English
English
Book Milford Sound Tours
- Best for budget-conscious travelers and backpacking enthusiasts traveling through Milford Sound.
- Book this if you’re after a flexible Milford Sound experience that won't break the bank, with live commentary included.
- What’s unique: The flexibility to tailor your adventure, perfect if you're staying in Milford Sound and want to combine nearby activities.
- Sights seen: Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Bowen Falls, Lion Rock, New Zealand fur seals on Seal Rock, and more!
- Best for budget-conscious travelers and backpacking enthusiasts traveling through Milford Sound.
- Book this if you’re after a flexible Milford Sound experience that won't break the bank, with live commentary included.
- What’s unique: The flexibility to tailor your adventure, perfect if you're staying in Milford Sound and want to combine nearby activities.
- Sights seen: Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Bowen Falls, Lion Rock, New Zealand fur seals on Seal Rock, and more!
Inclusions
- 1.5 to 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Live commentary
Exclusions
- Other food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)
- Tip: head to the upper deck when approaching Stirling Falls – the captain often maneuvers the boat close enough for you to feel the spray.
- Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.7
521 ratings
393
92
24
9
3
Guests from Australia, Germany, United Kingdom and over 39 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Raymond
Jul 2025Verified booking
There were low crowd numbers and dolphins swimming in the water. Service was pretty good as well. Will recommend this trip
Taranjit
Jun 2025Verified booking
Very cool in Rain. Me and my wife loved it
Arkadiusz
Jul 2025Verified booking
Wonderful views, nice boats, only problem was that afternoon we couldn't found any good restaurants after the cruise, we could have it on board but it would be a waste to spent the time eating istead of being on top and enjoing the views
Susan
Jun 2025Verified booking
We choose to take the tour bus from Te Anau instead of driving to Milford ourselves and it was the right thing to do. The bus had a glass roof and was neccessary to be able to see the extremely steep mountainsides and gorges with waterfalls everywhere. The cruise itself was so much fun and the crew was in top form and hospitality professionals.
Robyn
May 2025Verified booking
I was amazed by the colours and different shades of colour on the mountains and the sea. Good to be up on top deck to experience the wind and sun. Great in the boat and the free coffee was much appreciated.
Dianne
May 2025Verified booking
Perfect weather, and smooth sailing all the way. Would liked to have gone further out through the enterance to the Sound
Neethu
Jul 2025Verified booking
Ticket was convenient. Whole experience was amazing with views
Olivia
May 2025Verified booking
The cafe was extremely limited in food and by the time we got up to order most of the items were not available.
Graham
Jul 2025Verified booking
DENISE
Jul 2025Verified booking
Catherina
Jul 2025Verified booking
youngdeuk
Jul 2025Verified booking
Rapeepan
Jun 2025Verified booking
Beata
Jun 2025Verified booking
GauRang
Jun 2025Verified booking
Lu
Jun 2025Verified booking
AHMAD
Jun 2025Verified booking
Sarah
Jun 2025Verified booking
Nyasha
May 2025Verified booking
Anuphong
May 2025Verified booking
Shihai
May 2025Verified booking
Ruth
May 2025Verified booking
JUAN
May 2025Verified booking
Petra
May 2025Verified booking
Nagateja
May 2025Verified booking
- Best for solo travelers looking for an interactive, small-group Milford Sound cruise or active adventurers wanting a more immersive encounter with a Milford Track trek.
- Book this if you want flexibility between a scenic cruise only or combine it with a guided walk on the famous Milford Track for a land and sea adventure.
- What's unique: a comprehensive Milford Sound experience with the option to explore by both water and land, with the walk offering up-close interaction with the environment.
- Sights seen: Unobstructed views in a small-group setting of Arthur River, Lake Ada, Giant's Gate waterfall, Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and more.
- Best for solo travelers looking for an interactive, small-group Milford Sound cruise or active adventurers wanting a more immersive encounter with a Milford Track trek.
- Book this if you want flexibility between a scenic cruise only or combine it with a guided walk on the famous Milford Track for a land and sea adventure.
- What's unique: a comprehensive Milford Sound experience with the option to explore by both water and land, with the walk offering up-close interaction with the environment.
