Milford Sound Full Day Tour from Te Anau with Cruise
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound. Modern comforts such as bucket leather seats, extended leg room, high performance air conditioning, small bag storage space, table trays & USB charging.
Guided by our local expert commentary, we take you to all the main photo & experience stops but also add in a couple of extra special ones not listed here. Three short & optional nature walks are included.
Upon arriving in Milford Sound, your two-hour nature cruise awaits you aboard our cruise partners boat - the Milford Haven. Boasting a restaurant and bar, you can dine in comfortable seating enjoying a hot or cold add-on lunch while the mountains, waterfalls and wildlife go by.
We reserve seats & tables on the cruise so you have your own guaranteed space within the boat.
See our website for full details.
Available options
Milford Sound Full Day Tour from Te Anau with Cruise
Pickup included
What's included
Unlimited chilled & purified water in plant-based reusable drink bottles that guests can keep.
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Cruise ticket
A morning sweet/savoury snack provided.
Detailed itinerary
1
Following departure form Te Anau, we have a 25min drive to Te Anau Downs. If the weather is appropriate, we stop here for a photo and sightseeing looking across Lake Te Anau and down the Middle Fjord.
2
Stop 2
Following a 20min drive, we arrive at Mirror Lakes. This short 2-minute nature walk on well formed tracks and boardwalks will have you at the tranquil Mirror Lakes, the backdrop of the Earl Mountains behind them. This is a challenge for any travelling photographer to capture the essence of the lakes - their mirror reflection.
3
Stop 3
Eglinton Valley is a 5min drive from Mirror Lakes and offers a stunning contrast of green, native bush covered mountains, against the foreground of tan fields. Guests will have a chance to explore the long lush fields. Beautiful at any time of the year.
4
Stop 4
It is a 15min Drive from Eglinton Valley and we include a 5min toilet stop at Knobs Flat before arriving at Lake Gunn. Situated between the inflow and outflow of the Eglinton River, Lake Gunn is a perfect opportunity to stretch the legs again and enjoy the serene peace & quiet, only broken by surrounding birdsong.
5
A 15min drive from Lake Gunn, this is an optional nature walk of 25-minutes. From the carpark, we cross the roaring Hollyford River and walk up the track 10-minutes to the Marian Falls. You will enjoy stunning cascading falls & chasms.
6
Stop 6
Monkey Creek is a 10min drive from Marian Falls carpark and is a common area to meet the Kea, a mountain parrot only found in the South Island of New Zealand. This is an opportunity to take a close up photo of these cheeky birds.
7
We have a 30min drive to Milford Sound, but stop for another 20mins at The Chasm on the way. Our destination for the tour is the beautiful Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We spend 2.5 hours in Milford Sound, mostly aboard your nature cruise where you will experience the entire fjord, wildlife encounters, waterfalls and all the scenic beauty there is to see.
8
Stop 8
On the return leg we have a 40min drive to this stop. We stop at the Hollyford Lookout, sitting high above the Hollyford Valley. Here you will get an appreciation for the glaciers that carved out these valleys. A photo opportunity and a chance to stretch the legs.
9
After Hollyford Valley, we enjoy a quiet journey back to Te Anau, with an optional toilet stop again at Knobs Flat if needed. Our drive time is 70mins + drop-offs.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
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Tripadvisor
5.0
221 reviews
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
This meeting point is at: Milford Road Merchant Cafe, 225 Milford Road, Te Anau.
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
