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Queenstown to Milford Sound Tours
Select Your Experience
- Take a relaxing coach ride from Queenstown, traveling through the picturesque Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes.
- Visit Fiordland National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a local guide. Walk along nature trails and stop for photo ops.
- The highlight? A scenic cruise on the glass-roofed boat in Milford Sound. Spot penguins, and seals as you pass by waterfalls and cliffs.
- Have lunch on the cruise, accompanied by tea or coffee. Admire the scenery from the spacious deck or the cabin.
- Upgrade to opt for a round-trip flight between Milford Sound and Queenstown. Enjoy aerial views of the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, and the popular Routeburn Track.
Inclusions
- Milford Sound cruise
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Local driver/guide
- Complimentary tea & coffee on-board
- Round-trip coach drive between Queenstown & Milford Sound (based on option selected)
- 1-hr 20-min round-trip flight between Queenstown & Milford Sound (based on option selected)
- Live commentary by pilot (based on option selected)
- Lunch aboard the cruise (based on option selected)
- Pick up from your Queenstown accommodation
- Scenic drive by AC coach or flight to Milford Sound over Mt. Aspiring National Park
- Short walks and photo ops around Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat
- Milford Sound cruise
- Return coach drive or flight to Queenstown over Fiordland National Park
- Drop off at your Queenstown accommodation
- Tip: Head to the bow when near Stirling Falls on the boat to experience a refreshing spray from glacial meltwater!
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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- Soak in the expanse of the mighty Milford Sound on a scenic flight. Soar through the Earnslaw Burn Glacier, Mitre Peak, and Olivine Ice Plateau.
- Enjoy the view from your guaranteed window seat. Plus, your pilot becomes your personal guide, pointing out hidden waterfalls and cliffs.
- Craving a closer look? Opt for a scenic coach drive from Queenstown winding past the Mirror Lakes, where the mountains mirror themselves in the still water.
- Choose to sail past the majestic Stirling Falls or explore the nature trails at Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek with cruise and trek options.
- The return flight to Queenstown has a different route, with new views of glacier-fed rivers, Sutherland Falls, and Lake Quill. Plus, travel hassle-free with hotel transfers.
Inclusions
- Flight transfers between Queenstown & Milford Sound
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Live commentary by pilot
- Coach drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound (based on option selected)
- 1-hr 45-min Milford Sound Cruise (based on option selected)
- 2-hr extended Milford Sound Cruise (based on option selected)
- Complimentary tea, coffee, & water on cruise
- Hiking trails around Milford Sound (based on option selected)
Exclusions
- Food & drinks from licensed bar (available for purchase aboard the cruise)
Flight with landing & nature walk (based on option selected)
- Pick-up from Queenstown hotel
- Scenic flight to Milford Sound over Lake Wakatipu, Earnslaw Burn Glacier, Fiordland National Park & more
- Nature walks on Lookout Track & Foreshore Loop Track for the best views of Mitre Pea
- Return flight to Queenstown over Lake Quill & Sutherland Falls
- Drop off at Queenstown hotel
Flight with landing & cruise (based on option selected)
- Pick-up from Queenstown hotel
- Scenic flight to Milford Sound over Lake Wakatipu, Earnslaw Burn Glacier, Fiordland National Park & more
- Milford Sound cruise
- Return flight to Queenstown over Lake Quill & Sutherland Falls
- Drop off at Queenstown hotel
Coach drive, cruise & flight (based on option selected)
- Pick-up from Queenstown hotel
- Scenic coach drive to Milford Sound
- Short walks along Mirror Lakes, Monkey Creek, Knobs Flat, the Homer Tunnel & more
- Milford Sound cruise
- Return flight to Queenstown over Lake Quill & Sutherland Falls
- Drop off at Queenstown hotel
- Tip: Look out for playful dolphins and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin.
- Your scenic flyover from Queenstown over Milford Sound and back to Queenstown is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Bring along any essential medication, sunglasses, camera, warm clothing layers, comfortable footwear, and water bottle.
- Passengers weighing 140kg (308lb) or more should inform in advance. 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.
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- Skip all the planning stress! Explore Milford Sound and the underwater observatory with a guide, enjoy a picnic lunch, and get transfers from Queenstown.
- Learn engaging tales of this fiord, once frequented by Māori hunters in search of prized pounamu, from your nature guide on this 2-hour journey.
- It's a sensory trip! Treat your belly to fresh sandwiches, fruits, and more, gaze at 1,692m-high Mitre Peak, and let waterfall roars fill your ears.
- Don't miss native wildlife sightings, such as seals on rocks, dolphins in the water, and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin, a unique species.
- Walk down to the underwater observatory to see colorful sea life up close and discover species of black coral typically found at depths of 500m.