- Sights seen: Unobstructed views in a small-group setting of Arthur River, Lake Ada, Giant's Gate waterfall, Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and more.
Inclusions
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Complimentary tea and coffee on board
- Small boat cruise of up to 75 people
- Live commentary on cruise
Milford Track Guided Walk (if option selected)
- 3.5-hour Milford Track guided walk
- English-speaking guide for walk
- Small group of up to 12 people for guided walk
- Round-trip water taxi transfers from Deep Water Basin to Sandfly Point
- Safety gear for guided walk
- Tip: Pack wisely for the trek. Carry essentials like a lightweight backpack, rain gear, quick-drying clothes, and trekking poles for added support.
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- Safety is a priority so the Milford Track guided walk is restricted for guests under the age of 8 years and over the age of 75 years.
- This hike is suitable for people in moderate shape. You'll walk about 7 miles on uneven terrain, with some uphill sections. Expect to be on your feet for around 3.5 hours. Be prepared for wet weather and wear sturdy shoes.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.6
112 ratings
73
37
2
0
0
Guests from Australia, Germany, United States and over 18 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
RICHERT
Jul 2025Verified booking
The small boat cruise was very pleasant. Access to the photo areas was relatively easy, as there were not too many people on board.
View original review in French
Rodney
May 2025Verified booking
Boarding was easy and efficient, boat was not crowded and the cruise was enjoyable. (and wet!!) We took my daughter and her husband who had wanted to do this cruise and they were delighted. Loved every minute of it, and said they would do it again. The small boat is the way to go. The only small issue was if outside (front or back) you could not hear the commentary.
Laura
Jun 2025Verified booking
Excellent commentary by a very experienced and friendly crew, whilst showing us beautiful and unique sights.
Mohit
May 2025Verified booking
One of the best trips. Staff were helpful and a water fall shower on the boat was immensely fun.
Virginia
Jul 2025Verified booking
Aman
Jun 2025Verified booking
vaibhav
Jun 2025Verified booking
niraj
May 2025Verified booking
Goh
May 2025Verified booking
Jacob
May 2025Verified booking
Émilie
May 2025Verified booking
Harsh
May 2025Verified booking
Izzah
May 2025Verified booking
Melissa
Apr 2025Verified booking
I really liked the Mitre Peak's boat. We were not too many on it and thanks to its size, we could get very close from the falls. The crew was nice and having hot drinks available is a big plus!
Thomas
Feb 2025Verified booking
Nice trip on a smaller scale! Very keen to make the ride worth seeing!
View original review in German
Isaac
May 2025Verified booking
Fantastic trip out in the sound! Really pleased I booked the smaller boats after seeing the huge lines of people for the bigger boats. The boat wasnt packed and we all got a great spot to see all the beautiful sights! Would definitley do the trip again.
Iris
Apr 2025Verified booking
Headout helped me to go back to the site where I ordered so I could buy another ticket for the exact cruise. Also I could change the date of the cruise for free, which helpex me reserve tickets ahead of time. The cruise was amazing. Spacious as promised, could see from wherever we wanted and choose our seats. just the right weather (lots of rain), couldn't get enough of the leaking mountain and river, informative explanations to those who wanted, free tea/coffee/hot chocolate which helped a lot, as most of us got wet just from the short walk from the station to the port .We went also near a meeting ooint of the river and got a nice splash of water.
Corinne
Mar 2025Verified booking
It was a wonderfull experience and we had the chance to have sun! The landscape is amazing. The small boat allows a good experience.
Rajasingham
Mar 2025Verified booking
Breath taking views. Very good commentary from the Skipper. I have never been up close to so many mountains and water falls. For my family it was a once in a life time experience
Stephanie
Mar 2025Verified booking
It was perfect and a amazing experience
Catherine
Mar 2025Verified booking
Beautiful weather knowable ship captain
Peter
Feb 2025Verified booking
Easy entry to the boat, welcoming crew, very close to nature with the boat, phantastic surf with a group of delphines
Cybran
May 2025Verified booking
Clavel
May 2025Verified booking
Yash
Apr 2025Verified booking
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
TimelineMap
START POINT
Queenstown
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Passes by
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.
