Mirror Lakes New Zealand
Witness the magic of the Earl Mountains mirrored perfectly in the tranquil waters of Mirror Lakes, a must-see stop on the scenic Milford Road.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters for reflections
Mirror Lakes New Zealand
Best Time
Calm waters for reflections
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the magic of the Earl Mountains mirrored perfectly in the tranquil waters of Mirror Lakes, a must-see stop on the scenic Milford Road.
"The views were picturesque but some overgrown grass and trees need trimming so the magnificent view can be seen more clearly."
🎯 Aim for Calm Conditions
Visit on a windless day for the best mirror reflections of the mountains.
🚶♀️ Easy Leg Stretch Stop
Perfect for a quick break on the Milford Road drive. Allow 15-20 mins.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 2,016 reviews
Type
Observation Deck
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mirror Lake Reflections
Mirror Lakes
Witness the breathtaking, mirror-like reflections of the Earl Mountains on the still water. A truly magical sight!
Earl Mountains Vista
Mirror Lakes
Marvel at the majestic Earl Mountains, perfectly mirrored in the tranquil waters. A photographer's dream!
Accessible Boardwalk
Mirror Lakes
Enjoy an easy, all-abilities boardwalk that winds through the serene wetland environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Perfect Reflections
Stretch Your Legs on the Milford Road
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Aim for Calm Conditions
Visit on a windless day for the best mirror reflections of the mountains. 
🚶♀️ Easy Leg Stretch Stop
Perfect for a quick break on the Milford Road drive. Allow 15-20 mins.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Capture stunning shots of mountain reflections. Go early to beat crowds.
♿️ Accessible for All
The wooden boardwalk is easy to navigate and suitable for wheelchairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Aim for Calm Conditions
Visit on a windless day for the best mirror reflections of the mountains.
🚶♀️ Easy Leg Stretch Stop
Perfect for a quick break on the Milford Road drive. Allow 15-20 mins.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Capture stunning shots of mountain reflections. Go early to beat crowds.
♿️ Accessible for All
The wooden boardwalk is easy to navigate and suitable for wheelchairs.
☕️ Coffee Cart Bonus
Sometimes a coffee cart is available, adding a nice touch to your stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mirror Lakes as a stunning and essential stop on the way to Milford Sound, highlighting the breathtaking reflections of the Earl Mountains. The easy, accessible boardwalk makes it enjoyable for all, though some note that overgrown vegetation can occasionally obscure views and that it can get crowded due to tour bus stops.
"A must stop on your way to Milford sounds! Absolutely stunning and a nice way to stretch your legs. There was a coffee cart here when we stopped so that was a bonus. An all built wooden path/bridges so easy to walk and doesn’t take long at all. We stopped for a total of 15mins. Can enter and exit at either end. Just beautiful and a win for a kids!!!"
Haley brown
"Natural & Awesome!
No tickets necessary.
The views were picturesque but some overgrown grass and trees need trimming so the magnificent view can be seen more clearly."
Yunus Ghani
"One of the stops on the way to Milford Sound. If the weather is warm & lightings are perfect one can see the reflection of the Eglinton & Earl mountains in the lake. The place can be crowded because the bus tour operators make a stop here. Dedicated parking spaces are not available here."
Bindya Balakrishnan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mirror Lakes is located along the scenic Milford Road, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from Te Anau and 1 hour 30 minutes from Milford Sound. It's a popular stop on the way to Milford Sound, with dedicated parking areas.
Yes, Mirror Lakes is a common and highly recommended stop on most day tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau.
Absolutely! Driving yourself allows you to stop at your own pace. The Milford Road is incredibly scenic, with Mirror Lakes being one of many worthwhile stops.
The drive along Milford Road is spectacular, winding through Fiordland National Park with stunning mountain vistas, rainforests, and waterfalls. Mirror Lakes is a highlight along this route. +1
While specific facilities at Mirror Lakes itself can vary, there are generally toilet stops available at other points along the Milford Road, especially at visitor centers and popular viewpoints.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mirror Lakes is a natural attraction and does not require any tickets or admission fees. It's free to visit and enjoy.
Mirror Lakes is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the best experience is during daylight hours for optimal viewing and photography.
There is no entrance fee for Mirror Lakes. It's a public access point along the Milford Road.
To avoid crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons, especially on weekdays. Weekends and midday can be busy due to tour bus stops.
Yes, numerous tour operators offer day trips to Milford Sound that include a stop at Mirror Lakes. These tours often depart from Queenstown or Te Anau.
📸 📸 Photography
The main photo opportunities are along the boardwalk, capturing the reflections of the Earl Mountains. Look for the clearest water and calmest conditions for the most striking images.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views. A polarizing filter can help enhance reflections and reduce glare on the water.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, often provides the most beautiful light for photography, enhancing the colors and reflections.
Be patient for calm conditions. Experiment with different angles along the boardwalk. Consider capturing the surrounding native bush as well.
Drone usage in Fiordland National Park is generally restricted to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Always check current regulations before flying.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
A visit to Mirror Lakes typically takes about 15-20 minutes. This allows time for a short walk along the boardwalk and to take photos.
Yes, the walk is very easy. It features a well-maintained wooden boardwalk and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including wheelchair access.
You can see the stunning reflections of the Earl Mountains in the calm lake waters, surrounded by native beech forest and wetland plants. Waterfowl are also often present.
Mirror Lakes can get crowded, especially when tour buses arrive simultaneously. Visiting early or late in the day can help avoid the peak times.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Layers are recommended as the weather in Fiordland can change quickly. Waterproofs are always a good idea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit