Donne River Bridge, Milford Sound

@joannehollings

New Zealand

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Fiordland National Park

Imagine standing amidst the raw beauty of New Zealand's untamed wilderness, where the Donne River, a hidden gem within the Fiordland National Park, carves through ancient forests and cascades down from misty mountains. The Donne River Bridge offers a front-row seat to this spectacular display of nature's artistry, where waterfalls streak the cliff faces like paint on a canvas. The cool air is thick with the scent of moss and rain, and every angle presents a new masterpiece, a scene untouched by time, waiting for you to capture its essence.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Easy

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

Wide-angle lens (28mm)
Weather-appropriate clothing: Layers for changing conditions, waterproof jacket, and sturdy boots.
Navigation aids: GPS device or map and compass.
Food and water: Snacks and hydration for the trail.
Emergency kit: First aid, flashlight

How to get there

S44° 42' 15.3184"E167° 58' 14.4001"

On the drive towards Milford sound you'll pass a long tunnel and from there its another 10 min drive to get to this iconic bridge spot to take this photo. Once you reach what looks like a one way bridge pull over to the side of the road. From here walk along the bridge and look left and you'll see this beautiful river flower through with the towering hills behind with waterfalls. Highly recommend capturing this photo on a moody day after theres been a lot of rain. you'll get more waterfalls and water flow in the river. Getting to Donne River Bridge is an adventure in itself. Your journey starts in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. From there, you'll embark on the scenic Milford Road (State Highway 94), a marvel of engineering that winds through the heart of the park. This route is about 120 kilometers to the bridge and can take approximately 2 hours, but factor in extra time for stops; you'll want to soak in every vista. Upon reaching the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2-kilometer passage through sheer granite, you'll emerge to find the Hollyford Valley spreading out before you. Continue your drive as the road descends through a series of alpine switchbacks until you reach the Donne River Bridge. The bridge itself is modest, but the views are anything but. Look left and you'll see this beautiful river flower through with the towering hills behind with waterfalls.