Passes by
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.
12
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Milford Sound
- Round-trip transfers from Queenstown
- Stops with short walks
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Complimentary tea and coffee on-board
- Small-group experience (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Other food and beverages (available to purchase onboard)
- Tip: Head to the bow when near Stirling Falls on the boat to experience a refreshing spray from glacial meltwater!
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.4
152 ratings
98
37
10
1
6
Guests from Australia, United States, India and over 21 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Ning
Jul 2025Verified booking
RealNZ arranged taxi pickup from our hotel in Frankton as we required. Milford sound is really beautiful and worth the money. We also saw dolphins and seal.
Zarir
Jun 2025Verified booking
Lynette was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable about the history of the region and the stops and locations were wonderful.
Amanda
Jul 2025Verified booking
Tawanda
Jul 2025Verified booking
NANA
May 2025Verified booking
Sian
May 2025Verified booking
Celina
May 2025Verified booking
Jose
Jul 2025Verified booking
none and
View original review in Italian
LIU,
Apr 2025Verified booking
1.The driver & captain introduced the views very clearl ! 2.Milford sounds very beautiful! 3.There are many places to visit during the trip!
Christine
Apr 2025Verified booking
I had the vegetarian pie and must say that it was inedible. The filling consisted of some mushed up vegetables and was without any kind of seasoning. I had also thought that there would be walks to speak of. Instead we were dropped of somewhere and picked up again 10 minutest later by the driver at the other end of the carpark. You should not include these kind of walks in the tour description. It is misleading.
Xiguo
Feb 2025Verified booking
The view is awesome. The travel guide Jeff was excellent. He explained the history and all relevant information to Milford sound, which made our trip a remarkable experience.
Ires
Apr 2025Verified booking
everything was excellent from the staffs and the scenery too
KONSTANTINOS
Feb 2025Verified booking
Everything was very good. I had a very good and unique experience. I would gladly do it again!
This review is translated. Show original review.
Luca
May 2025Verified booking
Aichun
Apr 2025Verified booking
Jinky
Apr 2025Verified booking
Achini
Apr 2025Verified booking
Wai
Apr 2025Verified booking
Huiwen
Apr 2025Verified booking
Katherine
Apr 2025Verified booking
Tanja
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ferdinand
Mar 2025Verified booking
Charity
Mar 2025Verified booking
Tal
Mar 2025Verified booking
LIN,
Mar 2025Verified booking
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION8 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
TimelineMap
START POINT
Te Anau
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Passes by
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.
5
END POINT
Te Anau
- Best for: families and visitors based in Te Anau looking for a no-frills, convenient visit to Milford Sound.
- Book this if you: want a hassle-free day trip that includes a cruise and round-trip transfers from Te Anau.
- What's unique: Enjoy short walks on the journey to and from Milford Sound, at spots like The Chasm, and Knobs Flat.
- Sights seen: Darran Mountains, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River and Falls Creek, Mitre Peak, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, and more.
- Best for: families and visitors based in Te Anau looking for a no-frills, convenient visit to Milford Sound.
- Book this if you: want a hassle-free day trip that includes a cruise and round-trip transfers from Te Anau.
- What's unique: Enjoy short walks on the journey to and from Milford Sound, at spots like The Chasm, and Knobs Flat.
- Sights seen: Darran Mountains, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River and Falls Creek, Mitre Peak, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, and more.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour to Milford Sound from Te Anau
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Round-trip transfers with stops for short walks
- Complimentary tea & coffee on-board
- Tip: Pack motion sickness tablets for the winding Milford Road. Even if you don't usually get car sick, the serpentine route can catch you off guard.
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.4
111 ratings
64
35
5
3
4
Guests from Australia, Germany, United Kingdom and over 17 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Ivan
May 2025Verified booking
Spectacular in its completeness, Brian a genius of driving and explanation.
View original review in Spanish
Aaron
Jul 2025Verified booking
Zara
Jul 2025Verified booking
Penelope
May 2025Verified booking
Fiona
Mar 2025Verified booking
Chou our driver was great, very informative and funny. The weather was perfect, thank you for arranging that. The trip on the water was spectacular, more than we expected. The guide on the ship was excellent. Booking was easy, the directions were great.