Inclusions
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Nature guide
- Round-trip transfers from Queenstown
- 1-hour access to underwater observatory
- Picnic lunch (check menu here)
- Tea & coffee
- Tip: Remember to pack waterproof outerwear. Rain is common in Milford Sound and, it enhances the beauty of the area by creating temporary waterfalls.
- While there is wildlife in Milford Sound, sightings can't be guaranteed as these are wild animals in their natural habitat.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Ramp is available on the vessel for easy access.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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- Experience a unique perspective of Milford Sound with the Milford Sound Scenic Flyover, offering breathtaking aerial views.
- Delight in the opportunity to enjoy a window seat during the flight, thanks to the seat layout that ensures everyone can enjoy the remarkable scenery.
- Enjoy hotel pick-up and drop-off from your Queenstown accommodation and take a flight over the majestic Southern Alps towards Milford Sound.
- Marvel at the panoramic vistas of Lake Wakatipu and glacier-fed braided rivers as you soar into the stunning Mt. Aspiring National Park.
- Traverse the awe-inspiring landscapes of Fiordland National Park, witnessing the rugged beauty of the West Coast and the vastness of the Tasman Sea.
- Experience all this magic with a small cozy tour group of just seven passengers.
Inclusions
- Professional English-speaking pilot
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off Queenstown
- Child/booster seats and baby earmuffs are available on request
- 11 seater van for transfers
- Guaranteed window seat
- From check-in 30 minutes before departure, to landing back at Queenstown Airport, is approximately 2 hours. Please note, this does not include time for self-driving or using our complimentary transfers.
- Bring along any essential medication, sunglasses, camera, warm clothing layers, comfortable footwear, and water bottle.
- Even though the aircraft is heated, it is recommended to bring light warm clothing layers.
- Your scenic flyover from Queenstown over Milford Sound and back to Queenstown is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
- All seats on the aircraft are window seats. Passenger seat allocation however is at the Pilots’ discretion due to the weight and balance of the plane.
- Your experience may be subject to change due to weather conditions.
- The cruising altitude is weather-dependent and ranges between 5,000-10,000 feet.
- New Junior earmuffs for our young passengers. They have an impressive noise reduction rating of 22db and are approved to Global Safety Standards.
- For operational and safety reasons, we request passenger weights during booking to ensure compliance with aircraft weight limits and balance requirements. Please notify if any passenger is 140kg (308lb) or over. Helicopter activities have a weight limit of 116kg (255lb) and require prior notification. Exceeding your declared weight by 15kg (33lb) at check-in may result in rescheduling, subject to 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.
More details
- Witness the expansive views of the glacier-fed Dart-Rees rivers, the rugged West Coast, the Tasman Sea, and the Fiordland Park as you soar above.
- Get a guaranteed window seat during the flight. Enjoy hotel pick-up and drop-off from your Queenstown accommodation.
- Touch down at Milford Sound Airport, nestled at the foot of the towering Mitre Peak, standing at 1,692 meters above sea level.
- Go hiking around the shores of Milford Sound and visit the best vantage points.
- Climb the stairs to the Lookout Track and gaze at the panorama of Milford Sound framed by lush greenery.
- Fly back to Queenstown on a different route, featuring New Zealand's tallest waterfall, Sutherland Falls, and the serene Lake Quill.
Inclusions
- Flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Live commentary by pilot
- Hiking trails around Milford Sound
- Pick-up from Queenstown hotel
- Scenic flight to Milford Sound over Lake Wakatipu, Earnslaw Burn Glacier, Fiordland National Park & more
- Nature walks on Lookout Track & Foreshore Loop Track for the best views of Mitre Peak
- Return flight to Queenstown over Lake Quill & Sutherland Falls
- Drop off at Queenstown hotel
- The total duration from check-in, 30 minutes prior to takeoff, to landing back at Queenstown Airport is about 2 hours. Please note, this does not include time for self-driving or using complimentary transfers.
- Your scenic flyover from Queenstown over Milford Sound and back to Queenstown is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Bring along any essential medication, sunglasses, camera, warm clothing layers, comfortable footwear, and water bottle.
- Passengers weighing 140kg (308lb) or more should inform in advance. 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.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
More details
Cruises in Milford SoundQueenstown to Milford Sound
Your Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour Options
From Queenstown: Scenic Flyover & Milford Sound Cruise
- Take a scenic flight from and to Queenstown with a guaranteed window seat and live commentary from your pilot. See rare Milford gems like jade deposits, Earnslaw Burn Glacier, and more.
- Choose to return by coach and visit Mirror Lakes and Homer Tunnel, or opt for a return flight on a new route to see Sutherland Falls and Lake Quill.
- You can also choose to include a Milford Sound Cruise on your adventure.
