Queenstown
Begin with a 40-minute fixed-wing flight from Queenstown, soaring over Lake Wakatipu, alpine valleys, and the jagged Southern Alps. Every seat has a window, so you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of glaciers, rivers, and Fiordland’s untouched wilderness before descending directly into Milford Sound.
Airplane
1
Milford Sound Terminal
The central hub for all cruises, the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal is where your cruise begins. Inside you’ll find operator check-in desks, restrooms, and displays introducing the fiord’s history. Just outside, the wharf stretches into the basin, offering your very first panoramas of Mitre Peak.
Boat
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
The Four Sisters
Stirling Falls
St. Anne's Point Lighthouse
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose dolphins
Fiordland Crested Penguins
12
Return to Queenstown
Your adventure ends as it began: in the air. The 40-minute return flight traces a different route, revealing new alpine valleys, braided rivers, and turquoise lakes. Cloud layers often add drama on the way back, shifting the view minute by minute until Queenstown comes back into sight.
Milford Sound Terminal
Begin at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and board a relaxed cruise covering the full 16 km fiord, with close passes to Mitre Peak, permanent waterfalls, and wildlife hotspots, plus complimentary hot drinks.
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
The Four Sisters
Stirling Falls
St. Anne's Point Lighthouse
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose dolphins
Fiordland Crested Penguins
11
Milford Sound Terminal
Best-priced Milford cruise, with peak slot availability.
Best-priced Milford cruise, with peak slot availability.
Inclusions
Scenic flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)
Exclusions
Milford Sound Terminal
Begin at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and board a relaxed cruise covering the full 16 km fiord, with close passes to Mitre Peak, permanent waterfalls, and wildlife hotspots, plus complimentary hot drinks.
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
The Four Sisters
Stirling Falls
St. Anne's Point Lighthouse
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose dolphins
Fiordland Crested Penguins
11
Milford Sound Terminal
Milford Sound Terminal
Begin at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and board a relaxed cruise covering the full 16 km fiord, with close passes to Mitre Peak, permanent waterfalls, and wildlife hotspots, plus complimentary hot drinks.
Boat
1
Deepwater Basin Departure Point
Start your adventure at Deepwater Basin, where a short water taxi crossing whisks you across to legendary Sandfly Point, the official end of the Milford Track. This ride offers your first taste of Fiordland’s wilderness, with dramatic peaks rising from the fiord and the sense of entering somewhere remote and special.
Walk
2
Sandfly Point (Milford Track Official End/Start)
Stand at the official end of New Zealand’s most famous Great Walk. Facilities, information panels, and the iconic “Milford Track” sign greet both day hikers and those finishing the full 53.5 km trek. For day walkers, it’s a chance to step onto the world-renowned track without committing to four days.
Walk
3
Arthur River Valley Floor
Walk alongside the clear, rushing Arthur River, where ancient beech and rimu trees create a natural cathedral overhead. Ferns and mosses carpet the forest floor, giving you a sense of stepping back into primeval wilderness.
Walk
4
Lake Ada Viewpoint
A short detour takes you to Lake Ada, where calm waters reflect the Sheerdown Hills in perfect symmetry. This serene spot offers one of the most photogenic scenes on the track.
Walk
5
Giant Gate Falls & Swing Bridge
Reach the 30 m Giant Gate Falls, a dramatic cascade spilling from a hanging valley above. The swing bridge offers unbeatable views, while the riverside area makes this the highlight and turnaround point of the walk.
Walk
6
Sandfly Point
Arrive back at Sandfly Point for your water taxi pickup, with flexible times between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm. The return leg brings new light, new moods, and often new wildlife. Your guide may point out fantails, grey warblers, bellbirds, and occasionally robins, which are especially active later in the day. Take a final photo with the Milford Track sign before returning across Deepwater Basin.
7
Milford Sound Visitor Terminal & Wharf
Transition from your hike to a new perspective, boarding your Milford Sound cruise. The Visitor Terminal houses operator check-in desks, restrooms, and interpretive panels, while the wharf delivers first panoramic views of Mitre Peak before you step onto your vessel.