Phavit
Apr 2025Verified booking
The transfer was really good, also the driver was really nice and kinds to everyone. The coach was comfortable and the cruise was excellence.
Angela
Mar 2025Verified booking
Everything! The bus ride to the cruise was great. The commentary was informative and gave so much information along the way. The transfer to the boat was seamless and the ride back restful. The cruise commentary was appreciated and all staff friendly. Thanks everyone.
Ian
Feb 2025Verified booking
The bus trip was very informative and relevent - Thank you Scarlet. The cruise was beautiful and well worth it. Friendly staff on the boat with good commentary and a nice lunch.
Ian
Apr 2025Verified booking
The driver was awesome and very entertaining
Jacob
Mar 2025Verified booking
RealNZ was easy to travel with! We would definitely use them again in the future.
Dr.
Mar 2025Verified booking
The bus driver was great. He gave a huge amount of interesting information.
Mitchell
Feb 2025Verified booking
Great tour and driver Awesome experience
LAURENT
May 2025Verified booking
JEAN-JOSEPH
Apr 2025Verified booking
Richard
Apr 2025Verified booking
Dominique
Apr 2025Verified booking
George
Apr 2025Verified booking
Olaf
Mar 2025Verified booking
Robert
Mar 2025Verified booking
Nico
Mar 2025Verified booking
Bryce
Mar 2025Verified booking
Francelle
Mar 2025Verified booking
Norbert
Mar 2025Verified booking
Anne-Marie
Mar 2025Verified booking
Meggin
Mar 2025Verified booking
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours 30 minutes
TimelineMap
START POINT
Queenstown
Start your flight from Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, known for its stunning lake and mountain views.
Passes by
Central Otago
Lake Wakatipu
Mt Aspiring National Park
Fiordland National Park
5
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
Inclusions
- Full-day or half-day tour of Milford Sound from Queenstown (based on option selected)
- Small-group experience
- Round-trip flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)
- One-way coach to Milford Sound (if option selected)
- Return flight transfer to Queenstown (if option selected)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Live commentary
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Complimentary tea, coffee, & water on cruise
Exclusions
- Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)
- Tip: Look out for playful dolphins and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin.
- The flyover from Queenstown over Milford Sound and back to Queenstown is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Passengers weighing 140kg (308lb) or more should make a note during booking. For helicopter activities, there is a weight limit of 116kg (255lb).
- A discrepancy exceeding 15kg (33lb) from the declared weight at check-in may lead to rescheduling, depending on availability.
- This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.7
39 ratings
32
5
0
1
1
Guests from Australia, United States, Germany and over 6 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
John
May 2025Verified booking
Milford Sound Flights needed to cancel our booked morning trip, but managed to get us in on the afternoon trip. Much appreciated.
Andrew
Jul 2025Verified booking
Beiting
Feb 2025Verified booking
Everything is amazing. A comfortable trip within only 5 hours driving from Queen's town. The plane is extremely amazing. The scenery is beautiful. Enjoy myself whole day.
Seyyedmehdi
Apr 2025Verified booking
Clayton
Apr 2025Verified booking
Philippus
Mar 2025Verified booking
Christopher
Mar 2025Verified booking
Andre
Feb 2025Verified booking
HYOJI
Jan 2025Verified booking
Smooth and pleasant flight with phenomenal views of mountain chains. The milfordsound cruise was not too busy. Could see a penguin swiming in ocean, seals enjoying sun bathing. Perfect day! Lovely experience!
David
Jan 2025Verified booking
Joel
Jan 2025Verified booking
Snezana
Dec 2024Verified booking
Krystyna
Nov 2024Verified booking
Rob
Nov 2024Verified booking
Matthew
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION13 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minibus
START POINT
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
Photo stop, Sightseeing
Passes by
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
Photo stop, Sightseeing
Passes by
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.
Passes by
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
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for guests looking for a more intimate setting and nature and history enthusiasts looking to catch scenic views with animal encounters and culture.
- Book this if you want a cost-effective way to enjoy mountain views, history, culture, and up-close encounters with native animals.
- What's unique: See local wildlife at Lake Te Anau, Kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot at Darren Mountains and New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks of Milford Sound.
