Last updated November 2026
The Chasm is a stretch of the Cleddau River on the Milford Road where the water pours over and through rock it has carved into sculpted shapes and basins. DOC’s short walk to it takes about 20 minutes, graded Easiest, through native bush to the edge of the river.
The car park is about 109 km along Milford Road from Te Anau, roughly halfway between the Homer Tunnel and Milford Sound. At about 190 km from Invercargill in a straight line, it is a stop on a Fiordland road trip rather than a day out from the city. Check DOC before you go.
Practical Information
- Start
- The Chasm car park, Milford Road (SH94), about 109 km from Te Anau
- Distance from the city
- About 190 km from Invercargill
- Walking time
- About 20 min
- Grade
- Easiest
- Track type
- Short walk through native bush
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About The Chasm
DOC describes water flowing over and through “water-sculpted rock formations”, and says thousands of years of swirling water have shaped the stone into sculpted forms and basins. DOC also mentions the sound of the water falling through the Chasm.
The walk itself is short and easy, through native bush to the edge of the Cleddau River, so it fits easily into the drive to Milford Sound.
Viewing Bridges and Storm Damage
The viewing gallery bridges that used to cross the Chasm were washed away in the February 2020 storm. DOC reopened the walk afterwards so that visitors view the Chasm from the edge of the Cleddau River, and its plans include new viewing bridges over the river.
What you can see from the end of the track depends on the stage of that work, so check DOC before you go.
Getting There
Drive Milford Road (SH94) from Te Anau towards Milford Sound. The car park is about 109 km from Te Anau, roughly halfway between the Homer Tunnel and Milford Sound, and DOC describes it as large and well signposted.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: The Chasm Walk: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Fiordland National Park: places to go in the park, including the Milford Road and Milford Sound area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to The Chasm?
About 20 minutes, graded Easiest by DOC.
Where is The Chasm?
On the Cleddau River beside Milford Road, about 109 km from Te Anau and roughly halfway between the Homer Tunnel and Milford Sound.
What will I see?
Water flowing over and through rock carved into sculpted shapes and basins over thousands of years.
Can I still cross the river on the bridges?
The old viewing bridges were washed away in February 2020. DOC’s plans include new viewing bridges; check DOC for what is open when you visit.
Is there parking?
Yes. DOC describes a large, well signposted car park on Milford Road.
How far is it from Invercargill?
About 190 km in a straight line, on the way to Milford Sound.
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