Boat
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Harrison Cove
St. Anne's Point Lighthouse
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
The Four Sisters
Stirling Falls
Bottlenose dolphins
Fiordland Crested Penguins
18
Milford Sound Terminal
Boutique boat, big encounters, with a maximum of 75 guests
Boutique boat, big encounters, with a maximum of 75 guests
Inclusions
Guided Milford Track walk (if option selected)
Exclusions
Queenstown
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Wye Creek Track
Lake Te Anau Lion Lookout Point
1
Te Anau
Free Admission
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Stretch your legs and explore as the coach stops here for a midway break.
Lake Mistletoe Walking Track
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Lake Gunn
Hollyford Lookout
Lake Marian Track
Homer Tunnel
The Chasm
2
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
The gateway to Milford Sound, where you can embark on a cruise to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
Stirling Falls
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose Dolphins
Fiordland Crested Penguins
20
Queenstown
Door-to-door Queenstown to Milford Sound tour, expertly choreographed.
Door-to-door Queenstown to Milford Sound tour, expertly choreographed.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Queenstown
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Wye Creek Track
Lake Te Anau Lion Lookout Point
1
Te Anau
Free Admission
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Stretch your legs and explore as the coach stops here for a midway break.
Lake Mistletoe Walking Track
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Lake Gunn
Hollyford Lookout
Lake Marian Track
Homer Tunnel
The Chasm
2
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
The gateway to Milford Sound, where you can embark on a cruise to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
Stirling Falls
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose Dolphins
Fiordland Crested Penguins
20
Queenstown
Milford Sound’s first luxury business class experience from Queenstown.
Milford Sound’s first luxury business class experience from Queenstown.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Queenstown
Start your flight from Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, known for its stunning lake and mountain views.
Central Otago
Lake Wakatipu
Mt Aspiring National Park
Fiordland National Park
5
Queenstown
Queenstown
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Wye Creek Track
Lake Te Anau Lion Lookout Point
1
Te Anau
Free Admission
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Stretch your legs and explore as the coach stops here for a midway break.
Lake Mistletoe Walking Track
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Lake Gunn
Hollyford Lookout
Lake Marian Track
Homer Tunnel
The Chasm
2
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
The gateway to Milford Sound, where you can embark on a cruise to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
Stirling Falls
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose Dolphins
Fiordland Crested Penguins
20
Queenstown
See Fiordland twice: by air and by water for the best of both views.
See Fiordland twice: by air and by water for the best of both views.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Queenstown/Te Anau Coach or Self-Drive via Milford Road (SH94)
Start the adventure with curated coach transfers from Queenstown (~8:30am pickup with scenic stops) or Te Anau (late morning), or self-drive the legendary Milford Road with ample time for viewpoints before the overnight cruise check-in. This pre-cruise leg adds iconic stops like Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley, and the dramatic Homer Tunnel approach that set the scene for Milford Sound
1
Milford Sound Terminal
1 activities
Board the purpose-built Milford Mariner at 4:00pm for New Zealand's ultimate fiord experience, checking into your private ensuite cabin before departing on a 20-22 hour wilderness adventure that includes full-length fiord cruising, overnight anchorage, water activities, and gourmet meals. The relaxed late-afternoon departure allows optimal lighting for photography while avoiding day-cruise crowds.
Evening Departure & Welcome Orientation
Included in price
Begin your journey with a welcome orientation from the specialist nature guide while cruising past iconic landmarks in golden evening light, with complimentary tea and coffee served as the vessel begins its comprehensive exploration of the full 16km fiord. The relaxed pace allows for detailed commentary about Fiordland's formation and significance. The late afternoon timing means wildlife is often more active, with seals hauling out for evening rest and dolphins potentially more playful as day cruise traffic diminishes.
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls and Sinbad Gully
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
The Four Sisters
Stirling Falls
St. Anne's Point Lighthouse & Tasman Sea Entrance
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose dolphins
Fiordland Crested Penguins
2
Morning Kayaking & Tender Boat Activities
Tickets included
13
Queenstown/Te Anau/Self-Drive
Conclude your overnight Milford Sound adventure at the Visitor Terminal by 12pm, with optional coach connections to Queenstown (arriving ~3:30pm) or Te Anau, or continue with self-drive exploration of Fiordland. The timing allows for afternoon activities or onward travel connections.
