Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

Fiordland & Milford Sound , New Zealand

Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

Active

(533 reviews)

13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience stunning scenery on an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound. The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in the south west of the South Island, and is famed for its remote atmosphere and rugged beauty. It is New Zealand’s best known fiord and the only one that can be reached by road. Maori are believed to have discovered Milford Sound more than 1,000 years ago, returning seasonally to collect the prized pounamu (greenstone). In the early 1800s John Grono was the first European settler to land in the sound, which he named after Milford Haven in Wales. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather. Cliffs rise high into the air from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards, some as high as 1000 metres.

Available options

Tour, Cruise & Lunch 7.20am

Milford Sound Cruise<br/>Picnic Lunch<br/>Glass Roof Coach

Cruise, Tour & Lunch 7.40am

What's included

Picnic lunch

Glass-roof coach transport with free WiFi

Hotel transfers (selected properties)

Milford Sound scenic cruise

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Shaped like a lightening blot, Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's third largest lake. You will be able to see views of the lake as you depart Queenstown.

Stop 2

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather. Cliffs rise high into the air from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards, some as high as 1000 metres. When it rains in Milford Sound (and it often does) those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect. See the mirror lakes of Earl Mountains

Stop 3

This is weather dependent, photo stop of valley tunnel

Stop 4

A chance to fill up your water bottles with incredibly fresh Glacier feed water

Discover this remote and beautiful Fiord with a day tour and cruise Including Lunch. The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in the south west of the South Island, and is famed for its remote atmosphere and rugged beauty. It is New Zealand’s best known fiord and the only one that can be reached by road. Maori are believed to have discovered Milford Sound more than 1,000 years ago, returning seasonally to collect the prized pounamu (greenstone). In the early 1800s John Grono was the first European settler to land in the sound, which he named after Milford Haven in Wales.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

154 reviews

5★

112

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

379 reviews

5★

322

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Bus stop Athol St in middle of the carpark (all-day parking is NOT available here)
Please arrive 15minutes prior to departure time.

Important notes

Before you Go – If you have any questions or comments prior to your departure including hotel pick ups or dietary requirements please call us on 0800 744 487 free phone in New Zealand or + 649 583 5790. We are open between 0630 – 1800

Please show your reservation number to the driver on the day.

About Fiordland & Milford Sound

Fiordland is a remote and breathtaking region in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. Known for its dramatic fiords, towering cliffs, and lush rainforests, it offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. Milford Sound, one of the most famous fiords, is a must-visit for its stunning waterfalls and rich marine life.

Top Attractions

Milford Sound

A stunning fiord known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and rich marine life. It's one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand.

Nature 2-4 hours for a cruise, longer for hiking Moderate to expensive for cruises

Routeburn Track

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, offering breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and alpine meadows.

Adventure 2-4 days Moderate (hut fees apply)

Douglas Island Wildlife Sanctuary

A sanctuary for native wildlife, including rare birds and seals. Accessible by boat from Milford Sound.

Nature 1-2 hours Included in most Milford Sound cruises

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hangi

Traditional Māori meal cooked in an earth oven, featuring meats and vegetables.

Dinner Contains meat, can be adapted for dietary restrictions

Seafood Chowder

Creamy soup made with locally caught seafood like fish, mussels, and crayfish.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood, may contain dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Jet boating Kayaking Wildlife tours Scenic cruises Photography Wildlife watching Māori cultural experiences

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

This is the warmest and driest time of year, with long daylight hours. It's ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.

12°C to 20°C 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Māori
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12 (Daylight Saving Time: GMT+13)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Fiordland is generally safe, but the remote and rugged terrain requires caution.

Important Precautions:

• Carry a map and compass for hiking
• Be prepared for rapidly changing weather
• Inform someone of your hiking plans

Getting there

By air

Queenstown Airport • 250 km from Fiordland

By bus

Queenstown, Te Anau

Getting around

Public transport

Buses connect major towns and trailheads but may have limited schedules.

Taxis

Limited

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Te Anau Milford Sound Village

Day trips

Kepler Track

40 km from Te Anau • 1-3 days

Another of New Zealand's Great Walks, offering stunning views of mountains, lakes, and forests.

Dart River Wilderness Jet

100 km from Te Anau • Full day

Jet boat tours through the Dart River and Glenorchy, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting.

Festivals

Fiordland Jazz Festival • February

Pro tips

Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance, especially during peak season
Pack layers and waterproof gear; weather can change rapidly
Fill up your gas tank in Te Anau as stations are scarce in Fiordland
Carry a map and compass; cell service can be unreliable in remote areas
Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles