bird unique to the forests of New Zealand's South Island and Stewart Island. Once abundant in the Eglinton Valley, their numbers had dwindled to just 18 individuals by 2001 due to predation. However, thanks to extensive conservation efforts, including predator control and translocations from predator-free islands, the mohua population is now on the rise in the Eglinton Valley.

Kākā

The endangered kākā, a large forest parrot, thrives in the Eglinton Valley forests. Visitors might be treated to their distinctive loud, screeching calls echoing through the valley. 

How to Experience Eglinton Valley

After finding a safe spot to stop on the side of the road, you can stroll into the grassland area and take in the expansive views of the valley, appreciating the scale and drama of the landscape. 

Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture the stunning scenery, with the valley offering fantastic views in every direction. The changing light throughout the day can also create dramatic effects.

Take time to stand in the crisp mountain air and listen to the sounds of nature, such as the rustle of the tussock grass in the breeze and the distant calls of native birds like the kākā parrots, providing a serene sensory experience. 

Weather conditions can also change rapidly in the valley, but even on cloudy or misty days, the landscape can be hauntingly beautiful, with clouds drifting between mountain peaks and creating an atmosphere of mystery and drama.

Experiencing Eglinton Valley with Luxe Tours

Your Luxe Tours guide will ensure your stop at Eglinton Valley is an immersive and tranquil experience.  As your comfortable, climate-controlled coach drives along the narrow road cutting through rippling tussock grasslands, your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the area's geological history, flora, and fauna.

Luxe Tours times its visits to arrive early, before the crowds roll in, allowing you to enjoy the valley's serenity without disturbance. You'll have ample time to stroll around, breathe in the fresh mountain air - particularly cool and invigorating during the winter to spring months - and simply soak in the magnificent surroundings.

This popular photo stop offers numerous opportunities to capture the breathtaking landscape. Your guide can suggest good vantage points for photos and is happy to take group photos with the stunning backdrop of the Eglinton Valley. As you take in the mountain air and expansive views, you'll likely feel a sense of relaxation and connection with nature.

By timing the visit thoughtfully, Luxe Tours ensures you can experience the Eglinton Valley the way it should be - in peaceful solitude, allowing you to fully appreciate the grandeur of this ancient glacial landscape.

The vast glacier-carved Eglinton Valley Landscape has captivated visitors for centuries, and today, continues to draw admirers from around the globe. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone seeking to connect with the grandeur of the natural world, the Eglinton Valley offers visitors a moment of peace and awe in nature. With Luxe Tours, you’re ensured you won’t just see the Eglinton Valley but will be able to truly appreciate its place in Fiordland National Park. This stop helps set the stage for the adventure ahead, offering a taste of the natural wonders that await you further on your journey to Milford Sound.