Exclusive Milford Sound access after hours: sunset, stars & sunrise.
Exclusive Milford Sound access after hours: sunset, stars & sunrise.
Inclusions
Te Anau
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Hollyford Lookout
Homer Tunnel
1
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
The gateway to Milford Sound, where you can embark on a cruise to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
Stirling Falls
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose Dolphins
Fiordland Crested Dolphins
13
Te Anau
Shorter travel, calmer crowds, the Te Anau advantage.
Shorter travel, calmer crowds, the Te Anau advantage.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Queenstown
Start your journey in the stunning city of Queenstown on a comfortable AC minibus where your guide will guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
1
Lake Wakatipu
Free Admission
Devils Staircase
2
Lake Te Anau
Free Admission
The largest lake in the South Island, Lake Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Meet some of the local animals or wildlife and then stop at Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track, to hear the stories and admire the views.
3
Eglinton Valley
Free Admission
Eglinton Valley is a stunning flat-floored valley surrounded by towering peaks. Its vibrant grasslands make it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or a photo stop.
4
Mirror Lakes
Free Admission
A short walk from the highway, Mirror Lakes offers reflective views of the surrounding mountains. On calm days, the reflections are almost perfect, creating an optical illusion.
5
Lake Gunn
Free Admission
Hollyford River
6
Darran Mountains
Free Admission
The Darran Mountains are a rugged mountain range within Fiordland National Park, offering jaw-dropping vistas and a chance to click photos of some large, cheeky, and colourful birds.
Homer Tunnel
7
Milford Sound
Tickets included
Embark on a 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound, a breathtaking fjord known for the towering Mitre Peak rising sharply from its waters and the famous Pop's View Lookout that offers panoramic views of the Hollyford Valley and beyond.
11
Queenstown
Queenstown
Begin your award-winning small group adventure with pickup from select Queenstown hotels in a premium 16-seater minivan with your passionate local guide who will share stories and insights throughout the 13-hour journey. Cheeky Kiwi Travel holds TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best" award and is renowned for personalized service with maximum 16 guests.
A/C Bus
Darran Mountains & Kea Spotting Zone
1
Te Anau
Free Admission
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Stretch your legs and explore as the coach stops here for a midway break.
A/C Bus
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Lake Gunn
Hollyford Lookout
Gertrude Valley Lookout
Homer Tunnel
The Chasm
2
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
Arrive at Milford Sound and board your boutique cruise with Cruise Milford, TripAdvisor's #1 rated Milford Sound cruise operator, featuring smaller vessels limited to 75 passengers instead of the typical 150 for enhanced viewing and personalized commentary. Your guide coordinates seamless boarding and provides cruise context.
Gourmet Picnic Lunch
Lunch
Included in price
Enjoy a curated picnic lunch served onboard the boutique Cruise Milford vessel so mealtime happens with uninterrupted views of waterfalls, wildlife, and sheer cliffs rather than at a roadside stop. Complimentary tea and coffee are available on the cruise, letting the group eat comfortably while the skipper keeps the best scenery rolling past.
A/C Bus
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
Stirling Falls
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose Dolphins
Fiordland Crested Penguins
18
Queenstown
Milford’s most personal road-to-sea journey in a small group.
Milford’s most personal road-to-sea journey in a small group.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Minibus
Cruise
These are the sights you can look out for during the cruise:
Inclusions
Exclusions
2 Boarding points
Sights covered
Inclusions
You have three locations from where you can take a Milford Sound tour: Queenstown, Te Anau, and Milford Sound. We've compared all three options to help you pick the perfect tour.
Distance from Milford Sound: 118km (1.4 hours)
Why start from here?
The most compelling reason to start from Te Anau is the proximity to the fjord. The drive is picturesque, with gems like Eglinton Valley, Knobs Flat, Lake Gunn, and more for you to explore along the way.
Day tours from Te AnauDistance from Milford Sound: 287km (3.4 hours)
Why start from here?
Queenstown is one of the bigger cities closest to Milford Sound, and is near enough to make a day trip out of it. You will even pass by Te Anau on your way! The drive may take you longer if you account for stops, so if you plan to self explore Milford Sound, plan to stay over at Te Anau for the night.
Day tours from QueenstownDistance from Milford Sound: 0km (you're here!)
Why start from here?
Since you've done most of the work by getting to Milford Sound, the only thing left is to explore the fjord! Hop on a cruise and hike through the Milford Track with a tour guide to make the most of your day trip.
Duration: 12-13 hours (depending on the selection)
Inclusions: boat tour of Milford Sound, tour guide, return transfers, lunch/snacks
Price: from NZ$195
Enjoy a comfortable commute from Te Anau and Queenstown along with a tour of Milford Sound, with a dedicated tour guide, and access to attractions like Homer Tunnel, Lake Gunn, the Tasman Sea & more.
Recommended experiences:
Duration: 2-7 hours (depending on the selection)
Inclusions: boat tour of Milford Sound, live commentary by captain, snacks onboard
Price: from NZ$125.
Cruise along Milford Sound and view landmarks such as Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and Seal Point from the deck while enjoying live commentary from the captain, and onboard refreshments.
Recommended experiences:
Duration: 5-13 hours (depending on the selection)
Inclusions: flights to and from Queenstown and Milford Sound, boat tour of Milford Sound, snacks onboard, tour guide
Price: NZ$645
Hop on a flight from the city, straight to Milford Sound, where you can enjoy a serene cruise and spot attractions like Mitre Peak, Seal Rock, and more, while you enjoy live commentary from your captain. Don't forget to catch the flight back to the city!
Recommended experience:
Milford Sound is located in the Fiordland National Park, and is accessible via road and flights.
Address: Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound Highway 94, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand | Find on maps
Milford Sound guided tours offer city transfers from Te Anau and Queenstown. Choose between two types depending on your budget and time:
Milford Sound has one main stay option, Milford Sound Lodge, which has both luxury chalets and sites to park your caravan. You can find a lot more stay options at Te Anau, covering high end, mid-range, and budget stays.
Milford Sound is sparsely populated, so you won't find many dining options in the small town. Here are your options for a bite to eat at Milford Sound:
If you need extra sustenance for the road, it's best to make a pit stop at Te Anau and do a quick grocery run.
Milford Sound tour prices start at NZ$125 and can go up to NZ$1,364, depending on the inclusions and type of tour you choose.
There are three types of Milford Sound tours you can choose from. Day trips are the most convenient way to explore the fjord, if you are starting from the city. It includes return transfers to and from the city, a tour guide, and a boat cruise of Milford Sound; prices start at NZ$245. Boat cruises are the most affordable option for folks who plan to drive to Milford Sound. You get a 2-hour cruise on a luxury boat and lunch onboard, starting at NZ$125. Flight cruises are a unique way to explore Milford Sound, with one-way or round trip flights to the fjord, boat cruise, and a tour guide. These tours are more expensive, with prices starting at NZ$645.
In most cases, you can cancel your tour up to 24 hours before your experience begins and get a full refund issued. Some tours require you to cancel up to 48 hours before the experience to get a refund.
A Milford Sound tour is the best way to experience the beauty of the 8th wonder of the world, without having to worry about commutes or missing out on special landmarks along the way. Most tours come with options for return transfer to Te Anau or Queenstown, a tour guide, and the opportunity to explore Milford Sound attractions like Homer Tunnel, Lake Gunn, Milford Track, Mitre Peak & more. Choose between day trips, boat cruises, and flight cruises depending on your budget, and get ready for a hassle-free exploration of New Zealand.
The duration of your tour depends on the tour type and inclusions. Day trips take an average of 12 hours, including returns. A flight cruise will take close to 5 hours, including returns. A boat cruise will take you 2 hours.
Yes, all Milford Sound tours are kid-friendly. Tours with hikes may not be the best idea for children under the age of 8, as they require mild to moderate physical activity for an extended period.
Flight tours and boat cruises are wheelchair friendly. However, Milford Track hikes that are part of some day tours are not recommended for folks with reduced mobility.
You will pass by several landmarks on your way from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound. Explore the Homer Tunnel, Lake Gunn, Mt. Aspiring National Park, and more on your Milford Sound tour.