- Sights seen: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Devils Staircase, Lake Te Anau, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River & Falls Creek, Darran Mountains, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Pop's View Lookout.
- Best for guests looking for a more intimate setting and nature and history enthusiasts looking to catch scenic views with animal encounters and culture.
- Book this if you want a cost-effective way to enjoy mountain views, history, culture, and up-close encounters with native animals.
- What's unique: See local wildlife at Lake Te Anau, Kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot at Darren Mountains and New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks of Milford Sound.
- Sights seen: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Devils Staircase, Lake Te Anau, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River & Falls Creek, Darran Mountains, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Pop's View Lookout.
Inclusions
- Small group guided tour
- Tour guide
- Round-trip transfers
- Milford sound cruise
- Cruise entry
- Minibus
- Start from Queenstown.
- The following stops will be included on the way to and back from Milford Sound.
Minibus
- Queenstown
- Lake Wakatipu
- Devils Staircase
- Lake Te Anau
- Eglington Valley
- Mirror Lakes
- Lake Gunn
- Hollyford River & Falls Creek
- Darran Mountains
- Homer Tunnel
Cruise
These are the sights you can look out for during the cruise:
- Milford Sound
- Mitre Peak
- Pop's View Lookout
- Return to Queenstown
- Tip: Keep an eye out for white-headed woodpeckers and martens when you take a short stroll around Mirror Lakes.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.5
46 ratings
28
16
1
0
1
Guests from Australia, United States, Italy and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Zarir
Jun 2025Verified booking
Lynette was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable about the history of the region and the stops and locations were wonderful.
Amanda
Jul 2025Verified booking
NANA
May 2025Verified booking
Celina
May 2025Verified booking
Xiguo
Feb 2025Verified booking
The view is awesome. The travel guide Jeff was excellent. He explained the history and all relevant information to Milford sound, which made our trip a remarkable experience.
Luca
May 2025Verified booking
Achini
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ferdinand
Mar 2025Verified booking
Charity
Mar 2025Verified booking
Aman
Mar 2025Verified booking
Dirk
Mar 2025Verified booking
Elizabeth
Feb 2025Verified booking
Marvin
Nov 2024Verified booking
We loved the natural beauty of Milford Sound and coming up close to the waterfall for a glacial wash. The driver of Altitude Tours passenger van Erik was super interesting like a walking encyclopedia and made the trip a real joy.
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our guide Albert was very knowledgeable about the whole area of Queenstown. It was a great relaxing drive with great views. Milford sound was breathtaking. Would highly recommend this tour.
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
We knew from the pictures that Milford Sound would be spectacular. Two things made this even better. Our guide Lynette clearly loves people and her job sharing her knowledge. As importantly, she's a safe and smooth driver which can be a big deal traveling 8 total hours in a bus on the narrow and twisty roads. The captain of the boat found opportunities to get us up close to a group of seals and then a couple of penguins. He also took us almost underneath a waterfall which was an amazing experience. Dress for cold and wet as we did and you won't have to run inside. We usually like to do our own discovering on trips but we're really glad we signed up for this full-day tour.
ROBYN
Feb 2025Verified booking
Luke
Jan 2025Verified booking
ISHA
Dec 2024Verified booking
Warren
Dec 2024Verified booking
Carlo
Dec 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
- Best for: Couples and solo travelers seeking an immersive or romantic experience for one night.
- Book this if you want to experience Milford Sound's wildlife, nature, and changing moods over 24 hours.
- What's unique: Spacious viewing decks, private cabins, observation lounge, kayaking or small boat exploration
- Sights seen: Day and night views of Milford Sound, waterfalls, stars, wildlife, and dawn over the fiords
- Best for: Couples and solo travelers seeking an immersive or romantic experience for one night.
- Book this if you want to experience Milford Sound's wildlife, nature, and changing moods over 24 hours.
