From Te Anau: Milford Sound Premium Bus Tour and Cruise

Top rated
4.7823834 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.7823834 out of 5 stars
193 reviews
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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Premium Bus Tour and Cruise
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.7823834 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.7823834 out of 5 stars
193 reviews

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound and cruise the fiord all in one day. Relax in a premium glass-roof coach with time for photo stops, then arrive stress-free for your spectacular nature cruise.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
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Duration 7.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

J
Julie – Australia

The day started with being picked up in Te Anou in a very comfortable bus. The driver was extremely knowledgeable about the whole area and provided interesting information as well as ample opportunities to stop for photo’s or toilet breaks. The cruise through Milford Sound was spectacular and we were lucky to have good weather for the day, not too cold and not too warm. A nice relaxing bus trip back to Te Anou and we loved the whole day. I would recommend this trip to everyone.

D
David – New Zealand

Everything our guide was awesome and gave us the best instructions to make our trip the best

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Southern Discoveries - Te Anau Visitor Centre

  • Bus/coach

    (45 minutes)

  • Eglinton Valley

    Photo stop (5 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (5 minutes)

  • Mirror Lakes

    Photo stop (10 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (1 hour)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Milford Sound

    Boat cruise (2 hours)

  • Bus/coach

    (2 hours)

  • Arrive back at:

    Southern Discoveries - Te Anau Visitor Centre

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Sit back, relax, and view iconic sights with commentary from your expert driver
  • Enjoy panoramic views with the glass-roofed coaches
  • Be shown some of the best short walks and photo stops along the way
  • Cruise beneath the waterfalls of Milford Sound and look for native wildlife
  • Modern, purpose-built boats designed for comfort and stunning views

Full description

The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is an adventure in itself. Take in everything the world-famous Milford Sound road has to offer with expert commentary as well as the coach’s glass roof, premium seating, and USB charging ports. Download the free Southern Discoveries app to hear your tour commentary in a range of languages.

Stop at stunning locations along the Milford Sound road, including Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, and Monkey Creek before the glacier-carved majesty of Milford Sound appears as you approach the cruise terminal.

Arrive refreshed at Milford Sound as your guide takes you to your Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Step aboard the purpose-built catamaran designed to get you close to the fiord's waterfalls and sheer cliff faces. Find your perfect viewing spot - either from the spacious top deck or through large windows in the comfortable cabins.

Your cruise takes you past the towering Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Feel the spray of the 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls cascading from the ancient rainforest high above. The cruise continues to Copper Point, where New Zealand fur seals often bask on rocky outcrops, and bottlenose dolphins are known to swim in the vessel's wake. Sail the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea.

Keep watch for the rare Fiordland crested penguin nesting in the rocky shoreline (seasonal). Learn about the landscape's formation and wildlife from the onboard commentary, available in multiple languages on our free app. Add a freshly prepared picnic lunch to complete your experience (available to pre-order) or the To Kai buffet on selected departures.

Milford Sound is approximately a 5-hour drive from Queenstown or a 2-hour drive from Te Anau (including stops). Trips depart daily.

Includes

  • Roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned bus with a glass door
  • Commentary from driver
  • Milford Sound nature cruise
  • Commentary from skipper
  • Tea and coffee
  • Lunch (if option selected)
  • Multilingual app for commentary
  • Headphones

Meeting point

Meet at the Te Anau Visitor Center. Please arrive to the meeting point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Jacket
  • Insect repellent
  • Closed-toe shoes

Not allowed

  • Smoking

Know before you go

  • Appropriate child restraints are not provided by the operator. You will have to bring it
  • All vessels are fully licensed with a range of beverages plus a selection of snack foods
  • A free multi-language commentary app provides informative commentary along the Milford Sound road on the coach
  • It is available in English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, Korean (South Korea), Portuguese, Spanish
  • Includes 30 sections of commentary from Queenstown through to Milford Sound
  • Guests are required to use their own headphones when using the app on the coach. We will be running a live English commentary and want to minimize disruption to other passengers
  • The app is not available for the cruise component

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 193 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5
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J
Julie – AustraliaFebruary 15, 2025 – Verified booking
The day started with being picked up in Te Anou in a very comfortable bus. The driver was extremely knowledgeable about the whole area and provided interesting information as well as ample opportunities to stop for photo’s or toilet breaks. The cruise through Milford Sound was spectacular and we were lucky to have good weather for the day, not too cold and not too warm. A nice relaxing bus trip back to Te Anou and we loved the whole day. I would recommend this trip to everyone.
D
David – New ZealandDecember 27, 2024 – Verified booking
Everything our guide was awesome and gave us the best instructions to make our trip the best
Y
Yvette – AustraliaSeptember 5, 2024 – Verified booking
Definitely book this trip, a great way to see Milford, fantastic information guide, (Keith), the pick up and drop off is easy, the coach is comfortable, with the glass roof a great way to see the beauty Milford has to offer, no stress about parking, what views to see all worked out for you. The boat cruise, is a beautiful way to see Milford from the water, captain was also informative, coming back next year to do it again with friends.

Product ID: 118002

Activity provider:Southern Discoveries

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