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It is all about the journey when it comes to experiencing Milford Sound. From an overnight cruise with private cabins, to a scenic flight or coach for a short day trip, every route has a unique charm of its own.
Language
Currency
Queenstown to Milford Sound Tours
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
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
- Lunch (as per option selected)
- 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.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours 30 minutes
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.
- A treat for nature lovers, experience a full-day tour of Doubtful Sound as you begin your odyssey from Te Anau through rolling hills and lush valleys.
- Enjoy a complimentary coffee/tea while learning about Doubtful Sound’s glacial origins and rich Maori heritage from your guide.
- Set sail on Lake Manapouri’s tranquil waters, then cross the breathtaking Wilmot Pass for panoramic views of verdant rainforests and rugged peaks.
- Marvel at the diverse wildlife – from whales and albatrosses to the elusive Fiordland crested penguins against a backdrop of stunning beauty.
- Pick up your cameras and snap incredible pictures of the Browne Falls while relaxing on a 3-hour catamaran cruise.
- A treat for nature lovers, experience a full-day tour of Doubtful Sound as you begin your odyssey from Te Anau through rolling hills and lush valleys.
- Enjoy a complimentary coffee/tea while learning about Doubtful Sound’s glacial origins and rich Maori heritage from your guide.
- Set sail on Lake Manapouri’s tranquil waters, then cross the breathtaking Wilmot Pass for panoramic views of verdant rainforests and rugged peaks.
- Marvel at the diverse wildlife – from whales and albatrosses to the elusive Fiordland crested penguins against a backdrop of stunning beauty.
- Pick up your cameras and snap incredible pictures of the Browne Falls while relaxing on a 3-hour catamaran cruise.
Inclusions
- Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour
- Knowledgeable nature guide
- Coach transfers from Te Anau to Manapouri
- 3-hour Doubtful Sound cruise
- Lake Manapouri cruise
- Coach trip over Wilmot Pass
- Complimentary tea & coffee
Exclusions
- Food & beverages
- Drinks from the open bar
- Hall Arm is a scenic masterpiece that showcases nature's beauty at its finest. Get your camera ready when you pass and prepare for a visual treat.
- Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.
- Pack a waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, and non-slip shoes/boots for a weather-ready kit; who knows when the skies might decide to be moody?
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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
Sightseeing & Photography
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
Sightseeing & Photography
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.
Milford Sound ToursQueenstown to Milford Sound Tours
What to expect on your tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound
Transfer options
Choosing the best Queenstown to Milford Sound tour
Queenstown to Milford Sound by coach
- Best for: Solo travelers, friends, and families
- Price range: Starting from NZ$260
- Duration: 12-13 hours
Why choose this experience?
- Perfect to see the best views this trip has to offer on a budget. Day trips usually include walks, guided tours, and cruise experience.
Recommended experience
Milford Sound tour with cruise and walks
Queenstown to Milford Sound scenic flight
- Best for: Couples and luxury travelers
- Price range: Starting from NZ$675
- Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes to 13 hours
Why choose this experience?
- A time-saving option that gives you amazing aerial views, scenic flights are perfect for everyone who wants to make the most of their day.
Recommended experience
Milford Sound scenic flight
Premium experience
- Best for: Couples
- Price range: From NZ$239
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes to 13 hours
Why choose this experience?
- Make your journey even more remarkable with premium add-ons like private cabins and delicious meals cooked on-board.
Recommended experiences:
Premium Milford Sound Cruise Tickets
Attractions to spot along the way from Queenstown to Milford Sound
The Queenstown to Milford Sound route is one of the most stunning experiences New Zealand has to offer. The road twists through mountains, valleys, and water bodies, with epic views at every turn. And it's not just about getting to Milford Sound—there’s a lot to see along the way. Here are some highlights to keep an eye out for!
Southern Alps
Just after leaving Queenstown, you’ll catch breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, with waterfalls, lakes, and snow-capped peaks all around. Prepare to see nature at its finest!
Mirror Lakes
Straight out of the paintings is Mirror Lakes with its still waters and perfect reflections. Formed by an oxbow in the Eglinton River, they beautifully mirror the surrounding mountains.
Homer Tunnel
Homer Tunnel is a 1.2 km engineering marvel cutting through the rugged Darran Mountains, linking Hollyford Valley to Cleddau Valley, and offering a gateway to the stunning Milford Sound.
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu, a glacial gem surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is home to wildlife like deer, penguins, and swans. A perfect haven for wildlife lovers.
Kawarau Gorge
Kawarau Gorge is a stunning spot, famous for the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge—the first ever built in New Zealand.
Milford Sound
The ‘8th wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is a breathtaking fjord known for its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. It is one of the wettest places on earth and can be explored for its stunning scenery and wildlife.
Know morePlan your Queenstown to Milford Sound tour
Timings
Transfers
Scenic flight
Food
Facilities
Tips
- Duration: Approximately 12-13 hours for the cruise. 4 hours 30 minutes for return-flight.
- Starting time: Cruises available from 6:10 am from Queenstown. Flights are available from 10:00 am and 12:30 am.
- Boarding time: As mentioned on your voucher. Arrive at least 15 minutes before to settle down.
- Many experiences offer hotel transfers. Remember to add your hotel name while booking for a smooth pick-up.