- What's unique: Spacious viewing decks, private cabins, observation lounge, kayaking or small boat exploration
- Sights seen: Day and night views of Milford Sound, waterfalls, stars, wildlife, and dawn over the fiords
Inclusions
- Overnight Milford Sound cruise
- Expert nature guide onboard
- Round-trip coach transfers from Te Anau/ Queenstown (as per option selected)
- Private cabins
- 3-course buffet dinner and continental breakfast (vegetarian option available)
- Onboard chef
- Access to kayak or small boat for exploring shoreline
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Tip: Keep an eye out for New Zealand Fur Seals sunbathing or resting on Seal Rock.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Guests are only allowed to bring one carry-on bag for safety and passenger convenience.
- Guests must inform the operator in advance or when booking for guests with limited mobility so that rooms may be assigned in proximity to the main areas.
- Guests can provide their specific dietary requirements when making a booking.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 14 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Fiord and alpine landings on a 1.5–2 hr heli tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown.
- Everything you get: A 1.5 to 2‑hour helicopter tour from Queenstown with two scenic landings—at Milford Sound for a short walk and on a glacier or alpine landing site. Fly over the Southern Alps in a modern Airbus helicopter, with live commentary from a local pilot.
- Why choose this: See Milford Sound without the drive—just 1.5 to 2 hours round-trip from Queenstown. This is one of the fastest and most scenic ways to land at both a glacier and New Zealand’s most iconic fiord.
Fiord and alpine landings on a 1.5–2 hr heli tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown.
- Everything you get: A 1.5 to 2‑hour helicopter tour from Queenstown with two scenic landings—at Milford Sound for a short walk and on a glacier or alpine landing site. Fly over the Southern Alps in a modern Airbus helicopter, with live commentary from a local pilot.
- Why choose this: See Milford Sound without the drive—just 1.5 to 2 hours round-trip from Queenstown. This is one of the fastest and most scenic ways to land at both a glacier and New Zealand’s most iconic fiord.
Inclusions
- 1.5 to 2-hour Milford Sound helicopter tour from Queensland
- Pilot guide
- Landing in Milford Sound
- Glacier landing
- This experience is restricted for passengers over the weight of 83kg.
- This experience is suitable for guests with mobility issues.
- The helicopter can accommodate up to 6 passengers for this experience.
- Flight durations are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Occasionally, flight paths and landing sites may be adjusted at the pilot’s discretion for safety or operational reasons.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
See Milford Sound by air and sea—helicopter flight, alpine landing, and scenic cruise.
- Everything you get: A 4-hour helicopter tour from Queenstown with two scenic landings—at Milford Sound for a 2-hour cruise and at a remote alpine site. Fly over snow-capped peaks, valleys, and waterfalls in an Airbus helicopter, with live commentary from an experienced local pilot.
- Why choose this: Skip the long drive and experience Fiordland from two breathtaking angles—air and sea. This 4-hour heli-cruise is one of the most efficient and iconic ways to see New Zealand’s legendary landscapes, all in half a day.
See Milford Sound by air and sea—helicopter flight, alpine landing, and scenic cruise.
- Everything you get: A 4-hour helicopter tour from Queenstown with two scenic landings—at Milford Sound for a 2-hour cruise and at a remote alpine site. Fly over snow-capped peaks, valleys, and waterfalls in an Airbus helicopter, with live commentary from an experienced local pilot.
- Why choose this: Skip the long drive and experience Fiordland from two breathtaking angles—air and sea. This 4-hour heli-cruise is one of the most efficient and iconic ways to see New Zealand’s legendary landscapes, all in half a day.
Inclusions
- 4-hour Milford Sound helicopter tour & cruise
- Pilot guide
- Alpine landing
- Complimentary tea & coffee
Exclusions
- Picnic lunch onboard the cruise (available at an additional cost)
- This experience is restricted for passengers over the weight of 83kg.
- This experience is suitable for guests with mobility issues.
- The helicopter can accommodate up to 6 passengers for this experience.
- Flight durations are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Occasionally, flight paths and landing sites may be adjusted at the pilot’s discretion for safety or operational reasons.
- Please note the picnic lunch onboard the Milford Sound cruise is available at an additional cost.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Glacier, beach, and fiord landings on a 2.5‑hour heli tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown
- Everything you get: A 2.5‑hour helicopter tour from Queenstown with three scenic landings—at Milford Sound, a remote West Coast beach, and an alpine glacier. Fly over dramatic valleys, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks in an Airbus helicopter, with live commentary from an experienced local pilot.
