About this experience
The easiest way to experience Milford Sound from Queenstown. Travel to Milford Sound in a premium glass-roof coach with scenic stops, then join the Milford Sound Nature Cruise to explore the fiord.
Highlights
- Sit back, relax, and view iconic sights with commentary from your expert driver
- Enjoy panoramic views with the glass-roofed coaches
- Modern, purpose-built boats designed for comfort and stunning views
- Cruise beneath the waterfalls of Milford Sound and look for native wildlife
- Be shown some of the best short walks and photo stops along the way
What's included
- Transportation by glass-roofed coach
- USB charging ports onboard
- Live commentary
- 2-hour Milford Sound Cruise
- Lunch (if option selected)
- Tea and coffee
- Multilingual commentary by app
- 30 sections of commentary from Queenstown through to Milford Sound
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
Let us handle the driving while you focus on Fiordland’s breathtaking scenery. Recline in our spacious, low-emission coaches with panoramic glass roofs, USB charging ports, and live commentary from guides who know every glacier-carved valley and hidden waterfall.
Download the free Southern Discoveries app to hear your tour commentary in a range of languages.
After a refreshment break in Te Anau, your journey continues along the Milford Sound road – voted one of the world’s most scenic drives. Stop at Mirror Lakes (where mountains reflect perfectly in still waters), Eglinton Valley (an ancient glacier path), and Monkey Creek (a chance to spot keas here).
Arriving at Milford Sound, connect seamlessly with your two-hour nature cruise aboard our purpose-built catamaran, designed to deliver the best possible views of the fiord. Find your perfect viewing spot - either from the spacious top deck or through panoramic windows in the comfortable cabins.
Cruise along the fiord, past the towering Mitre Peak and feel the spray of the 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls cascading from ancient rainforest. Get close to Bowen Falls, keeping watch for New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and rare Fiordland crested penguins. The journey extends to the Tasman Sea, offering dramatic views of the fiord from every angle. Learn about the landscape's formation and wildlife with expert commentary available in multiple languages via our free app.
Complimentary tea and coffee are available throughout the cruise, or choose to add a freshly prepared picnic lunch or To Kai buffet (on selected departures) available to order when booking.
The return journey to Queenstown offers different perspectives of the spectacular scenery as the afternoon light sheds new light on the landscape.
Milford Sound is approximately a 5-hour drive from Queenstown or a 2-hour drive from Te Anau (including stops). Trips depart daily. A scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound take around 45 minutes.
*Glass-roof coaches may be substituted if required for operational reasons.
Things to note
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Warm clothing
- Sunglasses
- Camera
Terms & conditions
Appropriate child restraints are not provided by the activity provider. Please bring your own as without this you may be turned away and unable to travel
Always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during your visit. The landscape is especially dramatic during wet weather as rainfall creates dozens of temporary waterfalls
All vessels are fully licensed with a range of beverages plus a selection of snack foods. Note that smoking is not permitted on any of the vessels
Reservations may be amended to another date or time, subject to space and availability
It is an approximate 5-hour drive each way from Queenstown. Scenic flights are available on request for the return journey, weather permitting
In the interest of your safety, the activity provider may cancel the activity at any time due to unsafe weather conditions or maintenance
• A free multi-language commentary app available the App Store or Google Play by searching Southern Discoveries
• Infant price does not include food in any option