Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch
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Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch

Active
(539 reviews)
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The best way to experience Milford Sound from Queenstown. We take care of the driving while you sit back and enjoy the stunning views from our premium coaches with panoramic windows, glass roofs, and USB charging ports. Your friendly driver shares stories about the area's history and unique ecology, with well-timed stops to snap photos of the amazing views. Our free multi-lingual commentary app is available on both the Coach and Cruise in eight languages.

Arrive in Milford Sound feeling refreshed and ready to cruise the fiord. Get ready for unobstructed views of thundering waterfalls and the towering cliff faces. Our premium Nature Cruise comes with options to pre-order a picnic lunch or choose the To Kai buffet on selected departures.

This trip takes care of all the transportation, including round-trip travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound and a seamless connection to your cruise. All you have to do is enjoy the experience.

Available options

7:00am Departure with Buffet

7:00am Departure with Buffet

8:30am Departure with Picnic

8:30am Departure with Picnic

6:30am Departure with Picnic

6:30am Departure with Picnic

What's included

Multi-lingual app for commentary available: App Store and Google Play search Southern Discoveries
Informative commentary provided by local coach driver
Return transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound on premium glass-roof coach
USB charging ports on board coach
Milford Sound Nature Cruise of up to 2 hours
FREE tea and coffee onboard the cruise
Spot diverse wildlife while on the cruise
Freshly prepared Lunch

Detailed itinerary

1

6.30am Coach pick-up from Southern Discoveries Visitor Centre (if you selected the 6.30am tour option)

7.00am Coach pick-up from Southern Discoveries Visitor Centre (if you selected the 7.00am tour option)

• 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 Cruise
• FREE tea and coffee

2

Queenstown, New Zealand, sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu. It's from here you will set off on a day trip with Milford Sound's original Cruise operator, Southern Discoveries, from Queenstown into Milford Sound to enjoy a beautiful experience of Milford Sound on a premium, low-emission coach with a delicious & freshly cooked international style buffet onboard your cruise. Discover the native wildlife, towering waterfalls and majestic mountains of the fiords in Milford Sound.

3

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. Enjoy a short break here on your way to Milford Sound, in order to break up the journey, grab a coffee, and stretch your legs.

4
Stop 4

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.

5
Stop 5 Pass by

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

6
Stop 6

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.

7

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.

8
Stop 8

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.

9
Stop 9 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.

10
Stop 10

Should weather and time permit, enjoy a short walk here as a part of your Milford Sound day trip with Southern Discoveries. Dramatic views of a rock chasm and waterfalls formed by the rushing waters of the Cleddau River. This is an easy walk along a well maintained trail and is approximately 20 minutes in length.

11

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 the best way to explore.

12
Stop 12 Pass by

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.

13
Stop 13 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.

14

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.

15
Stop 15 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.

16

Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Appropriate child restraints are not provided by the operator and must be supplied by yourselves.

Available languages

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

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7
465 reviews
5★
370
4★
61
3★
20
2★
6
1★
8
Tripadvisor 4.7
74 reviews
5★
61
4★
8
3★
2
2★
1
1★
2

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 (110 Beach Street, Queenstown) 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 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
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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