Milford Sound Premium Coach and Cruise with Lunch from Te Anau
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Milford Sound Premium Coach and Cruise with Lunch from Te Anau

Active
(41 reviews)
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the stress-free way to see Milford Sound from Te Anau. Our premium coaches offer unobstructed views of the spectacular Milford Road so you can relax and take in the scenery while your expert driver guide takes the wheel.

At Milford Sound, board our spacious catamaran for an up-close encounter with thundering waterfalls and towering cliffs.

We ensure a premium experience for all. Your Nature Cruise includes free tea and coffee plus options to pre-order a picnic lunch or choose the To Kai buffet on selected departures. Download our free app to hear the commentary in eight languages.

With round-trip transfers from a central Te Anau meeting point, we ensure a seamless and memorable experience in the heart of New Zealand's most famous natural wonder.

Available options

11:30am Departure with Picnic

11:30am Departure with Picnic

10:00am Departure with Buffet

10:00am Departure with Buffet

9:30am Departure with Picnic

9:30am Departure with Picnic

What's included

Informative commentary provided by local coach driver
Skippers providing informative commentary on board cruise
Return transport from Te Anau to Milford Sound on a premium coach
FREE tea and coffee on board cruise
USB charging ports on board coach
FREE Multilingual App for Coach and Cruise
Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Freshly prepared Lunch

Detailed itinerary

1

10.00am Coach pick-up from Southern Discoveries Visitor Centre (80 Lakefront Drive Te Anau)

• Travel on a premium glass-roof coach, equipped with reclining seats, extra legroom, air-conditioning
• USB charging ports and onboard toilet
• Experienced, local coach drivers provide engaging and informative commentary, and show you the best short walks and photo stops along the Milford Road
• Coach connects with our Milford Sound Nature Cruise 1 hour 45min cruise of Milford Sound
• Skipper provides entertaining and informative commentary
• Freshly Packed Picnic Lunch is included if purchased
• FREE tea and coffee

2

Te Anau is a beautiful town on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s known as a gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. The region is home to endangered, flightless takahē birds and abundant trout in Lake Te Anau. Here is where your day trip will start from, you can meet us at the Southern Discoveries Visitor Centre on 80 Lakefront Drive at 9:45am.

3
Stop 3

Enjoy a stroll among small lakes with stunning reflections of the Earl Mountains, should weather be permissive on the day. This is an easy, short walk off the Milford Road.

4

Interpretation panels show the effect of avalanches on the Milford Road and provide information on the wildlife of the Eglinton Valley. Visitor amenities include toilets and a telephone (card payment only).

5
Stop 5

Take in great views of the upper Hollyford Valley while you fill up your water bottle from this glacier fed spring. Friendly Keas (a New Zealand alpine parrot) love this area so it's a great stop for some kea spotting.

6
Stop 6

This beautiful valley is glaciated with steep sides and a flat floor. It's between half a kilometre to two kilometres wide and has a shingle riverbed floor, which is constantly being changed by the Eglinton River. This is an incredible stop you will make as apart of your journey to Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Lake Gunn is a strikingly beautiful lake in the South Island of New Zealand.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

At an altitude of 945 metres above sea level and 1.2 kilometres in length, the unlined road tunnel allows access through sheer rock to Milford Sound with a gradient of 1 in 10. Completed in 1953, traffic lights control the traffic flow through the tunnel. An incredible part of your journey along the Milford Road.

9

The Cleddau River is a beautiful river of New Zealand. It flows into the head of Milford Sound. You'll see many parts of this river as you journey along the Milford Sound road.

10

Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sheer sides. The fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory offers views of rare black coral and other marine life. Southern Discoveries cruises are a popular way to explore.

11

Exchange your pass and board your Nature cruise. Your journey on the water starts here!

12
Stop 12 Pass by

The stunning Lady Bowen Falls is Milford’s highest waterfall. It plunges 162m from a hanging valley into the head of Milford Sound and provides electricity for the Milford Sound township by feeding a small hydroelectric scheme, as well as being the water source for the settlement.

13

Nestled behind the world famous Mitre Peak, the Sinbad Gully is characterised by extremely steep glacially carved walls punctuated by near vertical granite cliffs. These walls slowed pest invasion into the gully and as a result a number of unique native species remain in the Sinbad.

Southern Discoveries is passionate about preserving Milford Sound’s beauty for future generations which is why it’s a key partner in a major conservation project – the Sinbad Sanctuary Project.