- You can find your cruise boarding point location by following the directions mentioned on the voucher.
- For day trips, comfortable AC coaches are available, along with a tour guide. These will take you from Queenstown to Milford Sound within 12 hours. The day tours start from 6:10 am, 7:40 am, and 8:40 am.
- The overnight Milford Sound cruise goes up to 31 hours. This is the most premium option with private cabins and an onboard chef to prepare a 3-course dinner.
- Taking a flight can give you unparalleled aerial views of the lush flora and picturesque blue waters along the way.
- The flyover from Queenstown over Milford Sound and back to Queenstown is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. You can take a morning flight at 9 am and another one at 1:45 pm.
- Passengers weighing 140 kg (308 lb) or more should make a note during booking. For helicopter activities, there is a weight limit of 116 kg (255 lb).
- This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.
- Day trips: Refreshments are available for those who choose AC coaches. Complimentary beverages such as tea and coffee are also available along the journey.
- Overnight cruise: You can choose an elaborate three-course buffet dinner and continental breakfast prepared by a chef onboard an overnight cruise. Vegetarian options are also available.
- Premium cruise: You can also opt for a gourmet meal of canapes and champagne to make the experience even more memorable.
Remember to provide specific dietary requirements when making a booking.
- Expert nature guide
- Trained crew
- Wheelchair accessibility (check your voucher while booking)
- Reserved seating
- Private cabins (for overnight cruise)
- Audio guides
- Snacks and meals (Additional food and beverage options available)
- Safety briefings: Be mindful of your guide sharing important information about remaining safe during the journey.
- Get sturdy shoes: Surface can get slippery, especially during rains. Wear boots or sports shoes even if you’re not going on a hike to remain safe.
- Prepare for wet weather: Being the wettest region in New Zealand, rains can be unexpected and cruises will continue operating even in light showers. Get raincoats or umbrellas to keep yourself from getting wet.
- Keep cash in hand: Have some local currency or your credit card handy for when you want to buy snacks or souvenirs.
- Medication: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, we suggest that you bring your medication along for emergencies. People prone to being seasick should get necessary medicines.
- Insect repellents: Sandflies are common at Milford Sound so be prepared with insect repellents to keep these insects away.
Frequently asked questions about Queenstown to Milford Sound tours
How much does a Queenstown to Milford Sound tour cost?
Queenstown to Milford Sound tours start from NZ$239 depending on your choice of transport, additional experiences, and tour inclusions.
What’s included in the Milford Sound tour from Queenstown?
The tour includes round-trip transportation, flight to Milford Sound, a boat cruise, with the option of guided tours by expert nature guides. Some packages also offer meals or refreshments on board when selected during the booking.
What’s the best time of year to visit Milford Sound?
Milford Sound is a year-round destination. Summer (December to February) offers long days and warmer weather, while winter (June to August) brings fewer crowds and stunning snow-capped mountains. Check out our best time to visit guide for more tips.
Are meals provided during the Milford Sound tour?
Some tour packages include lunch or refreshments on board the cruise. However, it’s a good idea to bring snacks and water, especially for the bus ride between Queenstown and Milford Sound, as stops for food can be limited.
Can I book a private tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound?
Yes, private tours are available for those looking for a more personalized experience. These offer greater flexibility in terms of timing and stops along the way. Be sure to check with the operator for availability and pricing.
Is transportation from my hotel in Queenstown included?
Most tours offer hotel pick-up and drop-off services in Queenstown. Be sure to confirm this when booking, as some packages may require you to meet at a designated location.
What’s the difference between morning and afternoon Milford Sound cruises?
Morning cruises are generally quieter, offering a more serene experience with fewer boats on the water. Afternoon cruises may be busier but often feature the best light for photography, especially in the summer months.
Can I expect to see wildlife during the Milford Sound cruise?
Yes, wildlife sightings are common. Keep an eye out for seals basking on the rocks, playful dolphins, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot penguins.
What should I wear for the Milford Sound tour?
Dress in layers as the weather in Fiordland can change quickly. It’s also recommended to bring waterproof clothing, especially for the cruise, as waterfalls are often close to the boat. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking during scenic stops.
Is the tour suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! The Milford Sound tour is family-friendly, with plenty to see and experience for all ages. Many tours accommodate families with the options to make the trip more comfortable for little ones.
What happens if it rains during the Milford Sound tour?
Rain is common in Milford Sound and often enhances the experience, as the waterfalls become more dramatic and plentiful. Tours generally operate in all weather conditions, and rain gear is recommended for a more enjoyable experience.
Are there restrooms available during the tour?
Yes, there are restrooms on the tour buses and on the Milford Sound cruise. However, rest stops along the road from Queenstown to Milford Sound may be limited, so plan accordingly.
Is Milford Sound accessible for travelers with limited mobility?
While some tours are wheelchair-accessible, it’s important to check with the operator before booking. The cruise itself is often accessible, but the road journey and certain stops along the way may have limited facilities.
Are there any additional costs during the tour?
Depending on the tour, there may be optional extras like meals, souvenirs, or additional adventure activities. Be sure to check what’s included in your package and bring some cash or a card in case you want to purchase anything.
Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Wi-Fi is generally not available on the tour bus or cruise, as much of the journey passes through remote areas without connectivity. Enjoy the natural beauty and disconnect for a day.