- Why choose this: This is the most extensive Milford Sound heli tour available from Queenstown, offering not one, but three epic landings. A must for travelers who want to see glaciers, coastline, and fiords in a single, breathtaking flight.
Glacier, beach, and fiord landings on a 2.5‑hour heli tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown
- Everything you get: A 2.5‑hour helicopter tour from Queenstown with three scenic landings—at Milford Sound, a remote West Coast beach, and an alpine glacier. Fly over dramatic valleys, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks in an Airbus helicopter, with live commentary from an experienced local pilot.
- Why choose this: This is the most extensive Milford Sound heli tour available from Queenstown, offering not one, but three epic landings. A must for travelers who want to see glaciers, coastline, and fiords in a single, breathtaking flight.
Inclusions
- 2.5-hour extended Milford Sound tour from Queenstown
- Pilot guide
- Landing in Milford Sound
- Landing in West Coast Beach
- Glacier landing
- This experience is restricted for passengers over the weight of 83kg.
- This experience is suitable for guests with mobility issues.
- The helicopter can accommodate up to 6 passengers for this experience.
- Flight durations are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Occasionally, flight paths and landing sites may be adjusted at the pilot’s discretion for safety or operational reasons.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Milford Sound ToursMilford Sound Tours
Choosing where you start your Milford Sound tour from
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.
From Te Anau
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 Anau
From Queenstown
Distance 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 Queenstown
From Milford Sound
Distance 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.
Your Milford Sound tour options explained
Milford Sound 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:
- From Te Anau: Milford Cruise, Lunch & Return Transfers
- From Queenstown: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise, Walks & Return Transfers
Milford Sound boat cruise
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:
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Small-Boat Milford Sound Cruise
- Overnight Milford Sound Cruise
- Premium Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound flight cruise
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:
- From Queenstown: Milford Sound Scenic Flyover & Cruise
From happy customers
Raymond
AustraliaJul, 2025
There were low crowd numbers and dolphins swimming in the water. Service was pretty good as well. Will recommend this trip
Milford Sound Cruise
Gilbert
United StatesMar, 2025
+ 1 more
The sound itself. It was an unforgettable spectacle. I was stressed about the rain as we got close to the facility, but it turned out perfectly: the rain engorged the waterfalls so they were more spectacular, and the rain slacked off soon after we sailed, and ceased completly about midway. So we got good visibility and great waterfalls. The food was decent, although it was hard to find a place to eat it while we kept getting up to gawk at more wonders outside. We agreed we were in awe and it was one of the most remarkable experiences of our lives.
Milford Sound Cruise
Ning
ChinaJul, 2025
RealNZ arranged taxi pickup from our hotel in Frankton as we required. Milford sound is really beautiful and worth the money. We also saw dolphins and seal.
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise, Walks & Return Transfers
Liu,
TaiwanApr, 2025
1.The driver & captain introduced the views very clearl !
2.Milford sounds very beautiful!
3.There are many places to visit during the trip!
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise, Walks & Return Transfers
Melissa
New ZealandApr, 2025
+ 1 more
I really liked the Mitre Peak's boat. We were not too many on it and thanks to its size, we could get very close from the falls.
The crew was nice and having hot drinks available is a big plus!
Small-Boat Milford Sound Cruise
David
AustraliaMar, 2025
Personalised table for 2 and the knowledgeable hosts and guides made it well worth the $$$.
Food was good and topped off with a cheese board.
The all female crew only added to the experience.
Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne
R
New ZealandMar, 2025
From the moment we stepped on board the cruise boat we could sense a good vibe ,after receiving our complementary glass of champagne and canapés everyone were ready for a great time ,the crew were very friendly and helpful with any of our questions.The cruise itself out to the Tasman Sea was very enjoyable with the onboard nature expert explaining many points of interest.On reflection we can honestly recommend the whole experience.
Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne
Fiona
New ZealandMar, 2025
Chou our driver was great, very informative and funny. The weather was perfect, thank you for arranging that. The trip on the water was spectacular, more than we expected. The guide on the ship was excellent. Booking was easy, the directions were great.