The aim is to see the valley of New Zealand’s most photographed mountain (Sinbad Gully is at the base of Mitre Peak) become a sanctuary for native species.

14
Stop 14 Pass by

Milford’s second-highest waterfall is the Stirling Falls, a staggering 151m in height – three times the height of Niagara Falls, but the 1,300m mountain behind displaces this incredible height. This is the famous waterfall that Hugh Jackman ‘jumped off’ in the movie Wolverine. The sheer drop of the Stirling Falls allows boats to get right underneath – it’s an incredible feeling to have the power of 151m worth of glacial water falling so close to you.

15

Mitre Peak is a beautifully dramatic mountain in the South Island of New Zealand, located on the shore of Milford Sound. It is one of the most photographed mountain peaks in the entire country.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Available languages

Audio guide
DE PT JA ZH-CN FR ES
Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5
10 reviews
5★
6
4★
3
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.7
31 reviews
5★
27
4★
2
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Sunscreen and insect repellent advisable
Appropriate child restraints are not provided by the operator. These must be provided by the parent or caregiver - without this you may be turned away and unable to travel - please be prepared.
Please make sure you arrive at least 15mins before your departure time.

Meeting point

Please head inside the Southern Discoveries office situated at the above address (80 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau) to check in for your trip. Please make sure you arrive at least 15mins before your departure time.

Important notes

Appropriate child restraints are not provided by the operator. These must be provided by the parent or caregiver - without this you may be turned away and unable to travel - please be prepared.
*Please make sure you are at your required pickup location at least 15mins prior to departure.
*If you booked before 24th November 2022 you will receive a picnic lunch not buffet. You do however have the option to upgrade to buffet lunch at an additional cost on check in
*A smaller vehicle which does not feature a glass roof may be used with smaller groups for a more personalised experience.

About Te Anau

Te Anau is a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the second-largest freshwater lake in New Zealand. It serves as the gateway to Fiordland National Park and its stunning fiords, including the famous Milford Sound. The town is known for its natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and the enchanting glowworm caves.

Top Attractions

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand's most iconic natural areas, home to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and numerous hiking trails. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Nature Half day to multi-day Free to enter, but tours and activities have fees

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

These caves are famous for their glowworms, which create a magical, star-like effect on the cave ceilings. The caves are accessible only by guided boat tour and walking tour.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate

Lake Te Anau

The second-largest freshwater lake in New Zealand, Lake Te Anau offers stunning views, kayaking, and boat tours. The lake is part of the Fiordland National Park and is surrounded by lush forests and mountains.

Nature Varies Free to explore, tours have fees

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fresh Seafood

Te Anau is known for its fresh seafood, including salmon, trout, and whitebait. Dishes often feature locally sourced ingredients.

Dinner May contain allergens like shellfish

Lamb

New Zealand lamb is renowned for its quality and flavor, often served with seasonal vegetables and local wines.

Dinner Not vegetarian or vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Boating Scenic drives Picnicking Photography Local crafts Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the summer season, offering the warmest weather and the most daylight hours. It's ideal for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the fiords. However, it's also the busiest time of year.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English, Maori
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Te Anau is a safe destination with low crime rates. However, visitors should always take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Be cautious when hiking alone
  • • Check weather conditions before outdoor activities

Getting there

By air
  • Invercargill Airport • 100 km (62 miles)
  • Queenstown Airport • 170 km (105 miles)
By bus

Te Anau Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Public transport options are limited in Te Anau. Local shuttle services are available for specific routes and tours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Limited app availability

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Te Anau Town Center Lakefront Area

Day trips

Milford Sound
120 km (75 miles) • Full day

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most famous attractions, known for its stunning fiord, waterfalls, and wildlife. It's a must-visit for nature lovers.

Doubtful Sound
150 km (93 miles) • Full day or overnight

Doubtful Sound is a lesser-known but equally stunning fiord, offering a more remote and tranquil experience compared to Milford Sound.

Festivals

Fiordland Jazz Festival • March

Pro tips

  • Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
  • Be prepared for rain and cool temperatures, even in summer
  • Rent a car for flexibility and to explore the surrounding area
  • Visit the glowworm caves for a magical experience
  • Take a boat tour of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound for stunning views and wildlife spotting
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 15-99
1
Childs
Age 5-14
0
Infants
Age 0-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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