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours (based on option selected)
Timings: 9 AM, 1:45 PM
From Queenstown: Milford Cruise, Lunch & Return Transfers
- Get hassle-free round-trip guided AC coach tours with hotel pick-ups and drop-offs. Enjoy nature walks and mountain views along the way.
- Opt for a guided Milford Sound Cruise with lunch and complimentary beverages on board. Vegetarian options are also available.
- Upgrade to a scenic flight back. Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, Remarkables mountain range — experience it all from a bird's eye view.
Duration: 12 hours (based on option selected)
Timings: 6:10 AM, 7:40 AM, 8:40 AM
Why Take a Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour?
- Guided round-trip transfers: Get unparalleled convenience with guided AC coach tours, offering hassle-free hotel pick-ups and drop-offs. Capture the views from Queenstown to Milford Sound comfortably without worrying about keeping your eyes on the road.
- Milford Sound from the sky: Take in Milford Sound from the sky. Enjoy a scenic flight with a guaranteed window seat, revealing rare gems like jade deposits and glaciers.
- Live commentary: Learn local lore and insider details from your pilot or your cruise captain as you soar past some of Milford's best views. You'll leave knowing Milford like the back of your hand.
- Milford Sound cruise with lunch: On your scenic cruise, enjoy a meal amidst sights like Fairy Falls and Mitre Peak. Encounter endangered species like Fiordland-crested penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins in these inky waters.
- Tailored adventures: Experience Milford Sound, your way. Opt for coach exploration with stops at Mirror Lakes and Homer Tunnel or indulge in a different route with Sutherland Falls and Lake Quill on a return flight.
Sights to See on a Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour
The journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound is arguably one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Milford Road winds its way through Queenstown attractions and then mountains, valleys, even rainforests, offering stunning views around every corner. But the journey isn't just about the destination; there are plenty of amazing sights to see along the way. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Southern Alps
Nature at its very best, you will see the stunning Southern Alps shortly after departing from Queenstown. Enjoy the sweeping views of waterfalls, lakes, and snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Milford Sound
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a glacial fjord nestled within the heart of Fiordland National Park. Dubbed the world's 8th natural wonder, it's renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rainforests, and waterfalls. Fun fact: It's also one of the wettest places on earth!
Mirror Lakes
Remember those paintings with still water bodies and perfect reflection of the scenery around? Formed by an oxbow in the Eglinton River, Mirror Lakes are aptly named for their ability to perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains.
Homer Tunnel
An engineering feat, this 1.2 km long tunnel carves through the rugged Darran Mountains, connecting the Hollyford Valley with the Cleddau Valley, and is a portal to the scenic Milford Sound.
Lake Wakatipu
This glacial lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, penguins, and swans.
Kawarau Gorge
A dramatic gorge, home to the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, the first bridge ever built in New Zealand.
The Remarkables
These snow-capped mountains are a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour
How much does a Queenstown to Milford Sound tour cost?
A Queenstown to Milford Sound tours start from NZ$235 depending on your choice of transport, additional experiences, and tour inclusions.
Which is the best Queenstown to Milford Sound tourr?
A Queenstown to Milford Sound Scenic Flyover with Milford Sound Cruise is the best if you wish to explore the fiord from a unique angle. The Queenstown to Milford Sound tour with Milford Cruise and lunch tour is the budget-friendly option. Both tours include comfortable, luxury round-trip transfers with hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.
Why should I opt for a Queenstown to Milford Sound tour and what does it include?
Our Queenstown to Milford Sound tours not only come with local expert guides but also offer unparalleled convenience with round-trip AC coach transfers, hassle-free hotel pick-ups, and drop-offs. You can relax and enjoy the scenic drive without worrying about navigation. And once you're at Milford Sound, you can opt to go for a cruise or a scenic flight. It's the best end-to-end curated Milford Sound experience.
How long does a Queenstown to Milford Sound tour last?
A Queenstown to Milford Sound tour lasts between 4.5 to 12 hours depending on the selected activities, chosen itinerary, and mode of transportation.
What parts of the Milford Sound can I access with a Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour?
On your way to Milford Sound you’ll see the Southern Alps, nature trails at Monkey Creek and other iconic destinations including, Knobs Flat, Mirror Lakes, and Homer Tunnel. With a cruise inclusion, you’ll have the chance to see almost all of Milford wonders, from its waterfalls, to Mitre Peak, Fiordland National Park, Coves, and rare animals up close for over 2 hours.
What is the cancellation policy for a Queenstown to Milford Sound tour?
You can cancel your tickets 24 hours before the departure time to get a full refund on your booking.
Is the Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour suitable for children?
Yes, Queenstown to Milford Sound Tours are suitable for kids. Please note that baby earmuffs and child/booster seats are available to ensure the little one’s comfort and safety.