From Te Anau: Milford Cruise & Return Transfers
Things to see & do on your Milford Sound tour
See all photos
Plan your Milford Sound tour
Timings
Best time to visit
Getting there
Transfers
Hotels
Dining
Tips
- Boat cruises: 10:30am, 11am, 11:15am, 1:15pm, 1:30pm, and 3:15pm daily. Boat tours usually last 2 hours.
- Day trips from Queenstown/Te Anau: 6:30am, 7:15am, & 8:15am daily.
- Day trips from Te Anau: 7:45am, 10am, & 11am daily. Day trips can easily take up an average of 12 hours, including transfers.
- Flight tours: 10am & 12:30am daily (fly cruise fly tours), 6:30am, 7am, & 7:30am (coach cruise fly tours). These tours will take up to 5 hours of your day, including transfers.
- Summer months between December and February are the busiest time of the year. The weather is mostly sunny and great for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. This is the busiest time of year at the fjord.
- Shoulder season between September to November and March to May are the best times to visit Milford Sound. Not only is the weather pleasant enough, the crowds are lesser during this time.
- If you want to see the waterfalls in full form, your best bet is to visit during the winter months, between June to August. However, the weather is mostly cold and wet.
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
- Flights and AC coaches are the most convenient ways to reach Milford Sound since the drive down can get tricky. In case you do wish to drive down yourself, Te Anau and Queenstown are the two best places to start from.
- The drive from Queenstown will take you through Te Anau to reach Milford Sound; the full trip should take around 4 hours if you drive without stopping. It's best to stop at Te Anau to refuel your car and grab some snacks for the road.
Milford Sound guided tours offer city transfers from Te Anau and Queenstown. Choose between two types depending on your budget and time:
- Bus transfers: Get picked up from the city in luxury coaches that will take you to and from Milford Sound. They are more budget friendly than flight transfers and you can stop at landmarks along the way. Tours with bus transfers are longer than flight transfers but are a good option for folks who want a full road trip experience.
- Flight transfers: Folks who want a shorter trip to Milford Sound, while passing by the Tasman Sea, Lake Wakatipu, & Mt Aspiring National Park among other attractions, should consider going for a Milford Sound flight cruise. These tours are more expensive, but you can customize your commute type to fit your budget.
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.
- Luxury hotels: Radfords on the Lake, Fiordland Lodge, Cabot Lodge
- Mid-range hotels: Fiordland Lakeview Motel, Blue Ridge Studios and Bed & Breakfast, Kepler Oaks Chalet
- Budget hostels: Aden Motel, Bella Vista Motel, Alpine View Motel
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:
- Milford Sound Information Centre: Grab a coffee or quick bite to eat from this cafe at the visitors center at Milford Sound.
- Pio Pio: Dig into some local dishes like Fiordland venison, Merino lamb, & Marlborough salmon, at this restaurant at Milford Sound. P.S.: they serve breakfast, lunch, & dinner, and have outdoor seating.
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.
- Prepare for rains: Milford Sound is known for its chilly, wet weather; you will need to wear full sleeved clothing, preferably in layers. Raincoats and umbrellas are also a good idea to carry along, in case of sudden downpours. P.S.: there is a high chance of getting splashed when the boat goes near a waterfall.
- Carry binoculars: You can spot animals like seals, dolphins and penguins during your cruise much more easily if you bring a pair of binoculars..
- Motion sickness: If you're prone to seasickness, motion sickness bands or medications can help ensure a more enjoyable experience on the water. Ask the onboard staff in case you need assistance.
- Preserve the environment: Be mindful of the fact that you are visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Avoid feeding wildlife, stay on designated trails during hikes, and dispose of waste responsibly.
Frequently asked questions about Milford Sound tours
How much does a Milford Sound tour cost?
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.
What are the different types of Milford Sound tours available?
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.
What is the cancellation policy for a Milford Sound tour?
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.
Why should I go for a Milford Sound tour?
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.
How long does a Milford Sound tour last?
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.
Are Milford Sound tours suitable for children?
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.
Are Milford Sound tours wheelchair friendly?
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.
What attractions can I see on my Milford Sound tour?
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.