Day trip

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

4.7  / 5911 reviews
Certified by GetYourGuide
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Day trip
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip
Certified by GetYourGuide
4.7  / 5911 reviews
Likely to sell out

Experience the majestic Milford Sound on a day trip including a 2-hour cruise and round-trip luxury bus transportation from Queenstown. Sit back, relax, look out for native wildlife and soak up the stunning scenery in Fiordland.

About this activity

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Duration 13 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Stephanie – United Kingdom

Our trip to Milford Sound was fantastic. Our driver Brian was great and made the long drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound very interesting with lots of information about the different areas we passed through and allowed for some great photo opportunities at stops along the route. We were even lucky enough to see a cheeky Kea at one of our stops! On arrival at Milford Sound the weather was great with lovely waterfalls and stunning snow capped mountains - it certainly lived up to its reputation and we were very privileged to be on our cruise around the sound on a sunny dry day!! Our bus journey back was quicker with only one quick toilet stop at Te Anau - it was a long day but well with it to see one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen! Would highly recommend this tour it is a must do if you are in Queenstown!

S
Stephanie – United Kingdom
S
Stephanie – New Zealand

Our trip was amazing! We had the incredible Paulie Potatoes as our guide and I can’t say enough good things about him. His knowledge was unbelievable and it created such an amazing experience for us as we drove through the most gorgeous places. We loved hearing every word of commentary he had for the trip. He made us feel super safe and comfortable on the long journey there and back. He truly made the day our most favourite of our NZ trip! Thanks Paulie!

S
Stephanie – New Zealand

Experience

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    88 Beach Street

  • Bus/coach

    (2.5 hours)

  • Lake Wakatipu

    Sightseeing

  • Te Anau

    Break time (30 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (70 minutes)

  • Eglinton Valley

    Photo stop

  • Mirror Lakes

    Photo stop

  • Monkey Creek

    Photo stop

  • Timeline stop icon

    Milford Road, Southland

    Scenic drive

  • Timeline stop icon

    Milford Sound

    Boat cruise (2 hours)

  • Bus/coach

    (105 minutes)

  • Te Anau

    Break time (15 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (2.33 hours)

  • Arrive back at:

    88 Beach Street

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Admire awe-inspiring scenery on the drive from Queenstown
  • Relax in comfort on a glass-roof luxury coach for the scenic drive
  • Enjoy the 2-hour cruise in Milford Sound
  • Get up close and personal to dramatic waterfalls and cliff edges
  • Look out for native wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and penguins
  • Enjoy a licensed bar onboard with hot and cold food options available for purchase

Full description

Travel to Milford Sound for an extended nature cruise on a day trip from Queenstown. Experience one of the most beautiful drives in the world in the comfort of a state-of-the-coach. Board the luxury glass-roof coach in Queenstown and journey along the shores of Lake Whakatipu into rolling countryside through to Te Anau. Here we take a short rest stop at a cafe before continuing along the spectacular alpine route of the Milford Road. Enjoy spectacular photo stops and short walks along the way. Relax on the 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea and admire the fiord’s wildlife, waterfalls and mountains. Our experienced skippers tailor each Milford Sound cruise, considering the weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you'll see the best Milford Sound has to offer. Specialist nature guides will provide live informative commentary.Our vessels have large windows, spacious decks and offer uninterrupted views of the dramatic Fiordland landscape. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces.  You can bring your own lunch or purchase delicious locally curated dishes, wines, craft beer and barista coffees on-board. Following the cruise, board the coach for your return journey to Queenstown.

Includes

  • Transport by luxury glass-roof air-conditioned coach
  • English-only live commentary from experienced local nature guide
  • 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
  • Food and drinks can be purchased from the licensed bar on-board

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

The RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf 88 Beach St, Queenstown

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Rain gear
  • Insect repellent

Know before you go

  • Always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during your visit, the landscape is especially dramatic when it rains in Fiordland
  • Bring sensible clothing and footwear for cool and wet weather to fully appreciate your visit
  • Please check in 20 minutes before departure time to receive your boarding pass
  • Alternative vessels or coaches may be used, for example during survey periods
  • During maintenance periods, use of a non-glass roof coach may be used as substitute transport

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 911 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

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S
Stephanie – United KingdomNovember 5, 2024  – Verified booking
Our trip to Milford Sound was fantastic. Our driver Brian was great and made the long drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound very interesting with lots of information about the different areas we passed through and allowed for some great photo opportunities at stops along the route. We were even lucky enough to see a cheeky Kea at one of our stops! On arrival at Milford Sound the weather was great with lovely waterfalls and stunning snow capped mountains - it certainly lived up to its reputation and we were very privileged to be on our cruise around the sound on a sunny dry day!! Our bus journey back was quicker with only one quick toilet stop at Te Anau - it was a long day but well with it to see one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen! Would highly recommend this tour it is a must do if you are in Queenstown!
Helpful?
S
Stephanie – New ZealandNovember 29, 2024  – Verified booking
Our trip was amazing! We had the incredible Paulie Potatoes as our guide and I can’t say enough good things about him. His knowledge was unbelievable and it created such an amazing experience for us as we drove through the most gorgeous places. We loved hearing every word of commentary he had for the trip. He made us feel super safe and comfortable on the long journey there and back. He truly made the day our most favourite of our NZ trip! Thanks Paulie!
Helpful?
J
Jessica – United StatesNovember 27, 2024  – Verified booking
It was a lovely trip! The ride to and from the Sound is the longest part, but our guide Paulie had very lively commentary for us. The stops along the way were very picturesque, and that added a ton of value. You can also snooze on the way back, so that helps if you're beat. The actual cruise was fantastic. We got to see a waterfall up close - literally felt the splash on our faces. Also got to see seals, penguins, and dolphins. So happy I went. Highlight of the New Zealand stay for sure.
Helpful?

Product ID: 163593

Activity provider:RealNZ

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