Milford Sound Coach & Cruise ex Te Anau Stunning Views with Lunch
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Milford Sound Coach & Cruise ex Te Anau Stunning Views with Lunch

Active
(115 reviews)
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a stress-free Milford Sound adventure from Te Anau. We'll do the driving as you relax in our premium coaches, designed for unbeatable views of the Milford Road. Your friendly driver shares stories of the area's history and unique ecology, with well-timed stops to snap photos of the views.

At Milford Sound, step onto a purpose-built catamaran for a Nature Cruise. Enjoy free tea and coffee, pre-order a picnic lunch, or try the To Kai buffet available on selected departures. Download our free app to hear the commentary in eight languages.

Get close to waterfalls and towering cliffs and watch for wildlife like fur seals, dolphins and the Fiordland crested penguin. An easy round-trip transfer from Te Anau and the perfect way to experience the majesty of Milford Sound.

Available options

9:30am Departure with Picnic

9:30am Departure with Picnic

10:00am Departure with Buffet

10:00am Departure with Buffet

11:30am Departure with Picnic

11:30am Departure with Picnic

What's included

Informative commentary provided by local coach driver
Freshly made Lunch
Available on the App Store and Google Play search Southern Discoveries
Return transport from Te Anau to Milford Sound in a modern and spacious coach with excellent viewing
FREE Multilingual App for Coach and Cruise
Milford Sound Nature Cruise of up to 2 hours
FREE tea and coffee onboard the cruise
View waterfalls and wildlife from the cruise

Detailed itinerary

1

This is the location of where the Southern Discoveries check in is located, for your special day trip into Milford Sound with the original Milford Sound operators!

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. Your day trip will depart from here.

3
Stop 3

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.

4
Stop 4

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.

5
Stop 5 Pass by

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

6
Stop 6

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.

7
Stop 7 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.

8

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.

9
Stop 9

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. Boat tours are a popular way to explore.

10

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.

11
Stop 11 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.

12

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.

13
Stop 13 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.

14
Stop 14

Let us show you around the amazing Fiordland National Park

15

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
82 reviews
5★
67
4★
9
3★
4
2★
2
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.7
33 reviews
5★
28
4★
2
3★
2
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.

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 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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