Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

Active
(1147 reviews)
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

This full-day Milford Sound extraordinaire tour from Te Anau will have you traveling along the spectacular Milford Road. With fun commentary and plenty of local knowledge provided you will have a chance to see keas, seals, dolphins and the Fiordland crested penguin.

Enjoy an amazing morning tea that includes wonderful date scones, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits, chocolates
Experience an amazing 20-minute walk to the Chasm.

You will have the chance to do the most spectacular 30-minute walk to Milford Sound. It is the Marian Cascade which is a continuous cascading waterfall draining from a glacier fed lake. Your day will be topped off with a 2-hour cruise on the famous Milford Sound.

Available options

With Picnic Lunch

Packed Picnic Lunch: Choices for picnic lunch sandwich are chicken, lamb, seafood, ham or vegetarian. Please advise your choice in the comments.<br/>Pickup included

Without Picnic Lunch

Pickup included

What's included

Local guide
National Park fees
Driver/guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Te Anau
Live commentary on board
Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

1

This is Fiordland Tours signature, award winning tour – an extended day trip to Milford Sound from Te Anau that guarantees you’ll experience all the best sights and have ample time to explore Fiordland National Park.

Escape the crowds with our small group tours, and enjoy short walks, kiwi-style café baked goods, & a nature cruise on the iconic Milford Sound.

Depart: 8:00 AM
Return: 6:00 PM

Pick-up & drop-off from your Te Anau accommodation.

This fully guided tour includes informative commentary & personalised service, ensuring an enriching experience.

Travel along the spectacular Milford Road, with up to 15 scenic photo stops along the way.

A chance to see Keas, Seals, Dolphins, and the Fiordland Crested Penguin.

Enjoy a nature cruise on Milford Sound, offering a more intimate and crowd-free experience.

Plenty of toilet stops for your comfort.

We operate in safe & comfortable coaches provide limited to small groups ensuring a more personalised experience.

2
Stop 2

A short walk viewing the "Mirror Lakes" where the Earl mountains reflect on the small oxbow lakes. You will take photos which will look the same turned 180 deg. Whilst this can be 1 five minute walk, we allow 15 minutes for you to soak up the amazing scenery

3

Enjoy a 2-hour nature cruise on the spectacular Milford Sound.

Get up close to cascading waterfalls and have the chance to see Keas, Seals, Dolphins, and the Fiordland Crested Penguin.

After the cruise, enjoy some time in Milford Sound, where we offer the opportunity to take a stunning, optional Milford foreshore walk.

What's not included

Drinks
Hotel Pick up from Manapouri (available by special arrangement. Additional costs may apply)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9
107 reviews
5★
99
4★
8
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
1,040 reviews
5★
1011
4★
25
3★
2
2★
1
1★
1

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
A minimum of 4 people is required to operate the tour

Meeting point

You may come to our address the morning of your tour.
We are at 60 Town Centre, Te Anau.

Important notes

If you require a pick-up from Manapouri, please call Fiordland Tours in advance to arrange. Note additional costs may apply.

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

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 0-14
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook